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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
NOVEMBER 29, 2007
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN MEETS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS;
URGES LEADERS TO ADOPT A MORAL STAND
Archbishop Oshagan met with more than a dozen members of Congress last
week and discussed issues of concern to Armenian Americans, including the
moral imperative of America adopting a principled stand on the Armenian
Genocide and against all instances of genocide. The Prelate discussed the
state of the Armenian Church in the Eastern United States and reminded
members of the historic repression of Christians under Ottoman rule,
culminating in the genocide of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians from
1915-1923. He noted that following the Genocide, many Armenians found safe
haven in the United States and today their descendents comprise a large
portion of the Armenian parishes throughout the country. His Eminence was
joined with members of the Armenian National Committee of America.
The Prelate spoke about the discrimination against the Armenian Church
and the remaining Armenian community living in Turkey, citing the
restrictions against free speech regarding the Armenian Genocide. He also
discussed the destruction of Armenian churches and cultural icons in present
day Turkey and Azerbaijan. He especially cited the lack of a meaningful U.S.
protest of Azerbaijan's recent destruction of the 1,300-year-old Armenian
cemetery in Julfa, Nakhichevan. His Eminence and the ANCA delegation noted
that, despite several requests, the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan has yet to
investigate the matter or even visit the site.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS WILL MEET
The Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow and Saturday,
November 30 and December 1, at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND LUNCHEON
HONORING POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS
Archbishop Oshagan will attend a special Thanksgiving and Christmas
luncheon on Wednesday, December 5, hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York, in honor of the members of the local New York City Police and Fire
departments (111th precinct). The day will begin with morning worship
services led by the Prelate and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St.
Sarkis Church, attended by the police and fire fighters and members of the
parish's seniors' organization. Luncheon will follow. This annual event has
become a warm tradition that brings the church and local community closer
together.
GARY KASPAROV ARRESTED
Former chess champion Gary Kasparov was arrested after leading a protest
at Moscow's federal election authority offices. Kasparov was sentenced to
five days in jail for holding an unauthorized march. He had been on his way
to give election officials a letter claiming that the upcoming Russian
elections are biased toward President Vladimir Putin. Kasparov is the
presidential candidate for the opposition Other Russia coalition. He was
also arrested in April and was fined without incarceration.
ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN MEETING
The meeting of the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Bible
Society took place in Moscow last week. Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Ecumenical
Officer) participated on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia; Archbishop
Yeznig Bedrossian (Ecumenical Officer) participated on behalf of the
Catholicosate of All Armenians, Etchmiadzin. Cooperation between these
bodies has continued since 1999. This meeting discussed the various
agreements and projects between the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches
and the Bible Society. They also prepared the agenda for the next meeting in
September 2008.
SERIES OF PUBLICATIONS CONTINUES IN ANTELIAS
Emphasizing the importance of books during his speech at the opening of
the 29th annual Armenian Book exhibition in Antelias, His Holiness Aram I
praised all the publishing houses and individuals who support and spread the
reach of Armenian books. His Holiness particularly praised the huge efforts
of the Catholicosate and the Lisbon-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation's
Armenian Department. He praised the dedication of the director of the
Armenian Department, Dr. Zaven Yegavian. Eight volumes of the Madenakirk
Hayots series have already been published by the Catholicosate's publishing
house during the past two years. Four new volumes will soon be added to this
masterful series.
BLESSING OF MURON IS SCHEDULED
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) next year on
June 7, 2008. The Faithful are encouraged to attend this special service
which takes place every seven years. Details will be forthcoming.
SAINTS THADDEUS AND BARTHOLOMEW
This Saturday, December 1, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints
Thaddeus and Bartholomew, two of the twelve apostles who were the first
evangelizers of Armenia, and were martyred there, giving the Armenian Church
its apostolic identity and earning them the title, "First Enlighteners of
Armenia." Thaddeus came to Armenia about 43 AD to preach Christianity. He
was martyred in southeastern Armenia. His tomb lies in the Armenian
monastery of St. Thaddeus (Iran) where a chapel was built in the third
century. Bartholomew is believed to have arrived in Armenia about 66 AD. He
was martyred in Hadamakert, southeast of Lake Van.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 2, is the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is a
season of waiting for the coming of Christ, which gives us reason to live in
hope regardless of the many challenges and vicissitudes facing us on many
fronts. John the Baptist is the great Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter
3, and Luke, Chapter 3).
