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

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

Memories Flamenco Resort – All Inclusive is Beyond Excellent

In November of 2014 after the anticipation and impatiently waiting for my southern destination vacation to Cayo Coco, Cuba from November 27 to December 4, 2014 to Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, I automatically fell in love with it when I saw the pictures and did extensive research about Memories Resorts. From the moment I landed and arrived at Jardines Del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco with Sunwing Airlines, I knew it was going to be an excellent week. I just felt it from Toronto Pearson’s YYZ Airport.

As we had checked into Cuba after the customs/Aduana, We ventured off to the Transgaviota Bus to take us to Memories Flamenco Resort, but before we boarded the bus, our rooms and wristbands for the week was all ready for us and very well organized and prepared. From then on, I fell in love with the resort and the excellent service so far. As we arrived to Memories, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail drink in the front lobby area before getting our baggage and the memories Managers and team leaders greeted us happily with friendly smiles which warmed my heart. They are beautiful people whom I had the pleasure of meeting and spending this beautiful week with, which went by so quickly.

All vacations go by so quickly. The resort was so beautiful, everything, the layout, the convenience and everything was greatly thought of. Everything is close by with the bars, restaurants, lobby, the pool, the beach, and easy access to everywhere which was incredible. The food was delicious, clean and the bartenders, waiters and the cooks worked so hard, quickly and efficiently. The place is so spotless and everything is awesome. I also love how the managers, the resort administration staff, the customer service managers were walking all around the resort to ensure that everybody is having a fabulous time and everything is well taken care of.

I couldn’t believe how fast the bartenders, and waiters were. They were faster than the speed of lightning. I do not know how they have so much energy to do that for so many hours. They work so hard and come to work everyday from Ciego De Avila or Moron cities which they travel an hour and a half each way just to make ends meet. They only make so much in a month, and they are always happy and smiling and with a great attitude. They are so friendly and give great customer service. I appreciate them so much and I thank them. God bless them all and continue to give them energy. It is not easy to take care of so many guests, their requests and everything. It is not easy to tend to so many people at once. I have a tremendous respect for each and everyone of them. I was so observant the whole vacation and I tell you, It was awesome.

Our rooms were spotless, everyday I would get freshly washed towels, mopped floors, the bathroom and beds were super clean with new sheets, as well as my fridge stocked daily with water, cola’s, beer/Cristal cervesa’s, and everyday I’d walk into beautiful decorated towels with flowers on them. I was amazed. Best resort I have been to in all the times I have been to Cuba. This was my 12th trip to Cuba. this was by far the best. The resort was super clean with cleaners and housekeepers working around the clock to upkeep the resort. The public washrooms were spotless, the staff presence 24 hours a day was comforting as well.

There are some points though that need to be improved, but its just the beach area needs a little work, which I am told that it is still under construction because its a new resort of over 4 years old and they will be completing it within the year and then just the lighting around the walk ways and the pool area so people will not slip and fall, but no other issues… They will be working on all of that which I heard.

I made new friends from parts of Ontario and Quebec also from the UK, and partied at the disco, got to enjoy the snack bar and all the restaurants, the a la carte restaurants which I booked from the first day and got to enjoy the whole resort. A week sometimes is not enough. 2 weeks is the best way to really enjoy it all thoroughly without rushing to do everything all in one week. Time permitting and it depends on a person’s personal budget and finances and convenience of course. it all depends on your preference.

The entertainment, disco, the nightly shows and audience participation was excellent, there is a Cuban night where people learn about Cuba and then the entertainers give us traditional Cuban dances and give us a crash course on Cuban culture and history.

