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Untitled DocumentPress 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
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 9, 2008
ANDRE TABOURIAN, 78
National funeral services for Andre Tabourian took place today in the
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon. Mr. Tabourian
was a former member of the Lebanese Parliament, and the current chairman of
the Central Executive Council of the Holy See of Cilicia. Mr. Tabourian, who
was 78 years old, was a benefactor of the Catholicosate and was recipient of
the Prince of Cilicia insignia, the highest award bestowed by the
Catholicosate..
Archbishop Oshagan expressed sympathy to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
on behalf of the Eastern Prelacy.
ANNIVERSARY BANQUET SET FOR OCTOBER 25;
DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR INVITATION?
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The invitations for the
banquet as well as donor cards for the booklet were mailed out to our entire
mailing list more than two weeks ago. It seems some people did not receive
the mailing. If you receive Outreach and other mail from the Prelacy you
should have received it. If you have not received this mailing please
contact the Prelacy to make your reservations or to make a donation toward
the booklet. The deadlines for both have been extended. All of the
information is on our web page (www.armenianprelacy.org).
The dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of
the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the 50th
anniversary of the Prelacy's affiliation with the Great House of Cilicia
will be marked with a gala
banquet on Saturday, October 25, at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck
New Jersey. An exhibit about the history of the Prelacy and a DVD film, "A
Journey of Faith" will be on display during the cocktail hour.
A special issue of Crossroads will be sent early next week with
up-to-date information about the events.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN VISITS HOLY TRINITY, WORCESTER
On Sunday, September 21, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
elevated Acolyte Shaheen Adelinia to the rank of sub-deacon, under the
sponsorship of the parish's priest, Der Khatchadour Boghossian.
Following the services, His Eminence presided over the celebrations of
the 74th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO MID-WEST
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Detroit this weekend where on Sunday
he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and officiate over
the Blessing of Water with the newly blessed Muron from the Holy See of
Cilicia, at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan. Following the services,
His Eminence will preside over a banquet celebrating the 46th anniversary of
St. Sarkis Church.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND RECEPTION IN DC
On Monday, October 13, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a reception in
honor of Tigran Sargsian, Prime Minister of Armenia, at the Armenian Embassy
in Washington, DC.
PRELATE ATTENDS 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAMAZKAYIN
On Tuesday, October 7, Archbishop Oshagan attended an 80th anniversary
celebration of Hamazkayin at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC.
Attending were Armenian ambassador Tatoul Markarian, Dr. Lilit Galstian, a
member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, and the director
of the Hamazkayin office in Yerevan, friends and members of the central and
regional executives of Hamazkayin.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO BOSTON
Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Boston where on Saturday evening he
will attend the 75th
anniversary banquet of the Armenian Youth Federation. On Sunday he will
preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen's
Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
NEW PROGRAM OF QUARTERLY FORUMS WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY
The Prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils recently announced
a new program of discussion forums beginning next year. The first in the
series will take place on January 22, 2009, and feature Dr. Helen C. Evans,
who is the Mary and Michael Jaharis Curator for Byzantine Art at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Dr. Evans will speak about the
significance of khatchkars and especially the 12th century khatchkar that
was recently installed at the Met. The Forums will take place at the Prelacy's
Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall.
Future forums will feature varied topics such as the martyred clergy
during the 1915 genocide; entrepreneurship; technology; Armenian women in
history; and Armenian manuscripts.
CATHOLICOS ARAM CHAIRS MEETING OF MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
convened in the Kykko Monastery in Cyprus last week. As one of the
presidents of the MECC, His Holiness actively participated in the activities
of the executive committee.
The MECC was restructured in 1970 with the inclusion of the region's
orthodox Churches. With the participation of the Catholic Churches in 1990,
the MECC includes all of the churches in the Middle East. The Council's
General Assembly convenes once every four years. The Council is composed of
the executive committee, which includes 30 members, the General Secretary
and an 80-member staff. The Council's headquarters are located in Beirut
with offices in Cyprus, Egypt and Amman.
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City is
continuing. Until the interior renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy is
being offered every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Street, Woodside, New York.
JAMES HADDAD RETURNS TO ANTELIAS
TO CONTINUE STUDIES AT SEMINARY
Prelacy staff bid James Haddad bon voyage and Godspeed as he prepares to
returns to Lebanon to continue his studies at the Cilician See's Theological
Seminary. James was born and educated in the United States and completed his
college education before entering the Seminary. This will be his second year
in the Seminary in a program leading to ordination and priesthood. During
the summer months James has been serving at the Prelacy offices in New York
in the religious education department.
