Zartonk Media

Ukrainian President Zelensky Honors Renowned Armenian Film Director Sergei Parajanov With The National Legend Of Ukraine State Award ➖➖➖ Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has posthumously awarded the National Legend of Ukraine state award to Sergei Parajanov, an iconic Armenian film director recognized as both the People’s Artist of Ukraine and the People’s Artist of Armenia. The honor comes during the 100th anniversary year of Parajanov’s birth, underscoring his lasting impact on cinema and culture. The National Legend of Ukraine Award, introduced in 2021, is granted by the president to individuals—both Ukrainians and foreigners—who have made significant contributions to the establishment and defense of an independent Ukraine. Parajanov, an Armenian whose work has inspired generations of filmmakers, artists, and creators worldwide, is celebrated as one of the greatest masters of cinema. “This is respect. This is honor. This is dignity. It is how the state of Ukraine says thank you to its people, its heroes, its legends—those among us and those we must appreciate. Those who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. We must remember them all—legends who inspire us, legends applauded by the world. And I would like us all to applaud our Ukrainian legends now,” said President Zelensky. Sergei Parajanov is best known for his cinematic masterpieces Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1964) and The Color of Pomegranates (1969). Despite facing imprisonment three times, his work gained admiration from legendary filmmakers such as Fellini, Godard, and Tarkovsky. His unique artistic vision, including his renowned Mona Lisa collages, has placed him in the same artistic echelon as Picasso and Warhol. Parajanov’s influence transcends borders, inspiring major directors, fashion designers, Pulitzer Prize-winning scientists, and superstar musicians like Madonna and Lady Gaga. His legacy continues to resonate, earning him a well-deserved place among Ukraine’s national legends.

🇦🇲 The Armenian Church in Jerusalem has maintained a vigilant custodianship over the world’s most scared Christian sites, because our clergyman and compatriots have fought for centuries so that it becomes that way. Today, despite being few, we wield unprecedented power over the world’s most fought over religious sites.

🇦🇲 Armenia Set To Welcome World’s Tallest Statue Of Jesus Christ ➖➖➖ Armenia is set to be home to the world’s tallest statue of Jesus Christ, currently nearing completion on Mount Hatis in Zovuni village, Kotayk Province. Spearheaded by business tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party and former Member of Parliament, this monumental project is poised to become a landmark in the region. The 33-meter statue, designed by sculptor Armen Samvelyan, will be placed on a 44-meter pedestal. While originally planned for a different location, the statue will now be installed a few meters away from the initial site on Mount Hatis, just 25 kilometers from Yerevan. The remaining sections of the statue are set to be airlifted by helicopter to their final destination. The project officially began on July 9, 2022, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by then-Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili. However, the day after the ceremony, the Armenian Government Service for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments (KGSMSN) demanded a halt to the construction, citing the lack of a presented project and a construction permit. Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded positively to Tsarukyan’s vision, believing that the statue would boost tourism in the area. The project has also faced opposition from the Armenian Church, with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Supreme Spiritual Council expressing their disapproval, stating that the installation of the Christ statue does not align with the centuries-old iconographic and worship traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Critics of the project have raised concerns about the statue’s placement on Mount Hatis, pointing out that the mountain’s slopes contain around 20 registered historical and cultural monuments from different eras. As the final preparations draw to a close, this awe-inspiring monument is poised to become a significant addition to Armenia’s cultural and religious landscape.

Ferrahian Cabayan School Celebrates 60th Anniversary With Record Enrollment Of 1,232 Students, Becoming The Largest Armenian School Outside Of Armenia 🇦🇲📚 ➖➖➖ Today marked the first day of the 2024-2025 school year across both campuses of the Holy Martyrs Cabayan Elem/Ferrahian High School in Los Angeles. This year, as the school enters its 60th year, it has reached a record-breaking total enrollment of 1,232 students between the Ferrahian High School and Middle School Campus in Encino and the Cabayan Elementary and Pilavjian Preschool Campus in North Hills. This milestone solidifies Ferrahian as the largest Armenian school outside of Armenia. Since its founding in 1964, Ferrahian has been dedicated to providing an exceptional education deeply rooted in Armenian language, culture, and heritage. Over six decades, it has become a cornerstone of Armenian education in Los Angeles, shaping generations of students with a strong sense of identity and academic excellence while playing a crucial role in preserving Armenian identity and community in the diaspora. Ferrahian School Board Member Alex Beylerian said, “For 60 years, our school has been the epicenter of the Armenian community here in the United States. As the banners across our campuses read—‘Memories, Milestones, and Momentum’—all three are on full display as we embark on year 60. #ChooseArmenianSchools.” Armenian schools like Ferrahian are vital to ensuring that future generations maintain a strong connection to their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. As the school celebrates this landmark year, it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of Armenian leaders and scholars. Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and staff on the start of a new academic year and this remarkable 60th anniversary! The photo above images Ferrahian students at the middle & high school campus. #FerrahianSchool #ArmenianEducation #60YearsStrong #BackToSchool #ArmenianPride #Diaspora

