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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
March 29, 2007
THE PASSING OF ARMENIA'S PRIME MINISTER
The Prelacy received the sad news of the sudden death of Andranik
Margaryan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, early Sunday morning,
March 25. He was 56 years old. The Prelate, who was in Lebanon attending
meetings in Antelias was contacted by the Vicar. The Prelate instructed the
Vicar to immediately contact all Prelacy parishes with the sad news and to
instruct them to hold a requiem services for the repose of the soul of Mr.
Margaryan.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
immediately sent a message to Robert Kocharian, the President of the
Republic of Armenia. His Holiness said: "We have come to know closely Prime
Minister Margaryan, his work and his commitment to our country and nation.
In the last few years and particularly after his appointment as Prime
Minister, we followed his work both in the local and international arenas,
through which we saw reflections of such high values as patriotism,
efficiency and dedication. His death is a great loss both for the Armenian
nation and the Republic of Armenia. On behalf of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, we offer our condolences to Your Excellency, to the government and
the National Assembly. On this sad occasion, we express our deep condolences
to the late Prime Minister's widow and his family. We pray to God to rest
his soul in peace and give you strength in consolation."
Mr. Margaryan became prime minister in May 2000 and was also the
chairman of the governing Republic party. Born in Yerevan in 1951, he
studied cybernetics and graduated as a computer engineer. An Armenian
nationalist and critic of the Soviet system, he was jailed for two years in
1974.
Yesterday, March 28, was declared a day of national mourning in Armenia.
PRELACY LENTEN MEDITATIONS CONCLUDES
The final Prelacy Lenten meditation took place yesterday evening,
Wednesday, March 28. The 2007 Lenten series focused on the seven vices and
seven virtues. Last evening, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of
the Prelacy, concluded the series with his comments on "Gluttony and Self
Restraint" and "Lust and Chastity." His Grace filled in for Rev. Fr. Nareg
Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, who could
not attend because of a funeral in his parish.
The annual Lenten series is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the
St. Illuminator's Ladies Guild, and the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). All of the programs took place at St. Illuminator's
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, with the following general
schedule: Lenten Service at 7:30 pm; Lecture at 8 pm, followed by a light
Lenten meal and fellowship.
This year's series was very successful with thoughtful and well-received
presentations and very good attendance each week. Special recognition must
be given to the Cathedral's Ladies Guild and the Prelacy Ladies Guild for
their sponsorship and preparation of delicious Lenten foods each week.
MEETINGS AT THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
The challenge to discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian
Church and nation from the perspective of the 21st century brought together
the Cilician Brotherhood members of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in
Antelias, Lebanon. On the occasion of "Pilgrimage Day," His Holiness invited
the Brotherhood members and in particular the prelates, who also met
separately with the Pontiff and the Central Executive Council.
Archbishop Oshagan has been in Lebanon since last week. He is expected
to return to New York tomorrow.
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 24th Musical Armenia concert took place last Sunday, March 25. The
featured artists, bass Serge Barseghyan (accompanied by Evan Solomon) and
the Ararat Trio, comprised of Patil Harboyan, piano; Van Armenian, violin;
and Hrant Parsamian, cello, captured the attention and gratitude of the
audience at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. A reception took place at
the Prelacy following the concert for the performers, their family and
friends, and sponsors.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, hosted the reception in the
Prelate's absence. He expressed thanks to the performers and supporters of
Musical Armenia for making this series possible. He also thanked the members
of the committee for their organizational skills and dedication to the arts.
2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies
program will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For details
click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/datev.
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN
The 40th anniversary of the ordination of our Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in three different regions as follows:
On Saturday, May 5, the first of the three celebrations will take place
at The Marriott in Providence, Rhode Island, with the participation of all
of the parishes in New England, Connecticut, and Troy, New York.
On Saturday, May 12, the second celebration will take place at the The
Marriott at Glenpointe, in Teaneck, New Jersey, with the participation of
all of the parishes in the Mid Atlantic, which includes New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.
The final celebration will take place during the National Representative
Assembly (NRA) which is being hosted by St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn,
Michigan. This will take place on Friday, May 18, at Double Tree Hotel in
Dearborn, with the participation of the parishes in the Mid-West, as well as
the NRA delegates and guests.