We wish James a successful year at the Seminary and look forward to his
return.
MEDICAL WORKSHOP AT STS. VARTANANTZ, NEW JERSEY
On Sunday, October 19, Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey
will host a Medical Workshop that is being sponsored by the Armenian
American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO). Each doctor or health
professional will speak for 20 to 30 minutes about his or her area of
expertise. Questions from the audience will be answered. For information go
to www.aahpo.org or contact Dr. Raffi Kaprielian, 201-943-8746.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, October 9, are: Proverbs 4:20-27;
Jeremiah 15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7, Matthew 9:35-10:1.
Therefore thus says the Lord:
If you turn back, I will take you back, and you shall stand before me.
If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall
serve as my mouth.
It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them.
And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will
fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to
save you and deliver you, says the Lord. Jeremiah 15:19-20.
FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
This Saturday, October 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives
and accomplishments of the Holy Translators, which 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. Schools were opened and
the works of world-renowned scholars were translated. Their work gave the
Armenian Church a distinct national identity.
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 cultural events not only in remembrance of the past, but in celebration
of modern-day scholars, theologians, and translators.
Specifically remembered this Saturday, along with Mesrob, are: Yeghishe,
a renowned student of Sahag and Mesrob, who served as secretary to Vartan
Mamigonian and wrote the great history of the Vartanantz wars; Moses of
Khoren, also a student of Sahag and Mesrob, is revered as the father of
Armenian history; David the Invincible was a student of Movses. He received
most of his education in Athens, where he was given the title "Invincible"
because of his brilliance in philosophy; Gregory of Narek, who is considered
the greatest poet of the Armenian nation and its first and greatest mystic;
and Nerses Shnorhali, a great writer, musician, theologian, and ecumenist.
O God, through the holy teacher you bestowed on us of the north divine
and heavenly gifts, through his prayers have mercy on us.
O God, you bestowed on the sons of Torgom the divinely-inspired books in
letters revealed to Saint Mesrop in a vision; through his prayers have mercy
on us.
O God, you generously spread your heavenly knowledge and spiritual
wisdom in the churches of the Armenians by the holy translators; by their
prayers have mercy on us. (Canon to the Holy Translators, from Liturgical
Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, translated by Steven
Sarafian).
YEREVAN CELEBRATES 2,790TH BIRTHDAY
This weekend festivities begin in Yerevan in celebration of that
historic city's 2,790th birthday. Opening ceremonies of the celebration will
take place tomorrow, October 10, at the National Theater of Opera and
Ballet. Exhibitions, concerts and other events will follow.
The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC (it is as old as
Rome, Babylon, Nineveh and Carthage), with the founding of the Urartian
fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC by King Arghisti. Archeologists have
reconstructed the ruins of the Erebuni fortress. The cuneiform inscription
citing the date of the establishment of the fortress has been preserved.
The city of Yerevan is situated in the historic Ararat Valley, on the
banks of the Hrazdan River. Always an important center of Armenian
civilization, Yerevan has been the capital of Armenia only since 1918, and
the twelfth capital in the history of Armenia.
MONDAY IS COLUMBUS DAY
This Monday, October 13, is Columbus Day, a holiday celebrated in many
countries in the Americas, commemorating the date of Christopher Columbus's
arrival in the New World in 1492. A sailor on the Pinta sighted land early
in the morning of October 12, 1492, and a new era of European exploration
and expansion began. The next day the ninety crew members of Columbus'
three-ship fleet (Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria) landed on the Bahamian
island of Guanahani, ending a voyage that began ten weeks earlier from
Palos, Spain.
President Franklin Roosevelt first proclaimed October 12 a national
holiday in 1937. Since 1971, during that era when dates of holidays were
moved (in the U.S.) to create long weekends-Columbus Day has been
commemorated on the second Monday in October, which is also Thanksgiving Day
in Canada.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES.
This week's photo is from the first Pontifical Visit of Catholicos
Khoren I in 1969. A National Reception Committee composed of more than 150
prominent Armenians from the United States and Canada was formed under the
chairmanship of Mr. George M. Mardikian. A national steering committee was
headed by Prelacy Executive Council member Mr. Moushegh (Michael)
Haratunian, responsible for all of the details and arrangements of the
extensive visit.
Khoren Vehapar arrived in New York on April 10, 1969, accompanied by
Archbishop Sahag Ayvazian, Prelate of Greece, and Mr. and Mrs. George
Mardikian, who traveled to Antelias to
escort His Holiness to the United States. V. Rev. Fr. Souren Kataroian
(later Archbishop) served as staff bearer. The Catholicos was met at the
airport by the Prelate Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian; the Vicar, V. Rev.