Remember that this time of the year, although filled with great joy, can
be lonely and sad for many people. Reach out with a visit, a note, or a
telephone call to an elderly person living alone, someone who is ill, or
someone who recently lost a loved one.
KING APKAR
On Tuesday, December 4, the Armenian Church commemorates King Apkar, who
according to tradition was afflicted with a debilitating skin ailment. The
King wrote a letter to Christ asking for His assistance. Christ replied by
sending a cloth with His image and the promise to send one of His apostles.
St. Thaddeus was sent and subsequently the King had a miraculous recovery.
King Apkar and his family accepted Christianity and the King wrote to other
leaders (including his cousin King Sanadrook of Armenia) urging them to
accept Christianity.
KHIRIMIAN HAYRIG
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the passing of the beloved
Catholicos Mgrdich I, lovingly known as Khirmian Hairig. Hairig died at age
87 on October 29, 1907. His tomb, near the entrance of the Mother Cathedral
in Etchmiadzin, is a popular and honored pilgrimage site. There is an
interesting story about the location of his tomb. By decision of the
brotherhood of Etchmiadzin, Khirmian Hairig was to be buried next to
Catholicos Makar (his predecessor) to the south of the belfry of the Mother
Cathedral. On November 1, the grand sacristan, Bishop Ghevond, performed the
service attendant to the grave digging. Suddenly a popular uprising arose. A
crowd numbering in the thousands came into the courtyard with angry shouts
of "Makar wrecked Armenian homes, our dear Hairig must not be buried next to
him! Bury Hairig next to Nerses of Ashtarak." The newspapers wrote up the
incident noting that, "The people flocked in the Etchmiadzin Monastery
courtyard from morning until noon and they refused to permit Khrimian's
grave to be next to Catholicos Makar. The crowd covered the grave that had
been dug and dug a new grave next to that of Nerses of Ashtarak. The
Armenian people wished for Khrimian, the Father of the Fatherland, to be
buried next to Nerses, the Protector of the Fatherland. And that is what
happened."
Khirmian Hairig has a special tie to the Armenian Church in America. It
was his encyclical of July 2, 1898, that officially established the Armenian
Church of America. Next year is the 110th anniversary of that momentous
event.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, November 29, are: Proverbs 8:33-36; Isaiah
66:18-21; Philippians 4:1-7; Luke 9:1-6.
Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Happy is the one
who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For
whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but those who
miss me injure themselves; all who hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:33-36)
For listing of the entire week's Bible readings click here.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click here.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click here.
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 Persians, the Greeks, the Seljuks, the Tatars and the Turks have
all tried to crush us. Our people see that all of these conquerers have come
and gone. But they had come to stay. When the enemy wished to enslave,
wished to subdue them, they knew how to survive and live through their
culture. When the Armenians took others captive, they did so with their
books; when they dominated, they did so with the book of Nareg. And, with
that spirit, they responded to the Arab incursions with the three-storied
stronghold temple of Zvartnots; they erected the marvel of Hripsime against
Byzantium; they resisted the Seljuks with a thousand and one churches. You
may mentally pursue the course of this incomprehensible struggle for
survival by setting Datev against Tamerlane, the stones of Etchmiadzin
against Shah Abbas, and coming down to the present period marked by the 1915
genocide and the resurrection of our people with the bells of Sardarabad.
Look and see how the spirit of the Holy Translators, their zealousness and
their unfinished dream soars above all this.
"Let us once more vow to remain faithful to the work of the generation
of Translators. Let us keep and preserve what is ours, what is genuine to
us. Let us stand up for our culture, our language, our prayers, our
fatherland and, with the determination of our Translators, say no to all
those forces which from the fifth century to the present have always waged a
struggle against our existence and our unique character. Let us again vow to
masterly use that apostolic and prophetic inspiration which has been
transmitted to us as the legacy of Mashdots and collectively bring that to
life through our lives. Only then shall we be the deserving heirs of our
illustrious saints, through our life and work glorifying the Name of our
Creator and Lord, with which you are blessed and shall be blessed."