AREC DIRECTOR LEADS SEMINAR IN NEW JERSEY
On Sunday, March 25, 2007, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council, conducted a seminar for the Sunday School
teachers of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The
interactive seminar focused on the notion of faith as trust in God as
expressed in the Christian scriptures; faithfulness to God expressed in a
life of obedience; and faith as belief-the doctrinal content of what the
church believes.
After luncheon, the Sunday school director Maggie Kouyoumdjian welcomed
everyone, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, the pastor, stressed the importance
of Christian education for the life of the church community in his
introductory remarks. The luncheon was provided by the Sunday School PTA
chairladies, Mrs. Linda Popovic and Mrs. Tamar Karajelian. Sts. Vartanants
Sunday School has 147 students and 20 teachers, assistant and substitute
teachers.
RAISING OF LAZARUS
This Saturday, March 31, the Armenian Church remembers the raising of
Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. The brother of Mary and
Martha, Lazarus and his sisters were good friends of Jesus. Their home in
Bethany, near Jerusalem, was Jesus's home whenever he was in Jerusalem.
Lazarus's sudden death threw his sisters into deep mourning. Jesus Himself
wept for His friend. John's gospel account emphasizes the fact that Lazarus
was actually dead by pointing out that his body was in the tomb. Jesus's
raising of Lazarus convinced many of Jesus's unique powers, and according to
John the authorities took steps to silence Him.
Lazarus personifies the whole of humankind and Bethany represents the
whole world. Lazarus Saturday is the real beginning of the Cross, as the
supreme sacrifice of love, and the Resurrection, as the ultimate triumph of
love. A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening (eve of Palm Sunday)
says: "With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given hope, the
descendents of Adam were also raised.." Thus, as the Lenten period comes to
an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christ's promise of the resurrection
of humankind.
PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK
In a few days we will enter the most solemn period of Christendom-Holy
Week-leading us to Christianity's most joyous period, Easter and the
celebration of the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of
events in the life of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events
include the resurrection of Lazarus (as described above) and the triumphal
entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday
(Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described centuries
earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large enthusiastic crowd greeted him
with olive and palm branches, and with the words, "Hosanna! Blessed is he
that comes in the name of the Lord." (John 12:13)
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of
Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The
traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is
an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best
clothing parade around the church.
On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the
Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of
the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and
says, "Open to us Lord, the door of mercy." In most diasporan communities
this service is held immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday,
rather than in the evening.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates
the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of
Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of
Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the
Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the
events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of
Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read
from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal
of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns
composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each
side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.
Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most
solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church
tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with
flowers and candles. The faithful bring flowers and decorate the tomb
throughout the service.
PRELATE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Stephen's Church
in Watertown, Massachussetts.
On Tuesday the Prelate and Vicar will visit the residents of the
Armenian Home in Flushing, New York. The next day, Wednesday, they will
visit the residents at the Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey.
On Thursday, the Prelate will travel to Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, for Maundy Thursday services.
On Friday, he will be at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Good Friday services.
On Saturday, His Eminence will be at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, for Easter Eve services.
On Easter Sunday, he will officiate over the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
"It is needless to say what place and significance this Patristic
literature had in the thought and life of the early Church. Its whole
intellectual and spiritual vitality and richness were poured into the
Armenian Church through the intensive activity of translation during the
fifth century, which, in its turn, gave a creative impulse to the thought
and life of the newly Christianized people of Armenia. The following
selective list of Church Fathers whose works were partly or integrally
translated into Armenian speaks of itself eloquently and has no need for
comment, since it may give you, in this bare form, an idea of the extent of
the literary achievements of this century in the field of translations:
Ignatius of Antioch, Aristides the Apologist, Irenaeus of Lyons, Hippolytus
of Rome, Dionysius of Alexandria, Gregory Thaumaturgus, Eusebius of
Caesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa,
Basil the Great, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Epiphanius of Salamis,
Evaagrius Ponticus, Aphraates, Ephraim Syrus, Cyril of Alexandria.
"Besides these Church Fathers there were others also whose works were
translated into Armenian, particularly some works of Origen, others ascribed
to Apolinarius and also works of Diodore of Tarsus and Theodore of
Mopsuestia. But during the later controversies many of these translations
were either destroyed or discarded after being suspected of heresy or
condemned as such. That is the reason why we know of them only through
references in other authors or through partly survived scanty fragments."