Fr. Yervant Apelian; Central Executive members, parish priests, national
reception and steering committee members.
Seen in this photo are, left to right, Mr. and Mrs. George Mardikian,
Dr. Christopher Babigian, chairman of the Executive Council; His Holiness;
Mr. Yeghishe Melikian, a member of the Central Executive Council; Archbishop
Hrant; V. Rev. Fr. Yervant Apelian; and Rev. Fr. Datev Kaloustian, a member
of the Central Religious Council. One clergyman, between the Prelate and
Vicar, cannot be identified since only his veghar (hood) is visible.
However, it may be V. Rev. Fr. Souren Kataroian, who at the time was pastor
of Sourp Hagop Church in Montreal, Canada, and who joined His Holiness at
the airport to serve as his staff bearer.
A MINI SERMON
St. Paul reminds us that it is a good thing to remain faithful to those
traditions that have been passed down to us over the centuries and one of
those traditions is to remember those who came before us such as our Saints
and Church Fathers. This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Holy
Translators (Srpotz Tarkmanchatz Vartabedatz)-those who gave us the language
that all of us speak as Armenians. Our Church Fathers saw the need for a
written and spoken word to transmit the Word of God to our people in a
language of their own. So great was the faith and determination of these
men, that the very first book that was translated was the Holy Bible which
is known as the "Queen" of all Biblical translations. The Armenian word for
the Gospel is known as Asdvadzashounch, literally "the breath of God." We
can imagine how holy and God-inspired our Church Fathers were in their
devotion to Jesus Christ and the preaching of the Good News of the Kingdom
of God. On this feast day we celebrate the living testimony of those who
came before us and bequeathed to us their faith. As the Apostle Paul writes,
we need to examine ourselves to see if we are as faithful as we should be to
all that has been given to us as Armenian Orthodox Christians. It is not
enough for us to proclaim ourselves as the first nation to accept the
Christian faith; it is far more important for us to be the best Christians.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor
St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts
AND CHECK THIS ARTICLE ON ATLANTIC ON LINE..
We call your attention to an article posted on Atlantic On Line
entitled, "McCain's Armenia Problem," by Daniel Nichanian. The article gives
a good picture of promises made and broken regarding the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide by both parties. While noting that, "Historically,
neither party has owned the support of Armenian Americans," Nichanian
states, "Bush's record is sure to haunt McCain's 2008 presidential run, but
it's not as if the Arizona senator needed any help in alienating Armenian
Americans. McCain's own stance against genocide recognition and his relative
indifference toward bilateral relations with Armenia have been a matter of
record since well before George W. Bush emerged on the national stage."
Daniel Nichanian is the son of Professor Mark Nichanian and Anahid
Garmiryan, principal of the Hovnanian School in New Jersey. Daniel graduated
from Yale University in May and is an intern at The Atlantic.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 11-St. Hagop Armenian Church, Racine, Wisconsin, "The Changing
Landscape of Historic Western Armenia: Reflections on a Journey into the
Past," a lecture by Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian, 7 pm. Dr. Hovannisian will
present his impressions of his "imagined" Western Armenia with the "real"
Western Armenia. For information: [email protected].
October 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lecture by Rev. Fr.
Nareg Terterian, "The Sacraments of the Church." For information,
718-224-2275.
October 12-St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, New York, Annual
Book Fair, dedicated to the Holy Translators in celebrating of the Cultural
Month. Immediately after the Badarak at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue, Woodside, New York. For information, 212-689-5880.
October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.
October 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lecture by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian, "Prayer: Personal and Communal." For information, 718-224-2275.
October 19-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, first Connecticut
performance of "Hello Ellis Island," at Silas Deane Middle School, 551 Silas
Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut. Program starts at 3 pm; reception
follows. Advance reservation desired. Adults $25; Students $10; Children
under 12 $5. Tickets at door $30. For information: 860-229-8322.
October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
October 31, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 1-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Harvest Dinner Dance.
For information: 516-248-2955.
November 2-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, 83rd
anniversary banquet at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington,
Connecticut. Reception 1 pm, dinner at 2 pm. For information: 860-229-8322.
November 7 & 8-Annual bazaar, St. Stephen's Armenian Church, 10 am to 9 pm,
at the ACED, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Massachusetts. Dinners and gourmet
delicacies, arts and crafts, games and activities for children. For
information, 617-924-7562.
