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Eastern Prelacy: Crossroads E-Newsletter - 08/02/2007

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  • Eastern Prelacy: Crossroads E-Newsletter - 08/02/2007

    PRESS RELEASE
    Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
    138 East 39th Street
    New York, NY 10016
    Tel: 212-689-7810
    Fax: 212-689-7168
    e-mail: [email protected]
    Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
    Contact: Iris Papazian

    August 2, 2007

    PRELATE AND VICAR VISIT LEBANESE CONSUL GENERAL
    Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, paid a
    courtesy visit to the Consul General of Lebanon, His Excellency Antoine
    Azzam, today, Thursday, August 2. Mr. Azzam recently returned to New York to
    his post as Consul General. The Prelate and Vicar expressed their
    appreciation of the cordial and friendly relationship the Prelacy shares
    with the Lebanese Consul. They exchanged views on a number of topics,
    including the current political situation in Lebanon, and the Armenian
    community in Lebanon.

    PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO FRANKLIN FOR BLESSING OF GRAPES
    Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Camp Haiastan in Franklin,
    Massachusetts this Sunday, August 5, where he will preside over the Blessing
    of the Grapes and Madagh by St. Stephen's Church in Watertown.

    CHAIRMAN OF ARMENIA FUND OF SWITZERLAND
    VISITS THE PRELACY
    On Monday, July 30, Mr. and Mrs. Avedis Kizirian visited the Prelacy
    where they were welcomed by the Prelate. Mr. Kizirian is the chairman of
    Switzerland's Armenia Fund.

    GENOCIDE DOCUMENTARY WILL BE SHOWN
    ON PBS IN WASHINGTON THIS SUNDAY
    The documentary, "The Armenian Genocide," which received international
    critical acclaim when it was first aired nationally on PBS last year will be
    shown again on WETA in Washington, DC, this Sunday, August 5 at 8 pm. For
    more information go to www.weta.com.

    A NEW BOOK BY CATHOLICOS ARAM I
    A new book by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
    Cilicia, was recently issued by the Catholicosate. Entitled, For a Church
    Beyond Its Walls, the 342 page book is receiving glowing reviews from many
    religious leaders and theologians around the world. The book is a discussion
    of issues related to the church's mission, identity, inter-faith dialogue,
    and difficulties facing contemporary societies. The Foreword to the volume
    is written by Dr. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of
    Churches, who in describing the great contributions the Catholicos has made
    to ecumenism writes: "As an Orthodox theologian, you have contributed to a
    better understanding of the ecclesiological challenges. As a scholar, you
    have made a profound intellectual contribution to ecumenical discourse on
    contemporary issues through your writings and in seminars and conferences.
    As a prelate and head of church, with an acute sense of pastoral
    responsibility, you have opened new avenues for inter-religious relations
    and dialogue. But we are all deeply aware that you are not simply an
    Orthodox primate. You are an 'Armenian' Orthodox primate. This is what you
    have never forgotten, and you have not allowed any of us to forget."
    A prolific and profound writer, this new book is His Holiness's 12th
    book in English. His writings in the Armenian language number several dozen.

    IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
    To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/2007Encyclical.pdf .
    To read the message of His Holiness in English click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/021407a.htm.
    His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
    designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
    year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
    Armenian language and literature:
    "The nation needed to deepen its Christian faith by absorbing it into
    the fabric of national life. And it could do this only if it had direct
    access to the source of the Christian faith-the Holy Scripture. A Church
    without the Bible in the hands of her faithful could not stand very long nor
    remain very firm in the midst of a pagan world. The Armenian Church Fathers
    were deeply conscious of the urgent need for an Armenian translation of the
    Bible. But at this time no written Armenian language existed, and therefore
    there was no Armenian alphabet. Finally, at the beginning of the fifth
    century, a Church divine, Saint Mesrop Mashtots, succeeded in devising an
    alphabet adequate to all the subtleties of Armenian pronunciation. The great
    work of translation followed, under the wise guidance of Saint Sahak and
    Saint Mesrop. The translation was first made from a Syriac version of the
    Bible. Later, between 430 and 440, it was thoroughly revised on the basis of
    a text of the Greek Septuagint which was brought from Constantinople by
    Armenian students. The Greek text was considered more accurate and
    trustworthy than the Syriac version, and the revision was such a radical one
    that the result was almost a new translation."
    The Bible in the Armenian Christian Tradition
    by V. Rev. Fr. Karekin Sarkissian (1962)