>From Sermon delivered on October 12, 1979, by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of
blessed memory, in the church of Oshagan, Armenia, burial site of Mesrob
Mashtots.
A MINI ADVENT SERMON
As Orthodox Christians, Advent is the period in which we prepare
ourselves for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this
time of spiritual preparation the three most important elements of our
Advent journey are and should be to Praise our God, to watch for His
triumphant birth as our Lord and Savior, to wait with a patient heart for
His presence among us during this most joyful time of the year, and finally
to receive Him as the Prince of Peace, the Wonder Counselor and the Mighty
One who comes to proclaim the Glory of God's Kingdom here on Earth. Above
all, Christmas is about Christ.
There is a beautiful Christmas hymn titled, "Hark the Herald Angels
Sing, Glory to the Newborn King." This is not only a song of the Nativity,
but the reality of who Jesus Christ is-the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings,
the Mighty One, the Wonderful Counselor. Remember that Jesus Christ was
proclaimed not only as the Son of God, but God who became man and lived
amongst us. You cannot separate the two, for our Lord Himself proclaimed:
"My Father and I are the same, he who does not believe in me does not
believe in the one who sent me."
This is indeed a very special time of the year and perhaps more joyful
than any other. But, remember the real joy of Christmas cannot be complete
without recognizing why we celebrate it and whose feast day this really is.
The answer is simple and not complicated. The choice is yours.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 27 to November 29-Christian Education classes at Sourp Khatch
Church in Bethesda, Maryland, 8 pm in the church sanctuary. Topic: The
Badarak. Classes held second and fourth Thursdays of each month, except
Thanksgiving week when classes will take place Friday. Armenian and English.
Prior attendance is not a requisite. For information: 301-229-8742.
October 16 to December 18-"From Jesus' meals with sinners to the Lord's
Supper," a five part Bible study at the Armenian Prelacy will begin on
October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from
7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
send e-mail to [email protected] or call 212-689-4481.
November 30-"And Three Chairs Fell from Heaven," written and directed by
Herand Markarian. Performed by the Hamazkayin Theatre Group of New York,
sponsored by the Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society. All proceeds
will benefit the St. Illuminator's Armenian School. 8:35 pm, Armenian
Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York. For information and tickets:
718-961-9550.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677.
December 1-St. Paul's Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Bake Sale, Crafts
and Café St. Paul. For orders or more information, 847-244-4573 or
www.StPaulArmenian Church.com.
December 2-Hamasdegh Armenian School of Sourp Khatch Church presents, Taline
and Friends, Armenian Christmas Show at Walt Whitman High School, 7100
Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, Maryland. For information: 240-418-5253 or
301-793-5622.
December 9-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.
December 9-Family Christmas Concert sponsored by St. Illuminator's
Cathedral, featuring Maggie Tune (from California) and Gaghant Baba, 4:30
pm, at IS5 High School, 50-40 Jacobus Street, Elmhurst, New York. For
information contact cathedral office, 212-689-5880.
December 9-Town Hall style meeting in Jaffarian Hall of St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
Immediately following Divine Liturgy.
December 9-Christmas Boutique Sale, ARS Mayr Chapter of New York, at St.
Sarkis Church, Pagoumian Hall, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York. For
information 718-961-9550.
December 16-St. Gregory Church (North Andover, Massachusetts), Children's
Christmas Pageant and Party following the Divine Liturgy. Luncheon buffet.
December 23-St. Stephen's Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts. The
Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration of the
church's patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen.
December 31-New Year's Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, and ARF Dro Gomideh, The Sheraton Meadowlands, E. Rutherford,
New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.
February 24, 2008-Annual Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church (North
Andover, Massachusetts).
June 7, 2008-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Details will
follow.
