YEREVAN - A new organization, known as "New Generation of Vaspoorakan" Compatriotic Union, has developed a project called "Genealogical Aykestan of Famous Armenians," which will be realized with the production of a series of films based on the genealogical data of the makers of Armenian history and including the present generations having descended from them. The word "Aykestan," meaning vineyard, refers to the Armenian section of the city of Van, which was the center of the heroic self-defense effort in April-May 1915 but whose trace barely exists today.

The goal of this series of films is to transmit the valiant heart and soul of past greats to the present and future generations in order to instill a sense of pride in their family names and the major accomplishments of their ancestors. Two of these accomplishments cited by the organization are the rescuing of sacred liturgical books at the cost of life, and the film "Mairig" by Henri Verneuil.

It is the conviction of "New Generation of Vaspoorakan" Compatriotic Union that, through direct participation in this project, the present generations of such stellar past figures as Haik Nahapet and Tigran the Great, Vardan Mamikonian and Gregory of Narek, Toros Roslin and Nahapet Kuchak, David Bek and Khrimian Hairik, will constitute the link with the past, without which the future will be foggy and unpromising.

The "New Generation of Vaspoorakan" Compatriotic Union, in publicizing the list of surnames of noble or prominent families it has gathered, hopes that those who find their names therein will send it genealogical data on their families. As for those who don't find their surnames on the list, they too are welcome to submit data about them, as well as details or legends about episodes from their heroic family past.

Although this project has been undertaken by "New Generation of Vaspoorakan" Compatriotic Union, it is not limited solely to the families and past of Vaspoorakan; rather, it encompasses the whole of historic Armenia.

The preliminary work on the first film has not only begun but is nearing completion. Its theme is the past, present and future of the Khrimian clan. The film will be called "The Power of the Khrimian Clan," starring Vladimir Msryan, one of Armenia's greatest actors.

Those wishing to obtain more information about this project may contact Mrs. Marine, President of "New Generation of Vaspoorakan" Compatriotic Union, Tigran Mets Ave. 48/30, Yerevan, 375005, Armenia. Tel. (374-1) 28-67-26 or (374-1) 55-03-31. Fax: (374-1) 55-03-31. E-mail: [email protected]

Those wishing to contribute to the realization of this project may send their checks to: American Express Bank Ltd., World Trade Center, 8th Fl., New York, NY 10048. Swift Code: AEIB US 33. USD Account: 739557 of Armeconom Bank. Name: "New Generation of Vaspoorakan" Compatriotic Union. Account #: 16300 8153468.