I’ve been test driving Phoenicia downtown for a few months now and I have to say, its impressive. It is HUGE, two stories and its not just a grocery, its also a restaurant and bar and apparently live music often plays on a small stage near the back. If you want to explore before its gets busy, try a Saturday around 9a.

As a grocery, it is full service; meat counter with a good selection of halal items, limited but fresh produce, rows of off-topic legumes, spices labeled in Arabic, stacks of fresh baked breads, cheeses galore and even a decent set of Le Cruset cookware. However, for me, the standouts are

• Deli Counter : Hummus, baba ganoush, falafel and other mid-east salads you wont find anywhere near downtown. Definitely snag a container of basil chicken salad to stuff into your fresh baked pita!
• Dessert Counter: Freshly made baklava, halva and other desserts I could not pronounce even if I could remember my Arabic.
• Wine: Upstairs you find what is quite possibly the oddest selection of wine in town. Standard products from France, California, Argentina and Australia exist but notice the options from Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon and Croatia.
• Condiments: Also upstairs, the largest selection of non-Italian olive oils I’ve seen as well as a good selection of tahini. I use loads of olive oil and tahini but other ethic stores only offer them in industrial sizes; Phoenicia has smaller sizes for those who are not feeding a family of 12.

Phoenicia is now a staple for my weekly acquisitions and I’m thrilled that the owners, one from Armenia, the other from Lebanon have brought authentic mid-east fare into the downtown area!

Phoenicia | 1001 Austin | Houston, TX 77010

I figure that home-grown tomatoes being one of them isn’t necessarily a bad thing, right?

That’s why I maybe go a little overboard when I’m buying tomato seeds in the dead of winter. This winter was no exception…

Which can work out great for YOU – if you want some pretty fabulous heirloom, organic tomato starts to put in your own garden. ‘Cause – come on – if you’re starting tomatoes, why not go wild!

Today we pick up where we started last weekend with the CMBC Community Garden launch – and continue selling our tomato starts curbside at our place.

If you want us to save something for you to come by and pick up – text, message, or phone me, and I’ll get it set aside for you.

Here’s what I’ve got available:

Or if you’d like the details on each variety – you can download the PDF here: 2013 Tomato Inventory

Time to start planning all of the amazing things you can make with some yummy tomatoes…

As Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Erdogan continues his official U.S. state visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives introduced the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, a new measure calling upon the President to build upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide by working toward improved Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgement of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We welcome today’s introduction of the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.  “This innovative bipartisan initiative, building upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide, calls for a new U.S. approach to Armenian-Turkish ties that reflects our America values and recognizes that our national interests require an end to Turkey’s denials and a truthful, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime.”

The Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, introduced by Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), reflects and reinforces previous U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide as a crime of genocide, citing the U.S. Government’s May 28, 1951 written statement to the International Court of Justice regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, President Ronald Reagan’s April 22, 1981 Proclamation and Congressional adoption of Armenian Genocide legislation in 1975 and 1984.

“Almost a century ago, over a million Armenian men, women, and innocent children were mercilessly put to death by forces of the Ottoman Empire in a horrifying attempt to wipe them from the face of the earth,” said Rep. Grimm. “The U.S. has tirelessly defended justice and human rights throughout the world, and we have a solemn duty to recognize, once and for all, the injustices of the Armenian Genocide. On behalf of the Armenian community in New York City, I am proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act.”

“The facts of history are well-settled – 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were deliberately murdered in the first genocide of the 20th Century,” Rep. Schiff said. “With each passing day, we lose a few more of the dwindling number of survivors. We should all feel a powerful sense of urgency, and the profound call of moral duty to recognize the Armenian Genocide unequivocally and without delay.”

Congressman Valadao stated, “Many of those able to flee during the genocide immigrated to the United States and settled in California. Today, their families continue to grow, thrive, and instill their cultural heritage in their adopted communities. However, the sense of loss as a result of these horrific acts runs deep as many Armenian-Americans in my district personally know a friend or family member who was unable to escape the genocide. We must ensure that the United States government properly acknowledges what so many already know to be true.”

“The time for the U.S. to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide is long overdue,” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.  “Armenia stands as a resilient ally of the United States and a nation dedicated to democracy and regional stability, and the Resolution introduced today shows that we will not stand idly by when the truth of this genocide is distorted by the Turkish government.”

Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives – News | Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE

Two Christmases ago my brother gave me the first volume of “The Silk Road Gourmet”, by Laura Kelley. It documents the food cultures of the western half of the old Silk Road, from the Caucasus to India. The history of the route has always fascinated me, and it has been a real joy to discover how its foods are related, linked step by step across the Asian continent. One day I hope to travel there, but for now I’ll just have to make do through the recipes, dreaming up a caravan in my mind.

Tonight I really wanted to bake some bread, so I looked to the Silk Road for inspiration. I found a wonderful recipe for Armenian Sweet Rolls, and tweaked it for my own California environment. These are supposed to be orange flavoured, but since I have a Meyer Lemon Tree just outside the window, it seemed like a good opportunity to experiment. As for the Horiatiki, it has nothing to do with Armenia (except for the history of Turkish imperialism in both countries), however I had the ingredients on hand, and a fresh Greek salad seemed like a perfect compliment to this sweet, buttery bread. I hate to deal in hyperbole, but these are some of the most delicious rolls I have ever eaten. They are almost like a biscuit and a roll put together, light and fluffy, yeasted yet also containing baking powder. Make these, you won’t regret it!

Armenian Sweet Rolls

1 package dry, active yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup plus 1 teaspoon butter, melted and brought to room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk, warm (I didn’t have milk on hand, so mixed half-and-half with water)
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 Meyer Lemon
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
Poppy Seeds

Dissolve yeast in warm water and mix well. Add sugar and mix again. Set aside and allow yeast to activate for 15 minutes. In the meantime, combine melted butter with milk, eggs, salt and lemon rind. Mix well. Add dissolved yeast and mix again. Add flour and baking powder to make a soft dough. It should be very soft, but not sticky. No extra flour should be needed for kneading. Knead for 5 minutes and let stand for in a warm place, covered for 40 minutes (I put mine outside, in the sun). Punch down and kneed for another two minutes. Form rolls, and let rise of trays for another 30 inutes. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle poppy seeds on top. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven until golden brown. Kelley’s recipe says this should take about 10-12 minutes, but for me, it was closer to 20  (and I used convection, which normally reduces baking time). For reference, my rolls were just a bit smaller than hamburger buns, and they numbered about 20. Best enjoyed slightly warm.

Horiatiki (Greek Salad)

Equal parts tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers (I used about 15 grape tomatoes, a persian cucumber, and 6 mini bell peppers)
1/4 red onion
3-4 tablespoons feta cheese
handful of kalamata olives
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 dashes of dried oregano
salt
pepper, freshly ground
2 dashes olive oil
1 Meyer Lemon, squeezed

Chop vegetables into bite sized chunks. Add feta, olives, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Mix. Enjoy. Ideally, you can intersperse bites of Horiatiki and Armenian Sweet Roll, and soak up the leftover salad dressing with the last of the bread. Serves 2-4, depending on your appetite.

Biblically, How much in common do the beliefs of those who claim Christianity have to have? Legalism or licentiousness. Armenian verses reformed. Ecumenicalism versus doctrinal purity. Obedience versus sacrifice. Fruit verses works. Charity verses righteousness. Worldliness verses separated walk. Supernatural literalism verse natural metaphor. Free will verse fallen will and redemption.

Ask other Christians, there is no agreement. After 2000 years, there is no consensus. The spectrum of self proclaimed Christians go from all roads lead to God to only members of their branch of Christianity are saved. Some have never read the Bible. Some like Jefferson deny the supernatural. Some take it literal, others never do.

Clearly, many are wrong. However, if the Bible is true, God exists and the supernatural component must be accepted. If faith is a gift from God, then believing the supernatural is required.

Where do you draw the line between saved and unsaved? Where does the bible? Many places. Half of the choices in my first paragraph aren’t supported by the Bible.

If we are saved and have received the Holy S,pirit, we will read the bible and correctly understand it as God meant it. Check out my other posts for Biblical support for election, Biblical doctrinal purity, obedience, righteousness, fruit, separated walk, and our natural fallen will and slavery to sin.

The only Christian unity that honors God is the Biblical truth. We are united in truth. There is no license to sin or live in a manner that offends God’s righteous standard. Sure we are still sinners, but our redeemed will is to obey God and God will sanctify and glorify us by His Word and Spirit.

So, there can be no unity with Catholicism, Islam, Mormonism, or any other unbiblical religion. God is not mocked, and truth is very exclusive!