August 15-17, 2008-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der
Zor, organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click here.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[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]
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
NOVEMBER 29, 2007
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN MEETS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS;
URGES LEADERS TO ADOPT A MORAL STAND
Archbishop Oshagan met with more than a dozen members of Congress last
week and discussed issues of concern to Armenian Americans, including the
moral imperative of America adopting a principled stand on the Armenian
Genocide and against all instances of genocide. The Prelate discussed the
state of the Armenian Church in the Eastern United States and reminded
members of the historic repression of Christians under Ottoman rule,
culminating in the genocide of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians from
1915-1923. He noted that following the Genocide, many Armenians found safe
haven in the United States and today their descendents comprise a large
portion of the Armenian parishes throughout the country. His Eminence was
joined with members of the Armenian National Committee of America.
The Prelate spoke about the discrimination against the Armenian Church
and the remaining Armenian community living in Turkey, citing the
restrictions against free speech regarding the Armenian Genocide. He also
discussed the destruction of Armenian churches and cultural icons in present
day Turkey and Azerbaijan. He especially cited the lack of a meaningful U.S.
protest of Azerbaijan's recent destruction of the 1,300-year-old Armenian
cemetery in Julfa, Nakhichevan. His Eminence and the ANCA delegation noted
that, despite several requests, the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan has yet to
investigate the matter or even visit the site.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS WILL MEET
The Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow and Saturday,
November 30 and December 1, at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND LUNCHEON
HONORING POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS
Archbishop Oshagan will attend a special Thanksgiving and Christmas
luncheon on Wednesday, December 5, hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York, in honor of the members of the local New York City Police and Fire
departments (111th precinct). The day will begin with morning worship
services led by the Prelate and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St.
Sarkis Church, attended by the police and fire fighters and members of the
parish's seniors' organization. Luncheon will follow. This annual event has
become a warm tradition that brings the church and local community closer
together.
GARY KASPAROV ARRESTED
Former chess champion Gary Kasparov was arrested after leading a protest
at Moscow's federal election authority offices. Kasparov was sentenced to
five days in jail for holding an unauthorized march. He had been on his way
to give election officials a letter claiming that the upcoming Russian
elections are biased toward President Vladimir Putin. Kasparov is the
presidential candidate for the opposition Other Russia coalition. He was
also arrested in April and was fined without incarceration.
ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN MEETING
The meeting of the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Bible
Society took place in Moscow last week. Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Ecumenical
Officer) participated on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia; Archbishop
Yeznig Bedrossian (Ecumenical Officer) participated on behalf of the
Catholicosate of All Armenians, Etchmiadzin. Cooperation between these
bodies has continued since 1999. This meeting discussed the various
agreements and projects between the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches
and the Bible Society. They also prepared the agenda for the next meeting in
September 2008.
SERIES OF PUBLICATIONS CONTINUES IN ANTELIAS
Emphasizing the importance of books during his speech at the opening of
the 29th annual Armenian Book exhibition in Antelias, His Holiness Aram I
praised all the publishing houses and individuals who support and spread the
reach of Armenian books. His Holiness particularly praised the huge efforts
of the Catholicosate and the Lisbon-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation's
Armenian Department. He praised the dedication of the director of the
Armenian Department, Dr. Zaven Yegavian. Eight volumes of the Madenakirk
Hayots series have already been published by the Catholicosate's publishing
house during the past two years. Four new volumes will soon be added to this
masterful series.
BLESSING OF MURON IS SCHEDULED
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) next year on
June 7, 2008. The Faithful are encouraged to attend this special service
which takes place every seven years. Details will be forthcoming.
SAINTS THADDEUS AND BARTHOLOMEW
This Saturday, December 1, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints
Thaddeus and Bartholomew, two of the twelve apostles who were the first
evangelizers of Armenia, and were martyred there, giving the Armenian Church
its apostolic identity and earning them the title, "First Enlighteners of
Armenia." Thaddeus came to Armenia about 43 AD to preach Christianity. He
was martyred in southeastern Armenia. His tomb lies in the Armenian
monastery of St. Thaddeus (Iran) where a chapel was built in the third
century. Bartholomew is believed to have arrived in Armenia about 66 AD. He
was martyred in Hadamakert, southeast of Lake Van.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 2, is the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is a
season of waiting for the coming of Christ, which gives us reason to live in
hope regardless of the many challenges and vicissitudes facing us on many
fronts. John the Baptist is the great Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter
3, and Luke, Chapter 3).
