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Crossroads E-Newsletter - February 4, 2010

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  • Crossroads E-Newsletter - February 4, 2010

    PRESS RELEASE
    Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
    H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
    Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
    138 East 39th Street
    New York, NY 10016
    Tel: 212-689-7810
    Fax: 212-689-7168
    Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/



    February 4, 2010
    CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX
    THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE CONCLUDES
    The seventh meeting of the International Joint Commission for
    Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental
    Orthodox Churches took place at the Catholicate of the Holy See of
    Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon from January 27 to 31. The meeting was
    hosted by His Holiness Aram I. It was chaired jointly by His Eminence
    Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for
    Promoting Christian Unity, and
    His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, General Secretary of
    the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Holy See of Cilicia
    was represented by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and His
    Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian.
    Joining delegates from the Catholic Church were
    representatives of the following Oriental Orthodox Churches: the
    Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Armenian
    Apostolic Church (Catholicate of All Armenians), the Armenian
    Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), the Ethiopian Orthodox
    Tewahido Church, and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. No
    representative of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church was able to
    attend.
    The studies prepared for this session focused on two topics:
    the ways in which the churches expressed their communion with one
    another in the first five centuries and the reception of
    councils. During the meeting the members carefully examined the papers
    presented and reached a number of conclusions. It was noted that until
    the middle of the fifth century, the churches did not exist in
    isolation, but were in communion with one another. Signs of this
    communion included the exchange of synodical letters and letters of
    enthronement, the veneration of common saints, the exchange of visits
    and, above all, sharing in the sacraments, especially the Holy
    Eucharist. This communion was based on an understanding that the
    churches shared the same faith, and willingness to defend it together
    against heresies and other threats. They also saw themselves as
    engaged in the same mission of evangelizing the nations.
    His Holiness Catholicos Aram received the members of the Joint
    Commission on January 28. In his remarks, the Catholicos offered his
    views on the present state of ecumenism, and said that he has come to
    a renewed appreciation of the work of the bilateral dialogues. He
    emphasized that in the dialogues the members must never lose sight of
    the many things we have in common, and not focus exclusively on our
    differences.
    On Sunday, January 31, the members of the Joint Commission
    attended the Holy Eucharist in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the
    Illuminator presided over by His Holiness Aram I. Cardinal Kasper
    preached the homily.
    The eighth meeting of the International Commission will take
    place in January 2011 in Rome at the invitation of the Pontifical
    Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

    ANNUAL GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING IN INDIAN ORCHARD
    Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Massachusetts
    to preside over the annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Conference, which will
    take place next week, February 8 to 10 at St. Gregory the Illuminator
    Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
    The Feast of Ghevontiantz is celebrated each year preceding
    the Vartanantz Feast. The collective name is in honor of brave
    clergymen who preached and fought against tyranny before, during and
    after the war of Vartanantz. It is named after Ghevont Yerets
    (Leondius the Cleric), who was in the front lines with Vartan at the
    Battle of Avarayr. The Feast has now become a time of renewal,
    reflection and fellowship for the clergy.
    According to the historians Yeghishe and Ghazar Parpetsi, the
    clergy who are collectively known as the Ghevontian Saints include:
    Catholicos Hovsep Hoghotsmetsi (also known as Vayorstzoretsi), Bishop
    Sahak Rushtouni, Bishop Tank of Aghbak, the priests Ghevont, Arshen,
    Manuel, Abraham, Khoren, and Deacons Kachach and Abraham.