In Jesus’ name,

Az4christ.Wordpress.com

I love Eurovision, It is an excuse to get Patriotic over countries you are not from.

This photo was just taken of me the moment Armenia were announced as going through to the Eurovision Final on Saturday.

Well done to the First Christian Nation and only Oriental Orthodox representative in the Eurovision Song Contest!

All the best for Saturday, I will be watching (with one Irish friend and a Greek one in competition.)

© Ani Boghossian

Ambigous ending’s and lies they all said,

Motivating souls too far they have gone,

Rubber is turned good intentions offend,

Never have I met such a deluded fool,

Who’ll find themselves laying in their own bloodied pool,

Selfish desires and thoughts I intend,

Intenions are blackened by emotions defense.

A waste of breath, a ravaged soul,

a free bird it soars, and a free bird it Roars.

-Vartevar Sarkissian

Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II met on May 15 with employees of RA Service for Compulsory Execution of Judicial Acts (SCEJA ), with Chief Compulsory Enforcement Officer Mihran Poghosyan present.

His Holiness congratulated the employees on the 15th anniversary of SCEJA establishment, stressing the importance of the service for the establishment of legitimacy in the country.

He further dwelt on the historic mission of the Armenian Church and the need to strengthen Christian values, press service of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reported.

Catholicos Karekin II meets SCEJA employees – News | Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE

President of the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic Bako Sahakyan met Saturday, May 11, with the Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, heads of Tehran and New Jugha Dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Sepuh Sarkisian and Bishop Babken Charian, as well as a group of philanthropists from the Diaspora.

State-church ties, socioeconomic situation in Artsakh and regional trends were in the focus of the meeting.

President Sahakyan underlined the vital role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in preserving Armenian national identity in the Diaspora, noting that the church has had a great contribution in strengthening and the expansion ties with the Motherland.

Both sides emphasized the need of continuous deepening the state-church interrelations, considering it among the most important bases of the Motherland-Diaspora unshakable unity.

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan also attended the meeting, reported the Central Information Department at the Artsakh President’s Office.

Artsakh leader says church role vital for preserving Armenian identity – News | Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE

On the afternoon of Thursday,May 9, 2013, tennis legend Andre Agassi visited the newly built St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas, the Armenian National Committee of America informs.

Upon arrival Mr. Agassi met Archpriest Fr. Avedis Torossian, Parish Council Chairman Mr. Adroushan Armenian and Building Committee members Mr. Koko Darakjian and Mr. Levon Gulbenkian. Mrs. Houry Darakjian representing the ARS Armenian Saturday school, Ms. Lindy Schumacher representative of Kirk Kerkorian’s Dream Fund at UCLA, and Mr. & Mrs. Alex and Arda Yemenidjian were also present.

Mr. Agassi and the visitors entered the church after lighting their candles where a brief background was provided about the Las Vegas Armenian community and St. Garabed Church construction process. The group then toured the Cultural Center facility where Mrs. Darakjian briefed about the Saturday Armenian School and expansion plans for the 2013-2014 academic year and equipping the school with advanced Armenian language and history learning techniques.

At the end of the visit, Father Avedis presented Mr. Agassi with a traditional Armenian cross-stone commemorating this special visit. Mr. Agassi complimented the St. Garabed Parish and the Las Vegas Armenian community for their achievements and wished them continued success.

Tennis legend Andre Agassi visits St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas – News | Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE

It’s a prayer. Please God, give me the knowledge that I need to wrap my head around this situation, and move me forward so I can keep growing with you.

That said, you may feel that it’s inappropriate for me to talk about things like terminology or doctrine. It may seem out of place. But it’s not. Because I think the church and church members — particularly in the evangelical world — are getting hung up on terms and we’re getting confused about what we’re here to do.

For example, yesterday, I wrote about the term “tribe,” and how using that term is not profitable for the church at large. But there’s some other words and phrases that we “throw” out there to define ourselves as individual churches that can be just as confusing for congregants. Unlike “tribe,” these phrases may be helpful for defining our goals, beliefs, and practices, but most congregants don’t know what pastors and elders mean by them.

The most perfect examples may even be the terms that Mark Driscoll used in the follow-up video that I posted in support of what I wrote about tribes. The eight terms he used were:

Reformed vs. Armenian

Complementarian vs. Egalitarian

Charismatic vs. Cessasionist

Missional vs.Fundamental

Most people have no idea what these terms mean. And it gets even worse when we add descriptors in with these terms. An example would be: “I’m charismatic with a seat belt.”