Remember that this time of the year, although filled with great joy, can
be lonely and sad for many people. Reach out with a visit, a note, or a
telephone call to an elderly person living alone, someone who is ill, or
someone who recently lost a loved one.
KING APKAR
On Tuesday, December 4, the Armenian Church commemorates King Apkar, who
according to tradition was afflicted with a debilitating skin ailment. The
King wrote a letter to Christ asking for His assistance. Christ replied by
sending a cloth with His image and the promise to send one of His apostles.
St. Thaddeus was sent and subsequently the King had a miraculous recovery.
King Apkar and his family accepted Christianity and the King wrote to other
leaders (including his cousin King Sanadrook of Armenia) urging them to
accept Christianity.
KHIRIMIAN HAYRIG
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the passing of the beloved
Catholicos Mgrdich I, lovingly known as Khirmian Hairig. Hairig died at age
87 on October 29, 1907. His tomb, near the entrance of the Mother Cathedral
in Etchmiadzin, is a popular and honored pilgrimage site. There is an
interesting story about the location of his tomb. By decision of the
brotherhood of Etchmiadzin, Khirmian Hairig was to be buried next to
Catholicos Makar (his predecessor) to the south of the belfry of the Mother
Cathedral. On November 1, the grand sacristan, Bishop Ghevond, performed the
service attendant to the grave digging. Suddenly a popular uprising arose. A
crowd numbering in the thousands came into the courtyard with angry shouts
of "Makar wrecked Armenian homes, our dear Hairig must not be buried next to
him! Bury Hairig next to Nerses of Ashtarak." The newspapers wrote up the
incident noting that, "The people flocked in the Etchmiadzin Monastery
courtyard from morning until noon and they refused to permit Khrimian's
grave to be next to Catholicos Makar. The crowd covered the grave that had
been dug and dug a new grave next to that of Nerses of Ashtarak. The
Armenian people wished for Khrimian, the Father of the Fatherland, to be
buried next to Nerses, the Protector of the Fatherland. And that is what
happened."
Khirmian Hairig has a special tie to the Armenian Church in America. It
was his encyclical of July 2, 1898, that officially established the Armenian
Church of America. Next year is the 110th anniversary of that momentous
event.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, November 29, are: Proverbs 8:33-36; Isaiah
66:18-21; Philippians 4:1-7; Luke 9:1-6.
Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Happy is the one
who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For
whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but those who
miss me injure themselves; all who hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:33-36)
For listing of the entire week's Bible readings click here.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click here.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click here.
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 Persians, the Greeks, the Seljuks, the Tatars and the Turks have
all tried to crush us. Our people see that all of these conquerers have come
and gone. But they had come to stay. When the enemy wished to enslave,
wished to subdue them, they knew how to survive and live through their
culture. When the Armenians took others captive, they did so with their
books; when they dominated, they did so with the book of Nareg. And, with
that spirit, they responded to the Arab incursions with the three-storied
stronghold temple of Zvartnots; they erected the marvel of Hripsime against
Byzantium; they resisted the Seljuks with a thousand and one churches. You
may mentally pursue the course of this incomprehensible struggle for
survival by setting Datev against Tamerlane, the stones of Etchmiadzin
against Shah Abbas, and coming down to the present period marked by the 1915
genocide and the resurrection of our people with the bells of Sardarabad.
Look and see how the spirit of the Holy Translators, their zealousness and
their unfinished dream soars above all this.
"Let us once more vow to remain faithful to the work of the generation
of Translators. Let us keep and preserve what is ours, what is genuine to
us. Let us stand up for our culture, our language, our prayers, our
fatherland and, with the determination of our Translators, say no to all
those forces which from the fifth century to the present have always waged a
struggle against our existence and our unique character. Let us again vow to
masterly use that apostolic and prophetic inspiration which has been
transmitted to us as the legacy of Mashdots and collectively bring that to
life through our lives. Only then shall we be the deserving heirs of our
illustrious saints, through our life and work glorifying the Name of our
Creator and Lord, with which you are blessed and shall be blessed."