A Brief Introduction to Armenian Christian Literature
By Very Rev. Fr. Karekin Sarkissian, Faith Press, London, 1960
The Pontifical Message issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, proclaiming 2007 as the Year of the Armenian
Language is on the Prelacy's web page. To read the message in Armenian click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/2007Encyclical.pdf . To read the message in
English click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/021407a.htm.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, March 29, are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Timothy
3:14-16.
"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you
so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the
household of God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Great indeed, we
confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations,
believed on in the world, taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:14-16
For listing of the entire week's Bible readings click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/dbr2007.htm.
OPEN ING OF RENOVATED HOLY CROSS CHURCH OF AGHTAMAR TAKES PLACE TODAY;
CATHOLICOS ARAM I DECLINES
The Turkish government has reportedly spent $1.5 million dollars on the
renovation of the historic Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar in
Lake Van. More than 3,000 guests were invited to attend the opening ceremony
which took place today. The renovated church is now going to be called "The
Monumental Museum of Aghtamar Church." The cross on the dome has not been
replaced, supposedly for fear of lightening strikes.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced
last week that he would not send representatives from the Holy See of
Cilicia, "given Turkey's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide."
PBS'S FRONTLINE AIRS PROGRAM ABOUT WORLDWIDE
DANGERS FOR JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS
This week's Frontline, which aired on Tuesday in the New York area, was
about dangers to journalists around the world. Part of the program was
devoted to Turkey and the assassination of Hrant Dink.
Titled "Requiem," the program said: "The recent murder of Turkish
Armenian journalist Hrant Dink shocked many in Turkey and sent a chilling
message to the country's writers and academics. In an atmosphere of growing
nationalism, Dink had received a number of death threats and, in 2005, was
prosecuted for 'insulting Turkish identity.' Dink broke the Turkish taboo
against writing about or discussing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of
Armenians in Turkey between 1915 and 1917, during the waning days of the
Ottoman Empire. Armenians and many historians consider this to be the first
genocide of the 20th century. The Turkish government denies the charge,
saying the killings were part of a civil war. The dispute continues to stir
ethnic tensions."
To read more about this program click
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/newswar /req_turkey.html.
THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
The Armenian Church's hymns of Holy Week, from Christ's triumphant entry
into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever
created.
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the Lenten period, and
the hymn "Rejoice, O Holy Church" (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm
Sunday. "Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten,
rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King
of the universe."
During the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek) ceremony, the beautiful hymn
"Open for us, Lord" (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or in
front of the closed altar. "We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for
us, Lord, the gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord."
During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most melodious and
memorable hymns are sung including, "My Heart Trembles" (Sird im Sasani);
"Seized by the Love of Money" (Ardsatsirootyampun Molyal), and the
heartbreaking "Where Are You, O Mother?" (Oor Es Mayr Im). "Where are you,
most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled
with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my
mother?"
The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, "Praise the Lord, O
Jerusalem!" (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ
is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord,
alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that
enlightened the world, alleluia!"
PRELATE'S EASTER MESSAGE: "MY LORD AND MY GOD"
Archbishop Oshagan's 2007 Easter Message, "My Lord and My God," is on
the Prelacy's web page.
To read the message in Armenian click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/Easter2007MessageA rmenian.pdf.
To read the message in English click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/032107a.htm.
CALE NDAR OF EVENTS
April 1-Ladies Guild Annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale, St. Stephen's Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.
April 14-Ladies Guild Comedy Night featuring Mel Simons, Meze and dessert
will be served, St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For
information, 617-924-7562.
May 5-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in the
New England area will take place in Providence, Rhode Island.
May 6-30th anniversary of St. Illuminator's Armenian Day School, Terrace on
the Park, Corona, New York, at 5 pm.
May 7-Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers' Day Luncheon, St. Regis Hotel, New York
City.
May 12-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in Mid
Atlantic area will take place at the Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New
Jersey.
May 12-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, 50th anniversary concert
featuring Onnik Dinkjian and John Berberian.
May 12-Armenian Dance party, St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard,
Massachusetts.
May 18-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in
Midwest will take place at the National Representative Assembly.
May 20-"Hello Ellis Island" and Reception, St. Stephen's Church Hall,
Watertown, Massachusetts. $20 per person. Information, 617-924-7562.
July 1-8-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian
studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 21-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island, and
ARS Ani Chapter present "A Hye Summer Night 2." For information
401-286-8107.
August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
tournament at Blackstone Country Club.
August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic.
September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar.
December 9-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.