    REQUIEM SERVICE FOR PRIESTS WHO SERVED THE PRELACY
    In conjunction with the upcoming Ghevontiantz commemoration, all
    Prelacy churches will observe a special requiem service this Sunday,
    February 7, in memory of all the deceased clergy who served within the
    Prelacy.
    Remembered with gratitude and honor are: His Holiness
    Catholicos Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, Archbishop
    Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, V. Rev. Fr. Vaghinag
    Sisagian, V. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Martougesian, V. Rev. Fr. Nishan
    Papazian, V. Rev. Fr. Barour Ekmekjian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Amrigian, Rev.
    Fr. Arsen Varjabedian, Rev. Fr. Mateos Mannigian, Rev. Fr. Bedros
    Mampreian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovanesian,
    Rev. Fr. Houssig Naghnikian, Rev. Fr. Adom Melikian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe
    Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Khosrovian, Rev. Fr. Bedros Kasarjian,
    Rev. Fr. Sahag Balian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Papazian, Rev. Fr. Papken
    Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Yeghiayan, Rev. Fr. Nerses Shahinian,
    Rev. Fr. Bsag Sarkisian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Mkitarian, Rev. Fr. Souren
    Papakhian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simeoniantz, Rev. Fr. Movses Der Stepanian,
    Rev. Fr. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragossian, Rev. Fr.
    Yervant Yeretzian, Rev. Fr. Go!
    midas Der Torosian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shrikian, Rev. Fr. Dickran Khoyan,
    Rev. Fr. Smpad Der Mekhsian, Rev. Fr. Vahan Ghazarian, Rev. Fr. Ashod
    Kochian, Rev. Fr. Arshavir Sevdalian, Rev. Fr. Kourken Yaralian,
    Rev. Fr. Arsen Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Antreasian, Rev. Fr. Sahag
    Andekian, Rev. Fr. Hmayag Minoyan, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kiledjian,
    Rev. Fr. Varant Bedrosian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Vertanessian,
    Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, Rev. Fr. Torkom Hagopian.

    O Christ, Son of God, forbearing and compassionate, through your love
    as creator, have mercy upon the souls of your departed
    servants. . . Be mindful of them on the great day of the coming of
    your kingdom. Make them worthy of your mercy and of remission and
    forgiveness of their sins, glorify and number them among the saints of
    your right hand.
    From the Repose of Souls (Hogehangist) service in the Armenian
    Church.

    LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 17
    The Prelacys Lenten lectures series will focus on the Year of the
    Armenian Woman theme. The first lecture will take place on Wednesday,
    February 17 and will continue for the next five Wednesdays of Great
    Lent. The lectures, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, will
    take place at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York
    City.
    The evening schedule will be as follows: Lenten service at
    7:30 pm; lecture and discussion at 8 pm, followed by fellowship at
    8:45 pm. The Lenten program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious
    Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the
    St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild.
    For information about the topics and presenters click here (
    http://e2ma.net/go/100032687451/2549906/91185587 /24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/ prelacy/PDF/2010lentenprogram.pdf
    ).
    MUSICAL ARMENIA
    The 26th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 21,
    at 2 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and
    Seventh Avenue, New York City.
    Featured artists are Tanya Gabrielian, piano; and Natalie
    Aroyan, soprano. For tickets ($30) contact the Carnegie box office at
    212-247-7800 or the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
    WERFELS 40 DAYS PRESENTED TO HOLOCAUST CENTER
    Marge Kyrkiostas, Executive Director of the Anthropology Museum of the
    People of New York, and the Armenian Cultural Educational Resource
    Center Gallery at Queens College, presented a copy of Franz Werfels
    The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, to Dr. Arthur Flug, Director of the
    Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives at Queensborough
    Community College on Monday, February 1. Attending the presentation
    were Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Raymond Tellalian, Edward Jamie,
    Hratch Zadoian, and Ayala Tamir.
    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO LECTURE
    Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director of the Prelacy, will
    present a lecture on the Battle of Avarayr on Sunday, February 14,
    1:30 pm, at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New
    York. The lecture is organized and hosted by the parishs Cultural
    Committee. For information: 718-224-2275.
    BOOK PRESENTATION
    A presentation of the book Kir Gyanki (Epistle of Life) by Archpriest
    Fr. Khoren Habeshian will take place Thursday, February 11, at 8:05 pm
    in the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,Woodside, New York. Under
    the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, the event is organized by St.
    Illuminators Cathedral and the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
    Cultural Society of New York.
    Der Hayrs book will be presented by Vartan Matiossian.
    DAILY BIBLE READINGS
    Bible readings for today, Thursday, February 4, are: Proverbs 24:1-12;
    Jeremiah 30:18-22; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Matthew 5:1-12.