>From Sermon delivered on October 12, 1979, by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of
blessed memory, in the church of Oshagan, Armenia, burial site of Mesrob
Mashtots.
A MINI ADVENT SERMON
As Orthodox Christians, Advent is the period in which we prepare
ourselves for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this
time of spiritual preparation the three most important elements of our
Advent journey are and should be to Praise our God, to watch for His
triumphant birth as our Lord and Savior, to wait with a patient heart for
His presence among us during this most joyful time of the year, and finally
to receive Him as the Prince of Peace, the Wonder Counselor and the Mighty
One who comes to proclaim the Glory of God's Kingdom here on Earth. Above
all, Christmas is about Christ.
There is a beautiful Christmas hymn titled, "Hark the Herald Angels
Sing, Glory to the Newborn King." This is not only a song of the Nativity,
but the reality of who Jesus Christ is-the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings,
the Mighty One, the Wonderful Counselor. Remember that Jesus Christ was
proclaimed not only as the Son of God, but God who became man and lived
amongst us. You cannot separate the two, for our Lord Himself proclaimed:
"My Father and I are the same, he who does not believe in me does not
believe in the one who sent me."
This is indeed a very special time of the year and perhaps more joyful
than any other. But, remember the real joy of Christmas cannot be complete
without recognizing why we celebrate it and whose feast day this really is.
The answer is simple and not complicated. The choice is yours.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 27 to November 29-Christian Education classes at Sourp Khatch
Church in Bethesda, Maryland, 8 pm in the church sanctuary. Topic: The
Badarak. Classes held second and fourth Thursdays of each month, except
Thanksgiving week when classes will take place Friday. Armenian and English.
Prior attendance is not a requisite. For information: 301-229-8742.
October 16 to December 18-"From Jesus' meals with sinners to the Lord's
Supper," a five part Bible study at the Armenian Prelacy will begin on
October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from
7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
send e-mail to [email protected] or call 212-689-4481.
November 30-"And Three Chairs Fell from Heaven," written and directed by
Herand Markarian. Performed by the Hamazkayin Theatre Group of New York,
sponsored by the Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society. All proceeds
will benefit the St. Illuminator's Armenian School. 8:35 pm, Armenian
Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York. For information and tickets:
718-961-9550.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677.
December 1-St. Paul's Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Bake Sale, Crafts
and Café St. Paul. For orders or more information, 847-244-4573 or
www.StPaulArmenian Church.com.
December 2-Hamasdegh Armenian School of Sourp Khatch Church presents, Taline
and Friends, Armenian Christmas Show at Walt Whitman High School, 7100
Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, Maryland. For information: 240-418-5253 or
301-793-5622.
December 9-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.
December 9-Family Christmas Concert sponsored by St. Illuminator's
Cathedral, featuring Maggie Tune (from California) and Gaghant Baba, 4:30
pm, at IS5 High School, 50-40 Jacobus Street, Elmhurst, New York. For
information contact cathedral office, 212-689-5880.
December 9-Town Hall style meeting in Jaffarian Hall of St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
Immediately following Divine Liturgy.
December 9-Christmas Boutique Sale, ARS Mayr Chapter of New York, at St.
Sarkis Church, Pagoumian Hall, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York. For
information 718-961-9550.
December 16-St. Gregory Church (North Andover, Massachusetts), Children's
Christmas Pageant and Party following the Divine Liturgy. Luncheon buffet.
December 23-St. Stephen's Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts. The
Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration of the
church's patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen.
December 31-New Year's Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, and ARF Dro Gomideh, The Sheraton Meadowlands, E. Rutherford,
New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.
February 24, 2008-Annual Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church (North
Andover, Massachusetts).
June 7, 2008-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Details will
follow.
August 15-17, 2008-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der
Zor, organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click here.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[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]