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The Armenian Weekly: A Chronicle of Diaspora Voices

Documenting the Armenian experience through journalism, culture, and community discourse.

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Genesis of a Publication

From Column to Chronicle: The Birth of Hairenik Weekly

The origins of The Armenian Weekly trace back to June 1932, when the Armenian-language publication Hairenik introduced an English-language column to cater to the needs of English-speaking members of the Armenian diaspora. The positive reception to this initiative paved the way for a dedicated English publication. By March 1934, Hairenik Weekly was formally established, primarily driven by the dedication of young volunteer contributors. The newspaper soon acquired its first full-time editor, James Mandalian, and an assistant editor, Queenie Pambookjian, in June 1934. This period saw the publication of significant literary works, including translations of short stories by prominent Armenian writers such as Avetis Aharonian and Hamasdegh, as well as poems by Gostan Zarian. Notably, early works by William Saroyan, which later brought him national recognition under the pseudonym "Sirak Goryan," were first published in Hairenik Weekly.1

The Transition: Becoming The Armenian Weekly

In 1969, Hairenik Weekly underwent a significant rebranding, changing its name to The Armenian Weekly. This marked a new chapter for the publication while maintaining its core mission of serving the English-speaking Armenian community. The newspaper continued to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the diaspora and the broader Armenian experience. It has consistently provided news, analysis, and cultural content, adapting to changing media landscapes over the decades.

Editorial Lineage

A Legacy of Editors

The editorial leadership of The Armenian Weekly and its predecessor, Hairenik Weekly, has been shaped by a dedicated series of individuals who guided its content and direction. Their contributions have been instrumental in maintaining the publication's voice and relevance through various eras.

Notable editors include:

  • Armen Bardizian (March 1934 - June 1934)
  • James G. Mandalian (1934โ€“1969)
  • James H. Tashjian (1945โ€“1981)
  • Laura Tosoonian (1977โ€“1978)
  • Ohan S. Balian (1979โ€“1982)
  • Tom Vartabedian (1982โ€“1983)
  • Georgi-Ann (Bargamian) Oshagan (1982โ€“1984)
  • Muriel (Mimi) Parseghian (1984โ€“1989)
  • Antranig Kasbarian (1987โ€“1992)
  • Vahe Habeshian (1990โ€“1996)
  • Viken Aprahamian (1996โ€“1997)
  • Peter Nersesian (1998โ€“1999)
  • Arto Payaslian (1999โ€“2000)
  • Jason Sohigian (1999โ€“2004)
  • Sossi Esajanian (acting editor 2004โ€“2005)
  • Jenny Kiljian (2005โ€“2007)
  • Khatchig Mouradian (2007โ€“2014)5
  • Nanore Barsoumian (2014โ€“2016)
  • Rupen Janbazian (2016โ€“2018)
  • Karine Vann (2018โ€“2019)
  • Pauline Getzoyan (November 2019 โ€“ current)

Perspectives

Notable Columnists

The Armenian Weekly features a range of columnists who provide diverse perspectives on Armenian affairs, culture, and community life. These regular contributions enrich the publication's content and foster ongoing dialogue.

Known columnists include:

  • Kegham Balian
  • C. K. Garabed
  • Stepan Piligian
  • Harut Sassounian
  • Melody Seraydarian
  • Yeghia Tashjian
  • Garen Yegparian

Evolution and Reach

Digital Dawn: Embracing the Online Era

In a significant shift reflecting contemporary media trends, both The Armenian Weekly and its Armenian-language counterpart, Hairenik, underwent a major rebrand in March 2025. This initiative included updated logos, enhanced websites, and expanded social media engagement. Following this modernization, in late June 2025, both publications ceased their weekly print editions, transitioning entirely to online formats. This strategic move ensures continued accessibility and broader reach for their content within the global Armenian community.234

Under the Banner of Hairenik Association

The Armenian Weekly is published by the Hairenik Association, Inc., a venerable organization based in Watertown, Massachusetts. This association also publishes the Armenian-language newspaper Hairenik, making them sister publications. The association's deep roots in the community underscore the newspaper's commitment to Armenian heritage and identity. While headquartered in Watertown, the readership extends globally, with subscribers located far beyond its immediate vicinity.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the Wikipedia article detailing the history, operations, and significance of The Armenian Weekly. This includes details on its founding, editorial lineage, and evolution into a digital-first publication.

Primary sources cited within the Wikipedia article include:

  • "History." The Armenian Weekly. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  • "The Armenian Weekly and Hairenik Weekly unveil a new brand: Embracing growth, legacy and innovation." The Armenian Weekly. March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  • "A new chapter" for the Hairenik and Armenian Weekly." The Armenian Weekly. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  • Article title in Armenian. Hairenik. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  • "Clark grants first doctoral degree in Armenian Genocide Studies." Clark Now | Clark University. February 4, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2021.

Regional Press Connections

Massachusetts Newspapers

The Armenian Weekly is part of a rich journalistic landscape within Massachusetts. This section provides context by highlighting other notable newspapers within the state, showcasing the diverse media ecosystem.

Armenian Media Landscape

Armenian Newspapers Outside Armenia and Artsakh

The Armenian Weekly is part of a global network of Armenian-language and Armenian-focused publications. This section highlights the broader context of Armenian media presence worldwide, illustrating the diaspora's commitment to preserving its cultural and political voice across continents.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Armenian Weekly Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding journalism, media studies, or historical research. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.