November 8-Mid-West Regional Conference with Executive Council, Pastors,
Boards of Trustees, and Delegates to the National Representative Assembly,
9:30 to 4:30 pm, hosted by All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois.
November 8 & 9-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, largest
Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday 12 noon to 10 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 8
pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and
kufta dinners. Live Armenian music. For information: 401-434-4467.
November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.
November 16-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Bazaar and Food
Festival by Ladies Guild.
November 15-70th Anniversary of St. Hagop Armenian Church, Racine,
Wisconsin, dinner and program, 6 pm at the Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street,
Racine. The keynote address will be given by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy. For information, 262-886-6709.
November 21-Sacred Armenian Music, featuring Onnik Dinkjian, Armen Babamian,
Krikor Pidedjian and Ara Dinkjian, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
jersey. For information and tickets contact Bea at 201-445-6867 or Margo at
201-461-1676.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.
November 23-William Saroyan Centennial Celebration, co-sponsored by the
Anthropology/Armenian Museum at Queens College and the AGBU, 3 pm at Lefrak
Concert Hall, Queens College, Flushing, New York. Archbishop Oshagan will
participate. The program includes readings and a play by Saroyan. Also
special performance by the Aaron Copeland School of Music students of the
music of composer Arno Babadjanian. For information: 718-428-5650.
December 6-Annual Holiday Bake Sale, St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois. 9
am to 3 pm. Favorite Armenian and American pastries and stay for a Lahmejoon
and Kufta lunch. Phone ahead for orders, 847-244-4573.
December 7-Membership meeting, St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois. For
information: 847-244-4573.
February 7-50th anniversary celebration of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Dinner Dance at Rockleigh Country Club.
March 8-Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City,
sponsored by Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild.
March 28-ARS Centennial Gala Banquet, Yale Club, New York City.
May 3-50th anniversary celebration of consecration of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
MAY 7-9-National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted by All
Saints Armenian Apostolic Church, Glenview, Illinois. Clergy Conference
begins May 6.
JUNE 29 - JULY 5-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute, St. Mary of
Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
JULY 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Ladies' Guild/ARS
Ani Chapter present A Hye Summer Night 4 Dance at The Annunciation Greek
Church, Cranston, Rhode Island. For information, 401-434-4467.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 9, 2008
ANDRE TABOURIAN, 78
National funeral services for Andre Tabourian took place today in the
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon. Mr. Tabourian
was a former member of the Lebanese Parliament, and the current chairman of
the Central Executive Council of the Holy See of Cilicia. Mr. Tabourian, who
was 78 years old, was a benefactor of the Catholicosate and was recipient of
the Prince of Cilicia insignia, the highest award bestowed by the
Catholicosate..
Archbishop Oshagan expressed sympathy to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
on behalf of the Eastern Prelacy.
ANNIVERSARY BANQUET SET FOR OCTOBER 25;
DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR INVITATION?
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The invitations for the
banquet as well as donor cards for the booklet were mailed out to our entire
mailing list more than two weeks ago. It seems some people did not receive
the mailing. If you receive Outreach and other mail from the Prelacy you
should have received it. If you have not received this mailing please
contact the Prelacy to make your reservations or to make a donation toward
the booklet. The deadlines for both have been extended. All of the
information is on our web page (www.armenianprelacy.org).
The dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of
the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the 50th
anniversary of the Prelacy's affiliation with the Great House of Cilicia
will be marked with a gala
banquet on Saturday, October 25, at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck
New Jersey. An exhibit about the history of the Prelacy and a DVD film, "A
Journey of Faith" will be on display during the cocktail hour.
A special issue of Crossroads will be sent early next week with
up-to-date information about the events.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN VISITS HOLY TRINITY, WORCESTER
On Sunday, September 21, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
elevated Acolyte Shaheen Adelinia to the rank of sub-deacon, under the
sponsorship of the parish's priest, Der Khatchadour Boghossian.
Following the services, His Eminence presided over the celebrations of
the 74th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO MID-WEST
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Detroit this weekend where on Sunday
he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and officiate over
the Blessing of Water with the newly blessed Muron from the Holy See of
Cilicia, at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan. Following the services,
His Eminence will preside over a banquet celebrating the 46th anniversary of
St. Sarkis Church.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND RECEPTION IN DC
On Monday, October 13, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a reception in
honor of Tigran Sargsian, Prime Minister of Armenia, at the Armenian Embassy
in Washington, DC.
PRELATE ATTENDS 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAMAZKAYIN
On Tuesday, October 7, Archbishop Oshagan attended an 80th anniversary
celebration of Hamazkayin at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC.