Defining the terms is helpful for people. You should know what you believe. But the obsession with figuring out the label on ourselves is just insanity. At best, it usually leads you to trying to find a church where others believe like you. At worst, you become a prideful, theological idiot who thinks they are more “biblical” or love Jesus more than other Christians.

If you are wrapped up in the chains of doctrine right now. If you’re ready to just throw your computer against the wall because reading the different histories makes your brain want to explode …. can I just offer this?

Go out and love somebody.

Visit a church this Sunday that’s not like your own and find something they do differently than you’re used to and thank God for it. Talk to a friend who is part of a different congregation and ask what they love about the practices of their church. Recognize that those are not the practices that you’re used to, and then thank God for the ways God is using those differences to heal, restore, and save people.

Doctrine is important, essential even. It helps to test the spirit and to keep people away from lies and myths. But when doctrine becomes exhausting, we need to call a pause. When doctrine makes our heart grow cold towards others, it’s not helpful any more.

Last night I had dinner with a group of four girlfriends who have been an integral part of my life for over a decade now. Because we’re all from the same ethnic background, our bond is that much tighter and our understanding of one another that much more profound.

Tucked into a booth and surrounded by brick oven margherita pizza at Cassie’s in Englewood, we were astonished that getting all five of us in the same space took over six months. We certainly had a lot to catch up on: celebrating a pregnancy, toasting to good health after a scare, exchanging suggestions for a friend’s first trip to Paris with her husband this summer. Babies, jobs, husbands, families and travels were all discussed, and I had to take a step back, in awe of how much had changed during our 20s.

As teens, our biggest concerns revolved around our latest crushes, where to buy good fake IDs, how to score Capri Ultra Lights, studying for the SATs and concocting elaborate plans so we would be temporarily freed from the grip of our strict Armenian parents as we dabbled in underage drinking and bars in the city. We didn’t know how simple things were then. We figured it would continue to be as cut and dry. High school would lead to college, college to the “professional world” and along the way we’d meet our significant others and create our own families. Though some of us were exactly where we wanted to be, others of us, at 28, were still unsure of what was next.

Naturally, our lives led us in different directions. Some of us said “I do” and signed mortgages, others of us ended relationships and moved back home, some of us were well into our careers, and others jumped between jobs, still trying to find a footing in life.

But we continued to laugh together, mourn together, share pain and heartbreak together, celebrate the joys of life together, and most importantly, lift each other up when life hit us in unexpected ways. And even if that’s the only thing we have in common these days, then we’re a lucky group of girls.

“A good friend is a connection to life – a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” Lois Wyse

“Friendship… is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” Muhammad Ali

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” Albert Schweitzer

“And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” Khalil Gibran

For all the times you helped me with my homework, encouraged me to do well in school, listened to me play the piano and tucked me in at night, I want to say thank you.

For all the times you listened to my problems, gave me advice, taught me to be strong and shared your wisdom, I want to say thank you.

For all the times you reaffirmed my belief in my myself, pushed me to keep going, gave me strength to persevere and tirelessly supported me, I want to say thank you.

For all the times you showed me what it means to be a selfless, loving, strong and loyal person, I want to say thank you.

For the mother who still has all the right words, the comforting touch, the strong will and the inspiring smile – Happy Mother’s Day.

On a special day like today, it’s important to remember the impact our mother’s have had on our lives. I don’t know who I would be or where I would be if it wasn’t for my mother’s compassion, kindness, positivity and support. I’m grateful for each day she is a part of my life.

Let’s make sure we honor our mothers today, if they are with us in person or in spirit. And let’s take a moment to remember a special memory we’ve shared with our mothers over the years.

A MOTHER’S HANDS

By Baruyr Sevag/translated from Armenian by Daniel Janoyan

These very hands, a mother’s hands,
These old and new hands.

Whatever do you want to say
That haven’t been done by these hands?
When I got married
How gracefully these hands had danced,
And with whatever dreams these hands had danced.

Whatever do you want to say
That haven’t been done by these very hands?
The light was not put off till dawn
By these very hands,
When the first baby was born,
It was fed the righteous milk by these very hands.

Whatever do you want to say
That haven’t been done by these very hands?
They are like pillars
Directed to the heavens,
These very hands
Avoiding the pillar of her house
Till her son returns from the battle front.