🇦🇲 AEF To Provide $15,000 In Scholarships For Displaced Artsakh Students From Homenetmen Glendale Ararat’s Charity Match With Tennis Star Karen Khachanov ➖➖➖ Homenetmen (HMEM) Glendale Ararat recently hosted a highly successful charity tennis tournament featuring world-renowned tennis champion Karen Khachanov on March 16 at UCLA’s Los Angeles Tennis Center. The Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) is proud to announce that it has received $15,000 from the proceeds, which will be directed towards providing scholarships to 12 displaced Artsakh students attending universities in Armenia for one academic year. Karen Khachanov shared his heartfelt sentiments about the event, stating, “I’m incredibly honored to have been a part of the charity tennis tournament organized by Homenetmen Glendale Ararat, and I am deeply moved by the generosity and support shown by everyone involved. It brings me great joy to know that the $15,000 raised will go towards providing scholarships for displaced Artsakh students. Education is a powerful tool that can change lives, and I am proud to contribute to this meaningful cause alongside Andrey Rublev and AEF. Thank you to all the participants and supporters who made this event possible.” AEF’s Board President, Serop Beylerian, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are deeply appreciative of the generosity demonstrated by Homenetmen Glendale Ararat and the support from Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev. This contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of these students, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their education despite the challenges they have faced.” Since the displacement, more than 100 university and 50 IT certificate program scholarships have been awarded to displaced students who continued their education in Armenia, bringing the total number of scholarships provided to over 150. For more information about the scholarship program, other initiatives supported by AEF, or to become a scholarship sponsor, please visit AEF’s website. #ArmenianEducationalFoundation #HomenetmenGlendaleArarat #KarenKhachanov #Artsakh #Scholarships #Education Read the full article on ZartonkMedia.com.

🏆🇦🇲 Sofia (Under 8) & Sona (Under 14) Win Gold Medals For Armenia At European Youth Chess Championship ➖➖➖ Armenians Sofia Baghramyan and Sona Krkyasharyan won gold medals for Armenia at the European Youth Chess Championship 2024 in the Blitz format, held in Prague, Czech Republic, from August 16 to September 1, 2024, reports by Armenia’s Chess Federation. Sofia Baghramyan secured the title of European Under-8 Girls’ Blitz Chess Champion, scoring 16 points out of 18 and taking first place after tie-breaks. Sona Krkyasharyan emerged as the European Under-14 Girls’ Blitz Chess Champion, winning with 14.5 points, finishing 1.5 points ahead of her closest competitor. The tournament brought together Europe’s top young chess players to compete in various age categories. The victories of Sofia and Sona are a testament to their dedication and skill, showcasing Armenia’s strength in youth chess on the international stage and inspiring the next generation of Armenian chess players. Congratulations to them both for their outstanding achievements!

🇦🇲 Armenia’s GDP Grows By 6.4% In The Second Quarter Of 2024 ➖➖➖ Armenia’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 6.4% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reports Armenia’s National Statistical Committee on Tuesday. Nominal GDP for this period reached 2.289 trillion drams (approximately $5.8 billion), with GDP per capita at 750,873 drams, or roughly $1,930 (€1,793). Sectoral Growth Compared to Q2 2023: * Real Estate Activities: +19.7% * Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles: +19.6% * Construction; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities: +17.9% each * Financial and Insurance Activities: +17% * Supply of Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning: +13.1% * Accommodation and Food Service Activities: +9.8% * Administrative and Support Service Activities: +8.9% * Manufacturing: +8.6% * Activities of Households as Employers: +7.5% * Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management, and Remediation Activities: +7.2% * Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: +5.2% * Education: +2.2% * Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: +0.6% Sectoral Declines: * Mining and Quarrying: -15.1% * Information and Communication: -14.1% * Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Social Security: -7.4% * Transportation and Storage: -6.9% * Healthcare and Social Work Activities: -3.1% The Armenian government’s 2024 budget projects a 7% economic growth target, with inflation expected to be around 4% (±1.5%). Preliminary data indicates that Armenia’s economic activity increased by 10.4% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The Central Bank of Armenia expects the country’s economy to grow between 6.1% and 6.8% in 2024, with inflation forecasted to be within the range of 0.9% to 1.3%. Earlier, the Eurasian Development Bank predicted a slowdown in economic growth in the second half of the year, as the impact of increased precious metals production is expected to diminish. However, the bank still forecasts a 7.5% economic growth for Armenia by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the World Bank has maintained its previously upgraded GDP growth forecast for Armenia at 5.5% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2025.

