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Crossroads E-Newsletter - 10/11/2007

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  • Crossroads E-Newsletter - 10/11/2007

    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

    October 11, 2007

    HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
    ADOPTS GENOCIDE RESOLUTION, 27 TO 21
    Yesterday afternoon, October 10, the House Foreign Affairs Committee
    adopted House Resolution 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, by a vote of
    27 to 21, after intense debate within the committee. Earlier in the day,
    prior to the vote, President Bush spoke against the resolution, as did
    Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, and Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.
    Last week eight former secretaries of state joined in signing a letter
    against the resolution. The Turkish lobby and its high-priced consultants
    mounted an intense media blitz against the resolution, causing many to
    wonder why a non-binding resolution would generate such a heavy duty
    response. As one Congressman noted yesterday, "I feel as though there is a
    Turkish sword over my head."
    None of the Congressmen who spoke yesterday-even those who voted against
    the resolution-denied the Genocide; in fact, they acknowledged it, but felt
    it should not be pursued at this time because of the threats made by Turkey,
    especially about Turkey's cooperation in the Iraq war.
    The resolution must now go to the full House of Representatives for a
    vote. If the speaker, Nancy Pelosi, permits it to be presented, the
    resolution will most probably pass.
    Ironically, once again, the actions of Turkey have generated a
    tremendous amount of media attention for the Armenians. Today's issue of the
    New York Times covered yesterday's vote with a long story, starting on the
    first page (above the fold-the most coveted position), with a large photo of
    genocide survivors attending the committee vote.
    We congratulate the exceptional efforts of the Armenian National
    Committee, as well as the Armenian Assembly, the Armenian American Political
    Action Committee, and the ordinary Armenian Americans who got on the phone
    and let their representatives know their feelings.
    It is appropriate now to express thanks to those who voted for the
    resolution yesterday. Go to the ANC web page, www.anca.org for details.

    HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II OFFERS OPENING PRAYER
    AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES YESTERDAY
    His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, delivered the
    opening prayer yesterday at the House of Representatives. His Holiness, who
    is on a pontifical visit to the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    (Eastern), was invited to deliver the invocation on the very day that the
    Foreign Affairs Committee was considering the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
    His Holiness spoke eloquently. You can see a video of the prayer on the
    pontifical visit web page, www.pontificalvisit.org.

    HIS HOLINESS ARAM I SENDS MESSAGE TO PELOSI
    His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent a
    letter following the vote in Washington to Speaker of the House Nancy
    Pelosi. His Holiness wrote:
    "I salute from the headquarters of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
    in Antelias, Lebanon, the courageous step taken by the House Foreign Affairs
    Committee in favor of the Armenian Genocide resolution. Indeed, this
    decision of the Committee is a concrete and genuine manifestation of the
    deep concern of the United States of America in respect to human rights and
    all forms of crimes against humanity, including genocide.
    "The Armenian Genocide is a fact of history. Not only is it deeply
    rooted in the common memory of the Armenian people but also well
    substantiated by historical documents and eye-witness accounts. The formal
    recognition of such crimes against humanity is indispensable to avoid new
    genocides. Hence, the resolution of the Committee is a right response to
    this sad page of the history of the Turkish-Ottoman Empire.
    "The Cilician Catholicosate of the Armenian Church has been, with its
    people and institutions, a victim of this Genocide. The Martyrs' Chapel, the
    Museum, and the thousands of archives existing within the confines of the
    Catholicosate, are tangible proof of the Armenian Genocide planned and
    executed by the Ottoman-Turkish authorities in 1915.
    "I greatly appreciate the action taken by the House Foreign Affairs
    Committee, and it is my firm expectation that the entire Congress will soon
    adopt the said resolution.
    "I would like to seize this opportunity to express my high
    appreciation to you for your many years of committed support towards the
    recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
    "May God bless you and your colleagues."

    PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO RACINE THIS WEEKEND
    Archbishop Oshagan will visit the parish of St. Hagop Church, in
    Racine, Wisconsin, this weekend. His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
    Liturgy and deliver the sermon on Sunday, October 14, and preside over the
    church's 69th anniversary celebration. On Saturday the Prelate will meet
    with the pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian, and the lay leadership.

    VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN
    Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will visit the parish of St. Sarkis
    Church in Dearborn, Michigan, this weekend. His Grace will celebrate the
    Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and ordain the following sub-deacons and
    acolytes: Sub-Deacons: Kegham Tazian, Jeffrey Narayan. Stolebearers: Chris
    Yangouyian, Greg Karapetian, Aaron Broglin. Acolytes: Zaven Shrikian, Alex
    Kourtjian, Elliot Stepanian, Aram Cholakian, Peter Crane, Ryan Sirian, Alex
    Zazaian, Armen Brus, Vahan Cholakian, Ethan Stepanian, Chris Kourtjian,
    Michael Nercesian.
    On Saturday, the Vicar will preside over the church's 45th anniversary
    celebration. Awards will be presented to: Verjin Mampreian, Oghnig
    Mooradian, Keghouhi Derovakimian, Violet Apkarian, and Harry Dakesian.

    BIBLE TRANSLATION CONTINUES
    Next week, Monday to Friday, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan
    will be in Montreal, Canada, where they will join with Archbishop Khajag to
    continue their Bible translation work.

    TWO IRAQI-ARMENIANS KILLED
    Two Iraqi-Armenian women were killed this week when an Australian-run
    security company struck the car with 40 bullets, killing the driver and a
    passenger in the front seat. A woman and boy in the back seat survived. A
    priest and relatives near the scene said that all of occupants of the car
    were Armenian Christians. The case is being investigated by the Iraqi
    government and the United States

    HOLY TRANSLATORS REMEMBERED
    This Saturday, October 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives
    and accomplishments of the Holy Translators, including Mesrob, Yeghishe,
    Moses the Poet, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, and Nerses the
    Graceful.
    The Feast of the Holy Translators is one of our most popular feasts.
    There are, in fact, two commemorations in our liturgical calendar. One is on
    the Thursday following the fourth Sunday after Pentecost which can occur
    either in June or July, and on the second Saturday of October.
    The October commemoration focuses on the creation of the Armenian
    alphabet (406) and on the accomplishments of the Holy Translators. Mesrob
    Mashtots, the founder of the alphabet, and Catholicos Sahak, together with
    some of their students, translated the Holy Bible (Astvadzashounch, Breath
    of God). Schools were opened and the works of world-renowned scholars were
    translated. Their work gave the Armenian Church a distinct national
    character.
    In modern times the entire month of October has been designated as a
    "Month of Culture." Armenians throughout the Diaspora and Armenia mark this
    with a variety of cultural events not only in remembrance of the past, but
    in celebration of modern-day scholars, theologians, and translators.

    NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS
    A conference for Sunday school teachers will take place October 26-28 at
    the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in
    Charlton, Massachusetts. The theme of the conference is "Prayer-Personal and
    Communal," and will feature presentations by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
    Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Ph.D., Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. A
    modest fee of $60 covers all expenses including lodging for two nights, five
    meals and refreshments. For detailed information click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/prayer0700.htm.

    N EW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
    A new five-part series of Bible studies ("from Jesus' meals with sinners
    to the Lord's Supper") will take place at the Prelacy beginning on October
    16 and continue on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 7:15 to
    8:45 pm. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education
    Council (AREC) will conduct the Bible studies. For information and
    registration, send email to [email protected] or telephone
    212-689-7810.