Visit our website at www.armenianprelacy.org
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
March 29, 2007
THE PASSING OF ARMENIA'S PRIME MINISTER
The Prelacy received the sad news of the sudden death of Andranik
Margaryan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, early Sunday morning,
March 25. He was 56 years old. The Prelate, who was in Lebanon attending
meetings in Antelias was contacted by the Vicar. The Prelate instructed the
Vicar to immediately contact all Prelacy parishes with the sad news and to
instruct them to hold a requiem services for the repose of the soul of Mr.
Margaryan.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
immediately sent a message to Robert Kocharian, the President of the
Republic of Armenia. His Holiness said: "We have come to know closely Prime
Minister Margaryan, his work and his commitment to our country and nation.
In the last few years and particularly after his appointment as Prime
Minister, we followed his work both in the local and international arenas,
through which we saw reflections of such high values as patriotism,
efficiency and dedication. His death is a great loss both for the Armenian
nation and the Republic of Armenia. On behalf of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, we offer our condolences to Your Excellency, to the government and
the National Assembly. On this sad occasion, we express our deep condolences
to the late Prime Minister's widow and his family. We pray to God to rest
his soul in peace and give you strength in consolation."
Mr. Margaryan became prime minister in May 2000 and was also the
chairman of the governing Republic party. Born in Yerevan in 1951, he
studied cybernetics and graduated as a computer engineer. An Armenian
nationalist and critic of the Soviet system, he was jailed for two years in
1974.
Yesterday, March 28, was declared a day of national mourning in Armenia.
PRELACY LENTEN MEDITATIONS CONCLUDES
The final Prelacy Lenten meditation took place yesterday evening,
Wednesday, March 28. The 2007 Lenten series focused on the seven vices and
seven virtues. Last evening, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of
the Prelacy, concluded the series with his comments on "Gluttony and Self
Restraint" and "Lust and Chastity." His Grace filled in for Rev. Fr. Nareg
Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, who could
not attend because of a funeral in his parish.
The annual Lenten series is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the
St. Illuminator's Ladies Guild, and the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). All of the programs took place at St. Illuminator's
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, with the following general
schedule: Lenten Service at 7:30 pm; Lecture at 8 pm, followed by a light
Lenten meal and fellowship.
This year's series was very successful with thoughtful and well-received
presentations and very good attendance each week. Special recognition must
be given to the Cathedral's Ladies Guild and the Prelacy Ladies Guild for
their sponsorship and preparation of delicious Lenten foods each week.
MEETINGS AT THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
The challenge to discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian
Church and nation from the perspective of the 21st century brought together
the Cilician Brotherhood members of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in
Antelias, Lebanon. On the occasion of "Pilgrimage Day," His Holiness invited
the Brotherhood members and in particular the prelates, who also met
separately with the Pontiff and the Central Executive Council.
Archbishop Oshagan has been in Lebanon since last week. He is expected
to return to New York tomorrow.
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 24th Musical Armenia concert took place last Sunday, March 25. The
featured artists, bass Serge Barseghyan (accompanied by Evan Solomon) and
the Ararat Trio, comprised of Patil Harboyan, piano; Van Armenian, violin;
and Hrant Parsamian, cello, captured the attention and gratitude of the
audience at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. A reception took place at
the Prelacy following the concert for the performers, their family and
friends, and sponsors.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, hosted the reception in the
Prelate's absence. He expressed thanks to the performers and supporters of
Musical Armenia for making this series possible. He also thanked the members
of the committee for their organizational skills and dedication to the arts.
2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies
program will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For details
click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/datev.
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN
The 40th anniversary of the ordination of our Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in three different regions as follows:
On Saturday, May 5, the first of the three celebrations will take place
at The Marriott in Providence, Rhode Island, with the participation of all
of the parishes in New England, Connecticut, and Troy, New York.
On Saturday, May 12, the second celebration will take place at the The
Marriott at Glenpointe, in Teaneck, New Jersey, with the participation of
all of the parishes in the Mid Atlantic, which includes New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.
The final celebration will take place during the National Representative
Assembly (NRA) which is being hosted by St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn,
Michigan. This will take place on Friday, May 18, at Double Tree Hotel in
Dearborn, with the participation of the parishes in the Mid-West, as well as
the NRA delegates and guests.