    DAILY BIBLE READINGS
    Bible readings for today, August 2, are: Proverbs 11:30-12:4; Hosea
    12:6-9; 2 Corinthians 4:6-14; Luke 12:2-10.
    But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice; and
    wait continually for your God. A trader, in whose hands are false balances,
    he loves to oppress. Ephraim has said, "Ah, I am rich, I have gained wealth
    for myself; in all of my gain no offense has been found in me that would be
    sin." I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in
    tents again, as in the days of the appointed festival. (Hosea 12:6-9)
    For listing of the entire week's Bible readings click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/dbr2007.htm#080207 .

    PILGRIMAGE TO MONASTERY OF ST. TADEH
    The Monastery of St. Tadeh (Thaddeus) has played a unique role
    throughout history in the Christianization of the Armenian nation. The feast
    of the apostle Thaddeus and St. Santoukhd, which this year was on July 21,
    brings spiritual renewal each year for thousands of pilgrims who go to the
    Monastery. The Primates of the three dioceses in Iran, Archbishop Sebouh
    (Tehran), Bishop Papken (Isfahan), and Bishop Neshan (Tabriz), led the
    pilgrimage.
    His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent
    pontifical blessings in a written message to the pilgrims gathered in the
    Monastery. "Your pilgrimage to Saint Tadeh should become an occasion for
    spiritual renewal. Let us not forget that through Christianity the lives of
    Armenians thrived with spiritual values, and Christian values became
    intertwined with Armenian traditions in our lives. Therefore, we expect that
    this pilgrimage will also be an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen your
    national belonging," said His Holiness.
    For the duration of this festival thousands of pilgrims live in tents
    pitched on the monastery grounds. They attend services and other events in
    remembrance of St. Thaddeus, one of two apostles who brought Christianity to
    Armenia.

    TWO HUNDRED HOLY FATHERS OF THE
    ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF EPHESUS
    This Saturday, August 4, the Armenian Church remembers the 200 Holy
    Fathers of the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Ephesus, the third general
    council, was convened upon the order of Emperor Theodosius II to settle the
    Nestorian heresy. A large number of high-ranking church leaders attended,
    headed by Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria. The principle decision of the
    Council was the condemnation of Nestorius. The Council excommunicated
    Nestorius and condemned his heresy, affirmed the Nicene Creed, approved the
    title of Theotokos (God-bearer) for the Virgin Mary. The Armenian Church
    accepted the canons and decisions of the Council and designated a day in the
    church calendar on the Saturday of the Paregentan of the Assumption. The
    Armenian Church recognizes the first three councils: Nicaea (325);
    Constantinople (381); and Ephesus (431), with special days in the liturgical
    calendar for all three.
    Ephesus was the chief city of the Roman province of Asia at the
    crossroads of the coastal route between Smyrna and Cyzicus. The Temple of
    Artemis in the city was one of the great wonders of the ancient world. St.
    Paul took Christianity to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). He stayed there for two
    years during his third missionary journey.

