Assyrian Monument Dedication Hosts Sabri Atman in Yerevan

Two years ago I wrote about connecting with Sabri Atman, the founder and director of the Assyrian Genocide Research Center (Seyfo Center) in the Netherlands. He is an author, academic, and activist.
Atman has widely lectured on the subject of the genocide throughout the United States and Europe stating, “Nobody who has researched the genocide who [...]

Red Beret Curtis Sliwa Shakes Rafters at Martyr’s Day Memorial

On the evening of Sat., April 21, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Detroit “Azadamard” Gomideh, in conjunction with the Metro Detroit Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee, gave this community something to stand up and shout about on the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Under the youthful leadership of ARF chairperson Raffi Ourlian, a new direction was [...]

Apigian-Kessel: Kara Marston in Armenia

Kara (Setian) Marston is an anomaly when it comes to being an American-born young Armenian woman fighting for a better Armenia. She is on her third trip to the homeland of her ancestors, Hayastan. This young lady is getting the job done and tackling it with a vengeance. It is an exciting and welcome revelation [...]

From Fantasy to Reality: the Mega Millions Lottery

Like millions of Americans, my husband and I indulged ourselves in pondering a grand lifestyle from winning the $650 million lottery. Would we put all that wealth to good use? Would our decisions be prudent? After all, others had won and gone broke.
As the crowds lined up at lottery ticket depots to hopefully cash in [...]

Eggplant ‘Geragour’ and Cheese ‘Boreg’ (Don’t Shoot the Messenger)

My recipe for eggplant geragour was inspired after I was a dinner guest at the home of Mitch and Rose Kehetian, the excellent Mushetsi cook.
It has since become a staple in our diet, with the man of the house requesting it at least once a week. It is simple to prepare, healthy, and delicious. Through [...]

Keghi Compatriotic Unions-1934

With their villages and inhabitants decimated by the Turkish government, the scant survivors of the 1915-23 Armenian Genocide moved forward to establish compatriotic unions in the United States in an effort to maintain their noble Armenian identity.
The following list was created from material recently discovered by area resident Asbed Papakhian among his father’s—Arch Priest Souren [...]

Old Irish Saying: ‘Mutton Parading as Lamb’

Armenians are authorities when it comes to purchasing quality lamb. We would not consider substituting mutton when making our khorovadz but this is not about what cuts of meat to look for in your supermarket. It’s about the art of growing old gracefully. Ouch!
“Mutton parading around as lamb” was a comment I first heard when [...]

Betty and Haike Giragosian: When ‘I Do’ Really Means Forever

“I loved the Armenian culture and wanted to be part of it,” says Betty Franck Giragosian.
“There was nothing about it that bothered me. I loved Armenian food. It is so satisfying and delicious. In answering your questions, I am getting an even better understanding of my mother-in-law. She would be pleased she is occupying so [...]

Apigian-Kessel: Baptism by Fire

When a Non-Armenian Becomes a ‘Hars’
To my readers: This column is a setup for one that will follow next week, when I’ll bring you the story of an exceptional woman who became one part of an exceptional couple that has had a strong, loving marriage for 62 years. They are Betty Franck Giragosian and Haike [...]

Apigian-Kessel: A Man Called Hrayr

The Artist Behind the Camera
His name is Hrayr (Peter) Toukhanian, and he’s the producer, director, and editor of Muse Pictures, Inc., producers of film, digital video, HD video, and DVD’s. To locals he is the man behind the camera taping any number of events taking place in the Armenian community.

Hrayr (Peter) Toukhanian

You may know Toukhanian [...]