    FIRST OF A SERIES OF BOOKLETS IS PUBLISHED
    The first in a series of booklets on contemporary ethical issues was
    published this week. The entire series is being written by Vigen Guroian,
    the well-known theologian and professor at Loyola College in Maryland. All
    of the booklets are written from an Armenian Orthodox perspective.
    The first booklet is, "Homosexuality and Same-Sex Union." Forthcoming
    topics include: Marriage and Divorce; Procreation and Reproductive
    Technology; Abortion; Genetic Screening and Genetic Technology; Suicide and
    Euthanasia; Organ Donation and Cremation.
    Professor Guroian will make a presentation on this important series, and
    specifically on the first booklet just published, on Friday evening,
    November 16, at the Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Reception Hall at the
    Prelacy in New York City.
    This series of booklets by the Eastern Prelacy's Armenian Religious
    Education Council is being underwritten by Elza and Haig Didizian in memory
    of His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
    Armenians.

    DAILY BIBLE READINGS
    Bible readings for today, October 11, are: Proverbs 4:20-27; Jeremiah
    15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; Matthew 9:35-10:1.
    My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do
    not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they
    are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your
    heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away
    >From you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes
    look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight
    the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the
    right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. (Proverbs 4:20-17)
    For listing of the entire week's Bible readings click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/dbr2007.htm#1 01107.


    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:
    Believing in the power of words, Armenians-especially travelers-kept with
    them a phylactery scroll (hmayil), rolled up in a cylinder container or a
    pouch and worn around the neck or pocket as protection against all kinds of
    evil. The scrolls were inscribed with prayers and passages from the Bible.
    Many of them were also illustrated.


    "It take two to speak the truth-one to speak, and another to hear."
    Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

    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 14-St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, Celebration of the
    Year of the Armenian Language. Cultural program and Book Fair following the
    Divine Liturgy. For information 212-689-5880.

    October 14-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
    commemorative lecture, 3 p.m. Guest lecturer Dr. Abraham Terian, Professor
    of Armenian Patristics at St. Nersess Seminary, New York.

    October 14-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 69th anniversary dinner. His
    Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will preside. For information 262-632-2033.

    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.

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

    October 19 & 20-Annual fall fair/bazaar, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack
    Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, in newly renovated Jaffarian Hall.

    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.

    October 26-28-National Conference for Christian Educators, a conference for
    Sunday School teachers at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic
    Orthodox Retreat Center, in Charlton, Massachusetts. Theme: "Prayer-Personal
    and Communal." Presentations by Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Bishop Anoushavan
    Tanielian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. For more information
    click here.

    October 28-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presents The Way We Were
    group in their new musical "Hello Ellis Island!' by Hourig
    Papazian-Sahagian. Immediately after Sunday services. Refreshments served.
    For information 718-224-2275.

    November 2-3-Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
    Massachusetts.

    November 7-Soorp Khatch (Bethesda, Maryland) Senior Citizens second reunion
    and Thanksgiving luncheon.

    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 11-St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachussetts, 50th anniversary
    commemorative concert, 4 pm., church hall.

    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 11-Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and Armenian Children's
    Chorus, 7th annual gala concert and dinner, Armenian Church of Our Saviour
    Cultural Center. Advance tickets only. Barbara Baljian, 508-799-6972.

    November 16-Introduction to the new series of booklets on Contemporary
    Ethical Issues: An Armenian Orthodox Perspective, by Vigen Guroian.
    Professor Guroian will speak about the series and the first booklet newly
    published, "Homosexuality & Same-Sex Union." 7:30 pm at the Prelacy office
    in New York City. For information [email protected] or 212-689-7810.

    November 16 & 17-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
    Annual Bazaar. All are welcome. For information 508-852-2414.

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

    November 18-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Divine Liturgy
    celebrated by the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.

    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
    dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.

    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.

    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]

    This electronic newsletter is sent to you by the Eastern Prelacy. If you do
    not wish to receive future issues send an e-mail message with your name and
    your full e-mail address to [email protected].

    If you have family or friends who would like to receive our electronic
    newsletter please send their names and e-mail addresses to
    [email protected].

    Visit our website at www.armenianprelacy.org
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