Everything else is excellent and excellent does not even describe this beautiful resort. Unfortunately when it came time to the last day to leave the warm tropical weather, 3 bus loads of people who were on our flight back to Toronto, The resort manager and other managers greeted us farewell by putting on their memories resorts theme song and gave us a speech before we took off to the airport which left an unforgettable and long lasting impression on my family and I. I cannot wait until I return back to Cuba and to Memories. I am impatiently waiting until my next voyage. I give this resort a 6 star. Not a 4 and a half to 5 stars. Thank you Memories Flamenco resort staff. You all put the most beautiful touch to an awesome and lovely week in warm weather and so much more.

Thank you for giving us memories to cherish for the rest of our lives.

Do you go on all inclusive resorts? Do you travel to sunny destinations for a getaway to relax and enjoy the hot weather? What resort have you been to? Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Would love to hear your stories.

I want to Learn More Languages

Since I have been traveling in my life many times, especially in Spanish-speaking countries and tropical places, for many years now, I want to learn and perfect Spanish. As I go to all-inclusive resorts and I speak basic Spanish with the workers there and the locals when I leave the resort to go shopping and meet people on the streets, I want to take courses and learn Spanish from the internet as well, so as I can communicate with them with no language barriers. I only go as far as How Are you, Hello, hope all is well and all that, as well as saying thank you, However I am learning more and more as I go to these Spanish-speaking countries which is something that makes me feel awesome.

I think the more languages you know the better it is. I know 3 languages now which is Armenian, English and a lot of French. I want to learn different dialects of Spanish as well, and Arabic, German and a few others, however I want to begin with Spanish. I love to learn new things all the time and discover the world and have a universal language.

Knowing different languages and about the world, geography, and everything is so important to me. I love being aware of the world, and what goes on, and where countries are, what they speak and everything. It is so intriguing, and interesting to know. I just do not get involved in my own country and everything, I like to broaden my horizons and know the world, study maps, and places, which is why when I go somewhere I learn it right away and I am so observant about the streets and everything. All it takes is one time for me, and everything else falls into place.

It is also good to know more languages because then when you are somewhere and you hear people talking, you can understand what they say. Hopefully it will not be bad and something terrible said about me or anything. I remember one time I was in a store and I was going through the aisles, then I started talking in my language, Armenian not knowing the people in the same aisle were also Armenian, so I spoke with my mom and asked her in my language if you want to get this and what were going to use it for, then automatically both of those people said, OH Your Armenian? We said yes, then we began speaking to each other, then we became instant friends. Thank goodness we did not say anything bad or whatever, that would have been so awkward and it would not have been a good thing, so were always careful.

That is why it is always a good idea to always speak good things or whatever else that is not about the people around you in your own languages, because you never know, they may know the same language, and be of the same race, and then if something bad is said, it will not be a good thing. I truly believe that learning languages is an incredible thing. Many people find employment as translators and then they find many new opportunities and make a lot of money, they travel and do so much. I really should have gotten into that a long time ago, but it’s not too late. 🙂

How many languages do you know?

The Road to Beautiful Armenia

Hello, My name is Talin Orfali and I am here to introduce to you my motherland, my culture, my heritage, The Beautiful Armenia and its rich history. Armenia is located in the South Caucasus, which is bordered by Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The Official language of Armenia, is Armenian, However you can hear some Russian being spoken, road signs, store signs in Russian, and of course you can hear English as well.

the year 301, Armenia is the first country in the world that has adopted Christianity. The Armenian Church goes back many centuries ago and was founded by 2 Apostles, Thaddeus and Bartholomew. St Gregory the Illuminator was our first Catholicos (Our Pope), of the Armenian Church. He was held in a Hole for 13 years at church named Khor Virap(Khor Virab), which is located close to Mount Ararat, then he had finally be rescued and escaped the Dungeon. Our First ever Church built is the Holy See of Etchmiadzin in the city of Etchmiadzin. It is the oldest Church in the World.

Armenia is mountainous, with rivers, forests, ravines, and it is located mostly at 1800 meters above sea level. The highest point is Aragats Mountain at (4092m), and the lowest is Debed Valley at (400m). We also have our square, Yerevan square, which is Hrabarag. Yerevan is our capital.