    Thus says the Lord:
    I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob, and have
    compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound,
    and the citadel set on its rightful site.
    Out of them shall come thanksgiving, and the sound of
    merrymakers.
    I will make them many, and they shall not be few;
    I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained.
    Their children shall be as of old, their congregation shall be
    established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them.
    Their prince shall be one of their own, their ruler shall come
    from their midst; I will bring him near, and he shall approach me, for
    who would otherwise dare to approach me? says the Lord.
    And you shall be my people, and I will be your God. (Jeremiah
    30:18-22)

    For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
    http://e2ma.net/go/100032687451/2549906/91185588 /24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/ prelacy/PDF/2010dbr-2.pdf
    ).

    THE HOLY VOSKIAN PRIESTS
    Today, Thursday, February 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the
    Voskian priestsfive men who were sent to Rome as ambassadors by the
    Armenian king Sanadrook. On the road to Rome they met the Apostle
    Thaddeus who converted and baptized them. The leader of the five was
    named Voski, hence the name Voskian Priests. They lived in the
    mountains as hermits for forty years, after which they preached to the
    Royal Court. They were martyred in 107 AD.

    ST. SAHAK BARTEV
    This Saturday, February 6, the Armenian Church remembers Catholicos
    Sahag (Isaac) Bartev. He was the son of St. Nerses the Great and a
    descendant of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He was instrumental in the
    invention of the Armenian alphabet with Mesrob Mashtots. He
    spearheaded the translation work that followed the invention of the
    alphabet that ushered in
    Armenias golden age of literature. He was an ardent believer in
    education and ecclesiastical discipline and canon law. His illustrious
    life ended at age 89 (some sources say 110), and with his death the
    line of St. Gregory the Illuminator came to an end.

    FROM THE BOOKSTORE
    In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Woman, we continue to
    feature books by or about Armenian women. All are available for
    purchase at the Prelacy Bookstore.
    Victorias Secret: A Conspiracy of Silence
    By Vickie Smith Foston
    Imagine not knowing what an Armenian is and to discover that your
    grandmother and her entire family were Armenian. This is that story
    told by an inquiring granddaughter who was determined to find the
    reason for her grandmothers suicide, which led her to discover much
    more. It is a good read.
    198 pages, soft cover, $15.00 plus shipping and handling
    Skylark Farm
    By Antonia Arslan
    A touching story about a family struggling to survive during and after
    the 1915 Genocide. One familys story becomes the story of many. Kirkus
    Reviews called this An Armenian Schindlers List.
    278 pages, hard cover, $23.95, plus shipping and handling
    My Odyssey
    By Antonina Mahari
    The author Antonina Povilaityte met the noted Armenian writer, Gurgen
    Mahari when both were in exile for life in Siberia during the Soviet
    era. Following the death of Stalin, they were released and they
    settled in Yerevan where they faced new challenges. This exceptional
    memoir provides insight into two lives as well as an era.
    216 pages, soft cover, $20.00, plus shipping and handling
    AGAPI: Inspirational Short Stories
    By Yn. Joanna Baghsarian
    The 28 stories that comprise this book are all true. They are stories
    of people who have one way or another touched the life of
    Yn. Joanna. They include inspiring and amazing encounters. Each story
    has a message that can and should be further explored.
    116 pages, soft cover, $15.00, plus shipping and handling
    TO ORDER THESE BOOKS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
    EMAIL AT [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
    OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.