AREC DIRECTOR LEADS SEMINAR IN NEW JERSEY
On Sunday, March 25, 2007, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council, conducted a seminar for the Sunday School
teachers of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The
interactive seminar focused on the notion of faith as trust in God as
expressed in the Christian scriptures; faithfulness to God expressed in a
life of obedience; and faith as belief-the doctrinal content of what the
church believes.
After luncheon, the Sunday school director Maggie Kouyoumdjian welcomed
everyone, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, the pastor, stressed the importance
of Christian education for the life of the church community in his
introductory remarks. The luncheon was provided by the Sunday School PTA
chairladies, Mrs. Linda Popovic and Mrs. Tamar Karajelian. Sts. Vartanants
Sunday School has 147 students and 20 teachers, assistant and substitute
teachers.
RAISING OF LAZARUS
This Saturday, March 31, the Armenian Church remembers the raising of
Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. The brother of Mary and
Martha, Lazarus and his sisters were good friends of Jesus. Their home in
Bethany, near Jerusalem, was Jesus's home whenever he was in Jerusalem.
Lazarus's sudden death threw his sisters into deep mourning. Jesus Himself
wept for His friend. John's gospel account emphasizes the fact that Lazarus
was actually dead by pointing out that his body was in the tomb. Jesus's
raising of Lazarus convinced many of Jesus's unique powers, and according to
John the authorities took steps to silence Him.
Lazarus personifies the whole of humankind and Bethany represents the
whole world. Lazarus Saturday is the real beginning of the Cross, as the
supreme sacrifice of love, and the Resurrection, as the ultimate triumph of
love. A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening (eve of Palm Sunday)
says: "With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given hope, the
descendents of Adam were also raised.." Thus, as the Lenten period comes to
an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christ's promise of the resurrection
of humankind.
PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK
In a few days we will enter the most solemn period of Christendom-Holy
Week-leading us to Christianity's most joyous period, Easter and the
celebration of the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of
events in the life of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events
include the resurrection of Lazarus (as described above) and the triumphal
entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday
(Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described centuries
earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large enthusiastic crowd greeted him
with olive and palm branches, and with the words, "Hosanna! Blessed is he
that comes in the name of the Lord." (John 12:13)
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of
Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The
traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is
an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best
clothing parade around the church.
On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the
Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of
the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and
says, "Open to us Lord, the door of mercy." In most diasporan communities
this service is held immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday,
rather than in the evening.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates
the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of
Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of
Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the
Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the
events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of
Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read
from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal
of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns
composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each
side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.
Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most
solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church
tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with
flowers and candles. The faithful bring flowers and decorate the tomb
throughout the service.
PRELATE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Stephen's Church
in Watertown, Massachussetts.
On Tuesday the Prelate and Vicar will visit the residents of the
Armenian Home in Flushing, New York. The next day, Wednesday, they will
visit the residents at the Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey.
On Thursday, the Prelate will travel to Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, for Maundy Thursday services.
On Friday, he will be at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Good Friday services.
On Saturday, His Eminence will be at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, for Easter Eve services.
On Easter Sunday, he will officiate over the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
"It is needless to say what place and significance this Patristic
literature had in the thought and life of the early Church. Its whole
intellectual and spiritual vitality and richness were poured into the
Armenian Church through the intensive activity of translation during the
fifth century, which, in its turn, gave a creative impulse to the thought
and life of the newly Christianized people of Armenia. The following
selective list of Church Fathers whose works were partly or integrally
translated into Armenian speaks of itself eloquently and has no need for
comment, since it may give you, in this bare form, an idea of the extent of
the literary achievements of this century in the field of translations:
Ignatius of Antioch, Aristides the Apologist, Irenaeus of Lyons, Hippolytus
of Rome, Dionysius of Alexandria, Gregory Thaumaturgus, Eusebius of
Caesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa,
Basil the Great, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Epiphanius of Salamis,
Evaagrius Ponticus, Aphraates, Ephraim Syrus, Cyril of Alexandria.
"Besides these Church Fathers there were others also whose works were
translated into Armenian, particularly some works of Origen, others ascribed
to Apolinarius and also works of Diodore of Tarsus and Theodore of
Mopsuestia. But during the later controversies many of these translations
were either destroyed or discarded after being suspected of heresy or
condemned as such. That is the reason why we know of them only through
references in other authors or through partly survived scanty fragments."
