203 North Howell St.
 St. Paul, MN 55104
 Tel: (651) 603-1940
saintsahag@aol.com

 
  March 21, 2009  

Armenian Cultural Organization Of Minnesota 203 North Howell Street St. Paul, MN 55104 Tel: (651) 639-9346	Photo Galleries
	2008
	Gaghant Party Video
	Photos
	2007
	Festival Of Nations
	ACOM Picnic
	ACOM Annual Dinner Dance - Barahantess
	Armenian Dance Ensemble - Centennial Lakes Park
	ACOM Book Presentation to Keljik Family
	2006
	ACOM Picnic
	Gaghant Party
	2005
	Gaghant Party
Click here to see the ACOM Newsletters	Armenian Dance Ensemble - Historical Photos

The following ACOM Sponsored Event will be on Friday, March 27, 2009.

It will start with a potluck at 6 pm - ACOM will provide appetizers and refreshments.
It will take place in the Fellowship Hall at St. Sahag.

Mr. Sarafian's lecture will begin at 7 pm and will be followed by a Question & Answer session.

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Sarafian to lecture in St. Paul on Talaat Pasha's " black book "

ST. PAUL , Minn . Archivist-historian Ara Sarafian will discuss "The Significance of the Der Zor Massacres and in Current Turkish Accounts of the Armenian Genocide " on Friday, March 27, sponsored by the Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota.

Recent changes in Turkey have led to more open debates about the fate of Armenians in 1915. One such "debate" has been around the question of Der Zor as the final terminus of Armenians who were ostensibly deported there by the Ottoman authorities.

While some Turkish state intellectuals, most notably Yusuf Halacoglu and his entourage, have argued that Der Zor was a bona fide resettlement zone in 1915, another Turkish historian has produced a remarkable new book of seminal importance, contradicting the official Turkish narrative.

This documentation includes a detailed presentation of Talaat Pasha's personal "black book" showing population statistics covering the Armenian deportations of 1915-17. According to Talaat Pasha's figures, close to a million Armenians were deported in 1915, but most of them went missing by cir. 1917. As for Der Zor, there were hardly any Armenians left alive in that region by 1917.

In his talk, Sarafian will discuss recent Turkish historiography regarding the Armenian Genocide, and he will make a special reference to Der Zor in eastern Syria . His lecture will use a powerpoint presentation for maps, data and analysis.

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The Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota was founded in 1980 to perpetuate Armenian culture, language, history, religion, and heritage in the Upper Midwest.  To that end, it has provided various cultural events, such as the annual holiday parties (barahantess), church services, guest speakers, classical concerts by Henry Gregorian, Beatrice Ohanessian, Seda Bagdasarova, and other performers, art shows, summer picnics, holiday craft sales, and numerous other social and cultural activities.  The most significant undertaking for ACOM has been the annual Festival of Nations, the second largest attraction in Minnesota.  ACOM has always participated in the Café, Exhibit and Program areas.  This event has helped keep Minnesota Armenians in the public's eye, and in recent years, through the efforts of some of the members, ACOM has managed to spread awareness of its value and impact on society across the U.S.

Since its beginning, all activities were held at private homes or leased space, its records and everything that made up those 25 years, scattered throughout the Twin Cities, again, in private homes.  For the past six years, all that is ACOM has been gratefully housed in the St. Sahag building.  It not only maintains the tangible, but provides a place where just about any activity can be held.  At long last, this area is home to its community in every sense of the word.

ACOM Celebrated Silver Anniversary, Unveiled New Logo

The year 2005 marked  a quarter-century of existence for the  independent Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota . Founded in February 1980, ACOM is  Minnesota's oldest and largest community organization for all who appreciate Armenian culture, history, and heritage. The winning logo was designed by Satenig El-Rawi of Minneapolis, who was awarded $50 at the Gaghant party in January. Satenig's design, featuring Armenian dancers forming the numeral 25.  Arax El-Rawi of Minneapolis , Christine Mann of North Oaks, and Mitchell Erickson of Roseville were also congratulated on their carefully crafted entries in the logo contest.

2009 ACOM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ACOM 2009 Calendar of Events - Download the calendar in MS Word File

ARMENIAN DANCE ENSEMBLE OF MINNESOTA

In 1990, under the auspices of ACOM, the Armenian Dance Ensemble of Minnesota (ADE) was formed. This group has evolved into a strong, self-sufficient and organized entity over the years.  As a non-profit, inter-generational performing group, the mission of the ADE is to preserve the traditional folk dances as they were done in various regions of historic Armenia, thereby enhancing community awareness of the Armenian heritage, culture and history.  Weekly rehearsals are held in a specially designed room at St. Sahag.  An invitation is extended to anyone who is interested in this aspect of the Armenian culture.  Armenians and "odars" are welcome to participate.  If you have questions, contact Naïry at e-mail: hyebar@qwest.net

Members of Armenian Dance Ensamble (ADE) in alphabetical order:

Christina Babadjanian
Laura Costello
Kathleen Daniels
Nairy Digris
Bradley Erickson
Cynthia Erickson
Mitchell Erickson
Lynne Gildensoph
Katia Grigoriants
Alarica Hassett
Brandon Jordan
Natela Jordan
Ed Kvarnes
Lynn Paulin
Francie Pedersen
Terry McGibbon
Theresa Mish
If you are interested in joining the group, you must be ready to commit to regular Sunday afternoon rehearsals. Two-hour rehearsals are held each Sunday from now until the Festival:  4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
After the Festival, we usually take a short break and then start all over.  Dances are taught to all newcomers and costumes are provided. If interested, please e-mail: hyebar@qwest.net

FESTIVAL OF NATIONS 2009 - April 30, May 1, 2, 3
ST. PAUL - RIVERCENTRE

ACOM has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the annual Festival of Nations and once again, it's that time. For those members of our community who are new and not familiar with this event, here it is in a nutshell. Under the auspices of the International Institute of Minnesota, a gathering of some 100 ethnic groups come together under one roof to present their respective cultures. The Armenians have always done our people proud.

We participate in three of the four venues.

PROGRAM, under the able direction and management of Naïry Digris, consists of our own Armenian Dance Ensemble who perform traditional, authentic dances in costume, on stage, at assigned times throughout the weekend. This group practices every Sunday during the year. If you have an interest in dance, contact Naïry Digris now. It's not too late!

EXHIBIT/CULTURAL area presents cultural traditions according to a theme determined by the International Institute. The Armenians have an unsurpassed record of success in this juried competition. The 2008 theme for the Festival is Ethnic Markets. Please contact Exhibit Chair Janet Rith-Najarian and she will let you know where your assistance is most needed.

Community members have always come forth to help and this year is no different. There are so many different things to be done; you just need to contact the Chairperson of the area that interests you. Anyone who agrees to work a shift during the weekend, gets free admission to the Festival for each day worked. Please start now - just send an e-mail and inquire as to how you can help.

To download the form in MS Word Format please click here

ACOM MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL FORM:    January 1 - December 31, 2009


ACOM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Gifts to ACOM are tax deductible in the extent permitted by law.

Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________

Street:     ______________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: (_____) - ________ - _____________

E-Mail Address: ______________________________

Contributing Membership: $100
Household Membership (including all members of one household), Minnesota Residents: $30
Out-of-State (ACOM Newsletter "MinneHyelites" only) : $15

Please make your check payable to ACOM and send to:
Nairy Digris
ACOM Treasurer
1703 Skillman Avenue West
Roseville, MN 55113

email: hyebar@qwest.net