    A REMEMBRANCE
    As mentioned above, on the occasion of the Ghevontianz Feast, this
    Sunday all of our Prelacy churches will conduct requiem services for
    the deceased clergy who served the Prelacy. As I was preparing this
    weeks Crossroads my thoughts went to Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian who
    died unexpectedly last year.
    From the very first issue of Crossroads in 2004, Der Vartan
    was an ardent supporter of the Prelacys electronic newsletter. His
    thoughtful mini-sermons appeared regularly as the final thought of the
    week.
    We end this weeks Crossroads with his mini sermon that
    appeared one year ago on February 5, 2009.
    Remember that Christianity is not just a belief. It is much
    more than that. It is the way that we live out what we claim to
    believe. At best many of us are nominal Christians. We want all of the
    benefits without any effort. We want God, but only when we need Him
    when we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis. Christianity has
    become a mere convenience, but in reality Christianity and convenience
    cannot coexist; they contradict one another precisely because our
    faith as orthodox Christians calls us to make a stand when the world
    tells us to do otherwise. If we do not comprehend this reality, then
    perhaps we should look back in Armenian history to see just how many
    times those who came before us took a stand in defense of their
    faith. As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Sts. Vartanantz , we
    should realize that our faith is one of example and action and not
    just proclamations. There is no better time to look into ourselves and
    ask, Have I been faithful !
    to what God has given to me or do I simply take it for granted? Do I
    live out my faith by my actions, or do I just talk about it and expect
    others to do what I myself should be doing? These are questions that
    only we ourselves can answer.

    Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian
    December 17, 1957March 12, 2009

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    February 6St. Stephens (Watertown, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild, Mardi
    Gras celebration, 7 pm at church hallo. Costumes optional; masks a
    must. For information: Mary Derderian, [email protected]
    (mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
    February 6Valentines Party, featuring the Artsakh Band & DJ
    Ash. Limited reserved seating. For reservations:
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Seta
    Megherian 516-410-8146; Christine Bedrossian 718-614-6884.
    February 8-10Annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, hosted by
    St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
    February 11Presentation of Kir Gyanki, by Rev. Fr. Khoren Habeshian,
    organized by St. Illuminators Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and
    Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York,
    under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, at the Armenian Center
    in Woodside, New York, 8:05 pm. Vartan Matiosian will present the
    recently published book.
    February 11Vartanantz Day Divine Liturgy and celebration at
    Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, New
    Jersey. Celebrant, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Luncheon (adults $20;
    children $10) and special cultural program following church services.
    February 14Lecture on the Battle of Avarayr, presented by Vazken
    Ghougassian, PhD, Executive Director of Prelacy, organized by cultural
    committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1:30 t 2:30 pm.
    February 17First Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
    St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. General introduction by
    Archbishop Oshagan. Women Witnesses of Christ in the Armenian Church,
    presented by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminators
    Cathedral.
    February 24Second Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
    St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Guardians of
    Armenian Family Values, presented by Mrs. Iris Papazian.
    February 28 and March 7General Membership meetings of Soorp
    Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
    March 3Third Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
    Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Mothers and Wives,
    presented by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
    Church (NJ).
    March 7Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
    Blvd., Ridgefield, New Jersey.
    March 7Annual Membership Meeting, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis Ave.,
    Waukegan, Illinois.
    March 10Fourth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
    Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. St. Mary, Paradigm of Discipleship and
    Holiness, presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
    Church (NY).
    March 13International Food Festival and Auction hosted by the Armenian
    Relief Society at Hovnanian School, New Milford, New Jersey, at 5
    pm. Food booths of various nations. Silent auction and Tricky
    Tray. For information Lucy Keomurjian, 201-567-3318 or
    [email protected]
    (mailto:lucine [email protected]).
    March 14Ladies Guild annual Lenten Luncheon following church services,
    St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
    March 17Fifth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
    Church, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Charity Workers, presented by
    Mrs. Valentine Berberian.
    March 21Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
    City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie Aroyan,
    soprano. Tickets $30. Carnegie box office 212-247-7800 or Prelacy
    office 212-689-7810.
    March 24Sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
    St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Christian
    Educators Today, by Yeretzgin Joanna Baghsarian.
    April 11ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
    Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway,
    Bayside, New York, 4 pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under
    12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
    April 17St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts, presents
    jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm, church
    hall. $35 per person. Contact [email protected]
    (mailto:[email protected]) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
    781-209-1915. Reservations only.
    April 18ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to benefit
    Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
    Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins 1
    pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
    May 10Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
    May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
    St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
    Douglaston, New York.
    July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
    Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
    Island. Watch for details.

    Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
    site.

    To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
    add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
    your address book.

    Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
    credit Crossroads as the source.

    Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
    their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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