The road to beautiful Armenia is incredible, the beauty of our hills and valleys, The Statues, Monuments, Churches, from our great and rich history include, the David of Sassoun, Vartan Mamigonian, Akhtamar, Garni, Geghard, Noravank, St Mary’s, Haghardzin Monastery, Mesrob Mashtots who is the Inventor and creator of The Armenian Alphabet which we have 38 letters, The Madenataran which is our Library with Saint Mesrob Mashtot’s Statue with our Alphabet in the front, There is St. Hripsime, St Gregory the Illuminator Church, You may or may not have heard about our writer William Saroyan. We have many authors, and important figures in our history, past and present.

Some of our Armenian’s include, Atom Egoyan, Andre Agassi, Andrea Martin, Charles Aznavour, Ross Baghdasaryan, Cher, Arshile Gorky, Steve Jobs, Kirk Kirkorian, Aram Khatchaturian, Alex Manougian, David Nalbandian, Raffi, Seymour Skinner who is from the Simpsons, Zildjian Family, System of a Down, Eric Bogosian, Capital Cities group (one of them is Armenian) , the inventor of the MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Machine is also Armenian named Dr. Raymond Damadian.

Armenia is just so rich in history, culture, and so much more. Armenia’s flag consists of 3 colours, Red, Blue, Orange. Our currency of money is Dram’s. Check your local Currency for the difference. There is just so much history, so much to know about Armenia, the history, and everything else. If you are more curious, You can definitely search online for more information on our culture, beliefs, religion and so much more.

I had the pleasure of visiting my motherland the Beautiful Armenia in 1999 for the first time. I kissed the ground of Armenia when I first got off the plane. It was a feeling that was beautiful and I was crying with happy tears. It was an amazing journey that really touched my heart. I had gone to Armenian Saturday school and everything I learned came to life, and knowing that and feeling the presence of our history makers, ancestors really made me feel so incredible, knowing that where I may have walked, that several hundred and thousands of years ago, there may have been those people walking the same very steps, as I have took. It was a feeling I will never forget. To this very day, I never forgot the moments when I was there. I will never forget when I took a swim in our lake Sevan, where we put delicious and juicy watermelon in the water so it stays cool where we can eat it by the water.  I had gone to Armenia with my fellow classmates, and couple of my cousins, teachers and volunteers after graduating Armenian School in grade 8. It was a trip I never forgot and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

After returning from Armenia, I began to volunteer and utilize my time in the Armenian community as much as possible. I was in the Armenian community centers here in Toronto and the country more than I was at home. I have just recently began to come back into it all and it feels amazing. It feels great to give back to my community as much as possible.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Armenia and make that part of your travel plans to see the world, it is a must. You can obtain a tourist visa at the Airport, and you do not need any vaccinations or anything. Follow up with your travel agent, tour operator to obtain more information and your preferences. Also if you have any other questions of Armenia, do not hesitate to contact me. I really hope you enjoyed the Road to beautiful Armenia.

I am so proud to be an Armenian.

Great Airline Information Websites to Bookmark

Hello all, as you may or may not know, I am an avid traveler and a person who enjoys traveling especially on airlines. In the past little while I have been doing extensive research on the best websites to cater to my needs in finding out information on airlines, aircraft photos, different designs of the planes, and so much more. I then ventured out on the internet to find great websites to further educate myself on the travel industry, airlines, different aircraft and more, and of course my own knowledge, and education as I have experienced in flying with numerous airlines. Some I had the pleasure of flying with before they went out of service years ago such as Royal Airlines, Canada 3000, Skyservice, Armenian Airlines and so on and so forth. Well, without further delay, here are websites that I recommend when planning an air getaway:

Airliners — A website that has different types of Aircraft, photos, information and history.
http://www.airliners.net

FlightStats — Information on Airports, Airlines, Flight information – a one hub stop for all your needs.
http://www.flightstats.com/