    THIS WEEK AT THE BOOKSTORE. . .NOT JUST BOOKS!
    We would like to remind you that besides books and gifts there are some
    collectibles available at the Prelacy Bookstore. For instance, a book of
    stamps from Nagorno-Karabakh, each stamp depicting a different scene from
    the beautiful countryside, the architecture, or the churches and
    monasteries. Also available is a set of six postcards with commemorative
    stamps dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of Christian Armenia.
    There are also some older stamps from Armenia: "Armenia in World War
    II," issued on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the war,
    and stamps issued on the occasion of the 32nd chess Olympiad in Yerevan
    (1996).
    For information about these items contact the bookstore, by email at
    [email protected] or by phone at 212-689-7810. For other books and
    gifts available at the Prelacy Bookstore click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/bookstore.htm.

    A MINI SERMON
    In the Book of Deuteronomy it is written, "Love the Lord your God with
    all of your heart and with all of your soul, and with all your might. Keep
    these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to
    your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are
    away, when you lie down and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
    These words were written over 2,000 years ago and yet they resonate very
    loudly and clearly in our own times. The attempt to remove God from our
    daily lives continues, not only in our schools, colleges, and institutions,
    but also in the electronic and print media.
    The reality of our nation is that we pride ourselves on the separation
    of church and state. It was never intended that the people should be
    separated from God, yet at every turn we are inundated with the attempts of
    the secularists to eradicate the very name of God from our everyday lives.
    Each day our children are bombarded with the trash that permeates the
    airwaves of television and the internet. St. Paul reminds us that each one
    of us is an Evangelist and as Christians we have an obligation to speak out.
    If we really want to do something about making the world we live in a better
    place, then as followers of Jesus Christ we have to make our voices heard.
    We cannot claim Christianity and sit idly by and perhaps commit the greatest
    of all sins which is indifference and apathy. Remember that the only person
    who can bring about change is you. As always the choice is yours to make.
    Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian
    Pastor, St. Gregory Armenian Church, North Andover, Massachusetts

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    August 5-Holy Cross Armenian Church, Troy, New York, Blessing of the Grapes
    and annual picnic, noon to 4 pm. For information: 518-274-1477.

    August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
    tournament at Blackstone Country Club. For information
    www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677.

    August 12-Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Divine Liturgy
    and Blessing of the Grapes St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
    Luncheon, organized and prepared by the Cathedral's Ladies Guild, will
    follow the services. For information 212-689-5880.

    August 12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual church
    picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. For information
    401-831-6399.

    August 12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Annual church
    picnic and Blessing of the Grapes at Dunkerhook Park, Pavilion D, Paramus,
    New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.

    August 12-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
    Feast of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of Grapes and annual picnic. For
    information: 508-852-2414.

    August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
    church picnic. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677.

    September 9-Annual picnic of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley at
    American Legion Grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

    September 9-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, annual picnic at
    Quartette Club grounds, New Britain.

    September 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "The Moon*The
    Stars*and All that Jazz." An evening of music and mezze under the stars,
    presented by the Ladies Guild. For information 845-735-8713 or 201-445-6867.

    September 25-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
    Massachusetts, 4th annual golf outing at Juniper Hill Golf Course,
    Northboro, Massachusetts. Registration at 8 am. Tee off at 9 am. $125
    includes golf cart, dinner and prizes. For information 508-852-2414.

    September 27-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 5th Annual Golf
    Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Registration
    begins at 11 a.m. and tee time at 1 p.m. For information, 201-943-2950.

    September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
    anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. For information
    www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677.

    October 7-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, 82nd Anniversary
    banquet, Marriott Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

    October 7-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "Hello Ellis
    Island," the latest production of The Way We Were Troupe, hosted by the
    Ladies Guild, 1 pm. Lunch served. For information 201-943-2950.

    October 18, 19, 20, 21-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Food
    Festival and Bazaar.

    October 21-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the
    20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the
    auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information
    www.saintgregory-philly.org or 215-482-9200.

    November 11-37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and
    ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer.
    Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
    Prelacy.

    November 10-11-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual
    "Armenian Fest," at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For
    information 401-831-6399.

    November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
    Banquet.

    December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
    church bazaar. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677.

    December 9-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
    celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.

    Visit our website at www.armenianprelacy.org

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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