Whatever do you want to say
That haven’t been done by these very hands?
These very hands
Even though a granny’s hands,
These very hands, having lost their power,
They have regained power
When being with her grandson.

Rocks have been turned down by these very hands
And mountains moved.
Whatever, whatever,
Whatever they don’t cost
These very hands,
These tender hands,
These holy hands.

Let us today, as children do,
Kiss these very hands
Which gave birth into this world
And also fed us,
Which in this world they have won us
And also kept us,
That have never felt full of us
These very hands,
That have wiped the dust
And also did the washing up
Always judging, always working
These very hands.

These very hands
That have been worn out
And also become rough
But for all of us
They are as tender as silk
These perfect hands,
A mother’s hands.

Here is the video of our legend Komitas singing in a very old recording.

21 years ago, on May 9 1992, the many months of planning were being executed to liberate Shushi from the Azeri forces and, as importantly, to finally free the people of Stepanakert from the continual bombing from the GRAD missiles. Arguably, the turning point in the war, as control over the powerful promontory of Shushi, and the gateway to the Lachin Corridor, was seized, and the Armenian forces could start influencing the outcome of this conflict.

After such a long time, the people of Stepanakert could get some relief from what seemed to them to be an eternal siege. A siege that has never made its way into the public consciousness outside of Artsakh. It may not have been as deadly as Stalingrad, or as long as Sarajevo –but a siege of one day is too long for innocent civilians who are trying to live a peaceful life in the place that they, and their family have lived in, for centuries.

22 years ago, on April 30 1991, the combined forces of the Azerbaijani OMON and the Soviet 4th Army entered Getashen and so started the intimidation of many men in the outlying villages of Artsakh as part of Operation Ring. Supposedly this offensive was to flush out the Fedayin fighters who had “infiltrated” the villages. As a result of the general intimidation by the Azerbaijani forces, the men of each of the villages were gathering together to defend their homes and families, and being resourceful in obtaining weaponry, however basic. Very few, if any of these men, had any formal military training – this activity just depended on their basic instinct and bravery.

The Azerbaijani tactics resulted in many men being kidnapped , flown to Khojaly, and then to the prison in Shushi, where they were tortured until either they agreed to lies about themselves, or neighbours, or paid ransom money for their release. This was not war under International conventions ; this was just gangsterism!

These inflammatory tactics led to an increase in animosity between the two sides and resulted in an inevitable decline into a more sustained conflict.

25 years ago, on February 28 1988, the established Armenian citizens of Sumgait in Azerbaijan were subjected to the pogroms by the local Azeris. Different communities living together in peace for decades beforehand were turned against each other for what reason? Had those individuals who were, previously, friendly neighbours now become fierce enemies for no reason? Had there been a brutal sectarian incident that had caused people to “take sides”….and that would subsequently lead to over 6 years of unnecessary conflict?

No! The Karabakhi Armenians had simply expressed a democratic wish.

25 years ago, on February 20 1988, the local Soviet of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of Azerbaijan passed a resolution:

“Welcoming the wishes of the workers of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region to request the Supreme Soviets of the Azerbaijani SSR and Armenian SSR to display a feeling of deep understanding of the aspirations of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and to resolve the question of transferring the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region from the Azerbaijani SSR to the Armenian SSR, at the same time to intercede with the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to reach a positive resolution on the issue of transferring the region from the Azerbaijani SSR to the Armenian SSR”

A polite and deferential resolution seeking approval from the Soviet hierarchy, but a request that was revolutionary and with fundamental implications to the Soviet Union. Whilst this activity must have been contemplated under the auspice of perestroika, were the Soviets still wedded to the notion of controlling the republics through disunity?

25 years ago, on February 13 1988, a few hundred gathered at a rally in Lenin Square in Stepanakert, following the return of a delegation of people who had been to Moscow to lobby for the unification of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. The rally was unprecedented in Soviet times, so those who attended were risking arrest, but after the brief speeches, the crowd made their position clearly understood by chanting “Miatsum” (Unity). Through “Miatsum”, they would have security…and Peace.

The prevailing anti-Armenian rhetoric of the last 25 years has lost sight of this peaceful and entirely reasonable request for unification of the Armenian people. This was necessary to correct the act of sick cynicism carried out by Stalin in 1921. The response of Azerbaijan to the peaceful 1988 resolution is evidence enough, together with the Genocide of 1915, to tell the world that Armenians should never be controlled by Turks, again, -never again!