Flightaware — Tracking live flights, aircraft descriptions, commercial aircraft and more.
http://www.flightaware.com

FlightRadar — Another Flight Tracker website which caters to how many aircraft is in the air as we speak.
http://www.flightradar24.com/

Planespotters — A website that lists airline fleet index, photos, latest deliveries, information and interacting with other airline and travel enthusiasts.
http://planespotters.net

SeatGuru — A website for airline information as well as locating your seat and find the best seats suitable for you onboard an aircraft and all kinds of aircraft types.
http://www.seatguru.com

Skytrax — Airline ratings, star ratings, quality, service and more.
http://www.airlinequality.com/

If you have airline, aircraft websites you would like to contribute and that you think are interesting, please list them in the comments below and I will add them to my list. Thank you. Enjoy the websites and all the best in your research before you travel..

🙂
Bon Voyage! Safe Travels!

 

 

 

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.

Thanks For All the Fun & Laughs Jay Leno – I Will Miss You

Jay Leno what can I say? last night during the final taping and all this week, I am sure the emotions were running high at the Final Show of The Tonight Show. 22 years have come and gone with celebrities, politicians, awesome surprises, what a beautiful last show. As I hold back my tears, I can truly say that Jay Leno you made my mother and I laugh so hard with your awesome monologues, the headlines, Jaywalking, 99cent dollar store items, Jays funny  pumpcasting, coulda woulda shoulda, the most wonderful time of the year, and everything else in between. You began your show with Billy Crystal, and ending with Billy Crystal on your show along with the touching music of Garth Brooks. With all the tributes from the stars that came on the show tonight like Carol Burnett, Kim Kardashian, Oprah, Matt Damon, Bill Maher, etc… along with your final touching, heartfelt, beautiful speech really did it for me. I cried up a storm, I had a box of tissues handy. I definitely needed it. Jay the thing I liked the most, was that you really love your fans, and you made sure that your show was entertaining as possible and made everybody laugh, and have fun which did for me.

I stood up mainly because of your show, your headlines and everything else with Kevin Eubanks, Rickey Minor and the bands. As Mondays approached, I could not wait to watch your funny headlines among other things. Jay Leno I will miss you immensely and very much. Enjoy your time off and always know that I will always remember your show and I will always support, admire, love and respect you even when your off the air. Thanks for everything. I wish that somehow I could have been on your show and you would interview me. It was my dream to get on your show, it was a dream of mine to get to go see a live taping of your show as well, but that did not pan out and work out the way I wanted to.

Having talk shows, and the whole operations of it is extremely difficult, with getting stars on the show, the scheduling, the daily monologues, the designers, administrative work, getting the rights, set designers, getting celebrities on the show, politicians, as well as the studio use. It take a lot of time, energy, money and everything to make a show successful and 22 years is a long time for a show and Jay Leno was one of my favorites. I cannot believe it is the end of an era, Thanks for all the fun and laughs Jay Leno. I will miss you.

Now that Jay has passed the torch onto Jimmy Fallon, I would like to give a warm welcome to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon another person I truly adore, love and respect. Jimmy Fallon makes me laugh so hard as much as Jay Leno did. Best wishes to Jimmy and I look forward to his Tonight show. God bless you Jimmy Fallon on your journey and Jay, I would love to see your cars one day and meet you of course if I get lucky and come to Los Angeles for a visit. If I get an invite that is. lol. Thanks Jay and welcome Jimmy!

Introducing You Armoir Fashion – Handmade & Embossed

I would like to introduce to you a whole new twist to fashion in modern day, and that is Armoir Fashion. Firstly, I’d like to introduce you the very talented and founder of Armoir and his name is Sevag Haroutunian. He is Armenian and is raised in Toronto, Canada who is a young and captivating stylist with incredible talent of the art of Fashion. His flavour of fashion is completely fabulous with so many colourful and fresh ideas and adds spice to the studio with his creative thoughts and wisdom which bring his creations to life and inspire many people with his incredible talent. in history his own people were leather masters thousands of years ago, forging the world’s first shoe 3000 years ago out of leather.