French Cinema Icon Alain Delon Passes Away At 88 🇫🇷 ➖➖➖ Alain Delon, the legendary French actor, has passed away at the age of 88. 🇦🇲 In December 2012, Delon visited Armenia for the premiere of the film Happy New Year, Mummies, where he expressed deep surprise and gratitude for the warm reception he received from the Armenian people. “I couldn’t have imagined being so much beloved in Armenia,” Delon remarked. He also noted that even his close friend, Charles Aznavour, had not mentioned the depth of admiration that Armenians held for him. Delon plays a part in Happy New Year, Mummies. He noted that even though his role in this lyrical comedy is a small one, he played it with great pleasure and was happy to make the visit to Armenia, where he was sincerely surprised by how well-known and appreciated he was. During his visit, Delon met with then-President Serzh Sargsyan. Delon expressed his appreciation for France’s respect and clear stance on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The actor also met with His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where they discussed the historic mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the deep friendship between the Armenian and French peoples. Delon was particularly moved by the national and religious treasures he saw during his visit to the museums of the Mother See. Delon also visited the Tsitsernakaberd memorial, where he paid his respects, honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The film Happy New Year, Mummies, which Delon attended the premiere of at Yerevan’s Moscow cinema house, is a lyrical comedy that reflects the universal love for mothers. Delon’s participation in its Armenian premiere was a memorable moment for his Armenian fans. Delon’s influence in Armenia was profound, with his name even becoming an idiom to describe an attractive man. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his fans both in Armenia and around the world. #AlainDelon #FrenchCinema #Armenia #CinemaLegend #RIP #ArmenianCinema

DISCLAIMER: While Israel as a state does not recognize the Armenian Genocide, and that is a serious issue that must be addressed, we do not support or condone the offensive language or broader claims made by Dan Bilzerian in this clip. The opinions expressed are his own and do not represent the views of Zartonk Media. We strive for responsible and respectful journalism. Dan Bilzerian Calls Out Israel For Denying The Armenian Genocide ➖➖➖ Armenian-American Dan Bilzerian calls out Israel for denying the Armenian Genocide and for committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Bilzerian criticized Israel for its denial of the 1915 Armenian Genocide while consistently referencing the Holocaust. He expressed frustration over what he perceives as hypocrisy, drawing attention to the impact of these actions on both the Armenian and Palestinian communities. Dan Bilzerian said: “Israel has committed so many terrorist attacks, they’re stealing land right now they’re operating an apartheid, they're currently committing a genocide on Palestinians” Bilzerian also said: “They constantly refer to the Holocaust, when they’re the biggest Holocaust deniers on the planet they deny the Armenian Holocaust which you know like half of my people got wiped out half of your people got wiped out they deny that, so I don’t think it’s right for them to whine about the Holocaust.” He called out Israel for force-feeding the Holocaust narrative, when “They can’t recognize the Armenian Holocaust, we lost half our population they didn’t lose half their population but yet we have to hear about it.” Bilzerian made these remarks while appearing as a guest on Armenian-Assyrian-American Patrick Bet-David's PBD Podcast. Daniel Bilzerian is an Armenian-American professional poker player and businessman.

🇦🇲🎬 Aram Yacoubian Recognized On Cartoon Brew’s Prestigious 2024 U.S. Animation Power List At #43 ➖➖➖ Armenian-American Aram Yacoubian has been recognized on Cartoon Brew’s prestigious 2024 U.S. Animation Power List, ranking at #43 out of 60 influential figures. As VP of Feature Animation at Netflix and celebrating a decade at the company this year, Yacoubian has rapidly advanced from supporting content acquisition via valuation analysis to leading global content acquisition for family programming. He spearheaded the Independent Animated Film initiative, acquiring international feature originals from renowned indie studios like Aardman Animations and Studio Ghibli. Yacoubian also played a key role in the Tsuburaya Productions deal, which brought the Ultraman character to Netflix’s first feature film adaptation, Ultraman: Rising. Now deeply involved in creative development, Yacoubian continues to shape Netflix’s animation slate. “Honored to be recognized on a list with so many of my heroes, doing what I love. Thank you Cartoon Brew for the recognition, Netflix for the opportunities over the last 11 years, and all of the incredible filmmakers, artists, mentors and colleagues whose partnership has made this journey possible and incredible, and whose work is what deserves the celebration,” said Aram Yacoubian on Instagram, expressing his gratitude. Despite the booming success of animation in American culture, the industry faces its share of challenges. This Power List is a timely recognition of those driving the current success of animation while leading innovation and artistic excellence. The future of American animation looks brighter than ever, thanks to influential figures like Yacoubian. Armenians continue to make waves in global industries, and Yacoubian’s inclusion on this list is a testament to his significant contributions to the world of animation. Read more on Cartoon Brew’s Power List at Cartoon Brew.