A Brief Introduction to Armenian Christian Literature
By Very Rev. Fr. Karekin Sarkissian, Faith Press, London, 1960
The Pontifical Message issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, proclaiming 2007 as the Year of the Armenian
Language is on the Prelacy's web page. To read the message in Armenian click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/2007Encyclical.pdf . To read the message in
English click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/021407a.htm.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, March 29, are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Timothy
3:14-16.
"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you
so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the
household of God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Great indeed, we
confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations,
believed on in the world, taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:14-16
For listing of the entire week's Bible readings click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/dbr2007.htm.
OPEN ING OF RENOVATED HOLY CROSS CHURCH OF AGHTAMAR TAKES PLACE TODAY;
CATHOLICOS ARAM I DECLINES
The Turkish government has reportedly spent $1.5 million dollars on the
renovation of the historic Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar in
Lake Van. More than 3,000 guests were invited to attend the opening ceremony
which took place today. The renovated church is now going to be called "The
Monumental Museum of Aghtamar Church." The cross on the dome has not been
replaced, supposedly for fear of lightening strikes.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced
last week that he would not send representatives from the Holy See of
Cilicia, "given Turkey's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide."
PBS'S FRONTLINE AIRS PROGRAM ABOUT WORLDWIDE
DANGERS FOR JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS
This week's Frontline, which aired on Tuesday in the New York area, was
about dangers to journalists around the world. Part of the program was
devoted to Turkey and the assassination of Hrant Dink.
Titled "Requiem," the program said: "The recent murder of Turkish
Armenian journalist Hrant Dink shocked many in Turkey and sent a chilling
message to the country's writers and academics. In an atmosphere of growing
nationalism, Dink had received a number of death threats and, in 2005, was
prosecuted for 'insulting Turkish identity.' Dink broke the Turkish taboo
against writing about or discussing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of
Armenians in Turkey between 1915 and 1917, during the waning days of the
Ottoman Empire. Armenians and many historians consider this to be the first
genocide of the 20th century. The Turkish government denies the charge,
saying the killings were part of a civil war. The dispute continues to stir
ethnic tensions."
To read more about this program click
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/newswar /req_turkey.html.
THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
The Armenian Church's hymns of Holy Week, from Christ's triumphant entry
into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever
created.
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the Lenten period, and
the hymn "Rejoice, O Holy Church" (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm
Sunday. "Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten,
rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King
of the universe."
During the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek) ceremony, the beautiful hymn
"Open for us, Lord" (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or in
front of the closed altar. "We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for
us, Lord, the gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord."
During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most melodious and
memorable hymns are sung including, "My Heart Trembles" (Sird im Sasani);
"Seized by the Love of Money" (Ardsatsirootyampun Molyal), and the
heartbreaking "Where Are You, O Mother?" (Oor Es Mayr Im). "Where are you,
most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled
with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my
mother?"
The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, "Praise the Lord, O
Jerusalem!" (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ
is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord,
alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that
enlightened the world, alleluia!"
PRELATE'S EASTER MESSAGE: "MY LORD AND MY GOD"
Archbishop Oshagan's 2007 Easter Message, "My Lord and My God," is on
the Prelacy's web page.
To read the message in Armenian click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/Easter2007MessageA rmenian.pdf.
To read the message in English click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/032107a.htm.
CALE NDAR OF EVENTS
April 1-Ladies Guild Annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale, St. Stephen's Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.
April 14-Ladies Guild Comedy Night featuring Mel Simons, Meze and dessert
will be served, St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For
information, 617-924-7562.
May 5-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in the
New England area will take place in Providence, Rhode Island.
May 6-30th anniversary of St. Illuminator's Armenian Day School, Terrace on
the Park, Corona, New York, at 5 pm.
May 7-Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers' Day Luncheon, St. Regis Hotel, New York
City.
May 12-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in Mid
Atlantic area will take place at the Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New
Jersey.
May 12-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, 50th anniversary concert
featuring Onnik Dinkjian and John Berberian.
May 12-Armenian Dance party, St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard,
Massachusetts.
May 18-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in
Midwest will take place at the National Representative Assembly.
May 20-"Hello Ellis Island" and Reception, St. Stephen's Church Hall,
Watertown, Massachusetts. $20 per person. Information, 617-924-7562.
July 1-8-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian
studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 21-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island, and
ARS Ani Chapter present "A Hye Summer Night 2." For information
401-286-8107.
August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
tournament at Blackstone Country Club.
August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic.
September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar.
December 9-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.
Visit our website at www.armenianprelacy.org