Each piece is carefully hand crafted out of cowhide leather and the masters of art are selected with fine designs of historical and ancient manuscripts bringing it to life in modern day fashion. It is made for your comfort each unique piece is hand sanded and softened to avoid irritation and rashes to your skin. It is handmade in the Armenian Highlands of ancient origin and civilization. Each hand crafted material is embossed in unique and different ways and different styles to fit your needs and to what you are interested in.

The return of leather is trending and its designs are compelling, beautiful, and bringing history back to life with these beautiful creations.

*(credit to Armoir)The history of leather work in Armenia is known exclusively through bindings of manuscripts. The practice of protecting a manuscript with boards covered with leather goes back to the very invention of the codex in the first Christian centuries. Before that books were in the form of scrolls or continuous rolls of papyrus. The earliest preserved Armenian leather bindings are from the eleventh century; the earliest binder’s colophons are from the tenth-eleventh centuries. In this period bookbinding had become a specialized and highly developed art in medieval Armenia. Elaborately decorated bindings followed the artistic fashion of the time, for instance borrowing designs used for the ornamentation of memorial cross stones or khach’k’ars. A large variety of geometric forms was used, and later, floral as well as the traditional braided bands were employed. Also typically, Armenian was the affixing of metal studs, often silver, to outline a design. As in all other areas of Armenian art, leather bindings differ from region to region and century to century, but they share the characteristics mentioned above and thereby belong to a single recognizable family.*

*its Peerless collections vary in sizes and shades, Highlighting the human touch in each art piece*

These unique collections can be found in stores in Ontario, Canada in Ma zone, Dana Jordan and Art Gallery of Ontario.

To see visuals, to obtain more information and its beauty please click on this link http://www.armoir.ca

So take and wear a part of history with you today to share with family and friends. Enjoy the masterpiece and when you wear it, I guarantee you will enjoy it and it will catch a lot of eyes and intrigue those who see this beautiful fine art of fashion of Armoir.

 

Canadian Youth Mission To Armenia – CYMA 2013

I am delighted and glad to announce the return of the 2013 CYMA Mission to Armenia once again. Since 1993 during the summer months, the Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia participants have traveled on a memorable journey to Armenia to assist in rebuilding villages, facilities, churches, and provide aid to Armenia. Annually this mission is very important to provide humanitarian work, binding youth to their homeland Armenia, and dedicated to assisting the children of Armenia. CYMA is part of the project by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada. This years mission to Armenia will be to renovate a school in the Geghadir village. In addition to renovating the school a children’s workshop, distribution of humanitarian aid, and local community visitations will also take place in the village.

The main purpose of the Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia is to experience a fulfilling journey, to learn, and participants will experience something totally different to live with local families to develop and strengthen the emotional and spiritual bond between Armenian youth, as well as Canada and Armenia. This years Journey to Armenia will be from July 8, 2013 until August 8th, 2013. For 4 weeks, Youth will not only be rebuilding the school in Geghadir Village, they will always go on excursions to visit Historical Landmarks of Armenia, visiting churches, museums, and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia. which is the Country’s Capital, also visiting St Etchmiadzin which is the First church ever built, among going to Lake Sevan and having a swim, recreational time, experiencing tasting Armenian food, the night life, day life, and among spending time with each other who will be participating, creating everlasting friendships, and returning back home with a new perspective on life, to be nurtured, educated, getting out in the world to see new things, to develop a whole new outlook on life, to spread the word on what they learned, what they experienced, and what it meant for each person to be there, and so much more.

CYMA has always been and will always be dedicated to its mission, and for many years to come.

CYMA is open to anyone over the age of 17, as of July 1st, 2013 and anybody can participate in this beautiful journey to the homeland motherland Armenia.

THE COST

The cost of the trip including airfare, food, transportation, excursion and accommodation

will be $2,800  $300 non refundable deposit by April 15 ($500 by May 1).

Second Payment: By June 1,  $1,700.

Final Payment: By June 19, $ 975

History

Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia LEGACY

1993 Built a school in Ararat
1994 Renovated a seminary and an adjacent church in Harich
1995 Renovated “Nor Tbrots” school in Ararat
1996 Renovated “Megheti” children’s day campus in Dilijan
1997 Day Camp for 200 orphans in Dzaghgatsor
1998 Renovated Khor Virab & conducted day camps in Ararat
1999 Renovated Dzaghgatsor orphanage
2000 Renovated school in Aradashen
2001 Youth Pilgrimage commemorating 1700th Anniversary of Christianity
2002 Continued renovations of school in Aradashen
2003 Renovation of a kindergarten in Taleen
2004 Many Hands, One Heart! Saghmosavank
2005 Building our Future! Renovation of Christian Education Center in Armavir
2006 Renovation of a kindergarten in the village of Aradashen.
2007 Extend Your Hand Expend Your Family: Renovation of St. Nshan Church in Armavir
2008 Oshagan Village
2009 Oshagan Village
2010 Geghadir Village Renovation of the Village  school.

2012 Geghadir Village continuing the Renovation of the School.

http://armenianchurch.ca/mission/cyma/

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.466287276717332&type=1

http://www.facebook.com/armeniamission

You can gain more information from Deacon Ivan Gyadayan or Bedros Kokorian from Toronto and Montreal Parishes. Flight will be from Montreal, Quebec.

For more information please call:

Deacon Ivan, Montreal  514-549-0416.

Email: deaconivangyadayan@gmail.com

615, Stuart Outremont, Qc, Canada H2V 3H2

Bedros Kokorian, Toronto 416-804-4763

Email: kokorian@rogers.com

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church

920 Progress Ave, Scarborough, Ont. Canada M1G 3T5

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Thank you, and we hope you will join CYMA 2013 for a rewarding and beautiful experience to take on with you for life.

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.

Rebuilding The Titanic II – Good Idea or Not?

In recent news we may have or not have heard about an Australian billionaire Clive Palmer unveiled that he will be rebuilding the ocean liner ship Titanic that struck an iceberg in the evening hours of April 14 and sunk the early hours of April 15, 1912 over 100 years ago. Clive Palmer is going to rename the ship to Titanic II. He plans to have it completed by 2016 where there will be voyages from England to New York on the ocean liner. Now, we all know by now about the fate of the Titanic and how high and mighty they spoke about the ship and said “even God cannot sink this ship”. Now, the ultimate question is, do you think it is a great idea to rebuild a doomed ship of the past? Or do you think it is not a great idea to rebuild a ship where people would feel eery in going on the vessel?

In my opinion, rebuilding the Titanic II is not such a great idea. I feel that April 14-15, 1912 happened over 100 years ago and The Titanic has been the most popular ship in history and the memory of the souls lost on the ship would be disturbed and I just feel that its enough. God rest the souls of the Titanic who never survived and all those who have died up until recently from the Titanic and who ever sailed her. I think it is time to let this ship rest and keep its memory that way. I don’t feel very comfortable knowing that a replica of the Titanic will soon be sailing on our oceans. I know there are historians and those who are passionate about the Titanic. I was once a huge titanic buff, but not so much anymore in the last several years. I think it is enough and we should honour those souls and what happened that fateful evening with other ways such as prayer, thoughts, and remembering the lives lost even when we didn’t know them. I know Clive Palmer said that it will be a tribute to the men and women of the Titanic, but then again I don’t think it is a wise choice to do that. It is part of our history now and part of the world and resting at the bottom of the ocean floor of the Atlantic. I think by now ocean liners and cruise lines have come a long way with technology and the way ships are built these days.

What are your ideas, opinions and thoughts on this? I’d like to hear from you.

The Armenian Genocide of April 24, 1915 – 98 Years Later

The Armenian Genocide has been a constant struggle in the Armenian Community around the world for the past 98 years. As the 98th Anniversary approaches in April, I feel the need to talk to you about it today. The Armenian Genocide happened on April 24, 1915 until about 1923. Crimes committed against humanity of Armenians by Ottoman Turkey. 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, murdered, and taken out of their homes, deported, made people walk through the desert and when they get tired or fall, the Turkish Ottoman empire sees them and kicks them down, women were raped, slaughtered, decapitated, stabbed, shot and so much more. The Turkish Ottoman Empire tried to wipe all the Armenians off the globe, but could not succeed. 98 Years later the scar is still there and will never go away in the Armenian Community. They tried to wipe a Christian Nation, but they could not. This issue has been a constant struggle in the world in terms of recognition and acknowledgement that these criminal acts did happen and Turkey has yet to admit their crimes against humanity.

Many Turkish journalists, and ordinary people in Turkey are urging the government to finally recognize the Armenian Genocide and now there is a movie called Genex coming out on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. The movie will include Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman, Paul Giamati, Al Pacino, and so many more. Brought to you in part by Sevada the directors of the film.

Annually we take buses to go to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in Canada’s Capital to Thank Canada for continuously supporting and recognizing the Armenian Genocide and being by our side during this pain we have all felt. Even though we were not alive on those times, we all feel it and we are all affected by it as they are our ancestors and family members from that time. Every year we have dignitaries, politicians come and speak in front of the Parliament and every year we do our commemorations differently, Then we march to the Turkish Embassy to talk to the Turkish Ambassador to stop denying the Armenian genocide and come forth and admit their crimes. We will never stop until Justice has been served for our people. We hope that history will never repeat itself.

Last year Google had announced that the search term of the Armenian Genocide was on the top 10 search trending lists of the world and the Armenian Genocide raised awareness of so many people outside of Armenians in the world. A lot of people now know what happened to us and it is important to us to let as many people know about it as possible. Raising awareness not only About the Armenian Genocide, but all the other Genocides in history combined. The Genocide is something so horrible. It means to try to wipe a race out of the world which is not a great thing. Racism and hate does not get anybody anywhere in life. All it creates are problems and more hate. The world needs to learn to live and let live and to love one another and leave countries alone, and help each other out. God Rest all the victims souls who had to be subject of Hate crimes and Genocide. Lets all work together to stop hate crimes altogether and not repeat history ever again.

Armenian Sesame Cookies

” ARMENIAN SESAME COOKIES ”

All purpose flour 3 and 1/3 cups
Baking powder 1½ tsp

Salt ½ tsp
Unsalted butter, melted 1 cup or 2 sticks
Milk ½ cup
Sugar ½ cup
Egg 3 large
Sesame seeds 1 cup

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Combining all wet ingredients
Combine flour, baking powder, salt together and set aside.

Whisk together melted butter and milk in a large bowl, then add sugar and continue whisking until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Add one egg and whisk again thoroughly.

Gently stir in the flour mixture to make a soft dough.

On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 36 pieces of approximately equal weight. Roll each piece of dough into a 4 or 5-inch strand. Connect the ends to make a circle and set aside. Finish shaping all the cookies.

Place a couple of tablespoons of sesame seeds in a shallow dish.

Beat two eggs well to form an egg wash. Paint each cookie with egg wash and gently press its top into the dish of sesame seeds.

Arrange cookies, seeded side up, on prepared baking sheets, spacing about an inch apart. Adding a little sesame seeds to the dish at a time to keep them from getting all sticky from the egg wash.

Bake sesame cookies for about 30 minutes or until they are golden and dry. Cool cookies on baking pan on wire racks. Store them in airtight
containers to preserve their crisp texture.

Credits to the Recipe www.sugarbakingblog.com