Attending were Armenian ambassador Tatoul Markarian, Dr. Lilit Galstian, a
member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, and the director
of the Hamazkayin office in Yerevan, friends and members of the central and
regional executives of Hamazkayin.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO BOSTON
Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Boston where on Saturday evening he
will attend the 75th
anniversary banquet of the Armenian Youth Federation. On Sunday he will
preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen's
Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
NEW PROGRAM OF QUARTERLY FORUMS WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY
The Prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils recently announced
a new program of discussion forums beginning next year. The first in the
series will take place on January 22, 2009, and feature Dr. Helen C. Evans,
who is the Mary and Michael Jaharis Curator for Byzantine Art at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Dr. Evans will speak about the
significance of khatchkars and especially the 12th century khatchkar that
was recently installed at the Met. The Forums will take place at the Prelacy's
Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall.
Future forums will feature varied topics such as the martyred clergy
during the 1915 genocide; entrepreneurship; technology; Armenian women in
history; and Armenian manuscripts.
CATHOLICOS ARAM CHAIRS MEETING OF MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
convened in the Kykko Monastery in Cyprus last week. As one of the
presidents of the MECC, His Holiness actively participated in the activities
of the executive committee.
The MECC was restructured in 1970 with the inclusion of the region's
orthodox Churches. With the participation of the Catholic Churches in 1990,
the MECC includes all of the churches in the Middle East. The Council's
General Assembly convenes once every four years. The Council is composed of
the executive committee, which includes 30 members, the General Secretary
and an 80-member staff. The Council's headquarters are located in Beirut
with offices in Cyprus, Egypt and Amman.
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City is
continuing. Until the interior renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy is
being offered every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Street, Woodside, New York.
JAMES HADDAD RETURNS TO ANTELIAS
TO CONTINUE STUDIES AT SEMINARY
Prelacy staff bid James Haddad bon voyage and Godspeed as he prepares to
returns to Lebanon to continue his studies at the Cilician See's Theological
Seminary. James was born and educated in the United States and completed his
college education before entering the Seminary. This will be his second year
in the Seminary in a program leading to ordination and priesthood. During
the summer months James has been serving at the Prelacy offices in New York
in the religious education department.
We wish James a successful year at the Seminary and look forward to his
return.
MEDICAL WORKSHOP AT STS. VARTANANTZ, NEW JERSEY
On Sunday, October 19, Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey
will host a Medical Workshop that is being sponsored by the Armenian
American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO). Each doctor or health
professional will speak for 20 to 30 minutes about his or her area of
expertise. Questions from the audience will be answered. For information go
to www.aahpo.org or contact Dr. Raffi Kaprielian, 201-943-8746.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, October 9, are: Proverbs 4:20-27;
Jeremiah 15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7, Matthew 9:35-10:1.
Therefore thus says the Lord:
If you turn back, I will take you back, and you shall stand before me.
If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall
serve as my mouth.
It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them.
And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will
fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to
save you and deliver you, says the Lord. Jeremiah 15:19-20.
FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
This Saturday, October 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives
and accomplishments of the Holy Translators, which 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. Schools were opened and
the works of world-renowned scholars were translated. Their work gave the
Armenian Church a distinct national identity.
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 cultural events not only in remembrance of the past, but in celebration
of modern-day scholars, theologians, and translators.
Specifically remembered this Saturday, along with Mesrob, are: Yeghishe,
a renowned student of Sahag and Mesrob, who served as secretary to Vartan
Mamigonian and wrote the great history of the Vartanantz wars; Moses of
Khoren, also a student of Sahag and Mesrob, is revered as the father of
Armenian history; David the Invincible was a student of Movses. He received
most of his education in Athens, where he was given the title "Invincible"
because of his brilliance in philosophy; Gregory of Narek, who is considered
the greatest poet of the Armenian nation and its first and greatest mystic;
and Nerses Shnorhali, a great writer, musician, theologian, and ecumenist.
O God, through the holy teacher you bestowed on us of the north divine
and heavenly gifts, through his prayers have mercy on us.
O God, you bestowed on the sons of Torgom the divinely-inspired books in
letters revealed to Saint Mesrop in a vision; through his prayers have mercy
on us.
O God, you generously spread your heavenly knowledge and spiritual
wisdom in the churches of the Armenians by the holy translators; by their
prayers have mercy on us. (Canon to the Holy Translators, from Liturgical
Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, translated by Steven
Sarafian).
YEREVAN CELEBRATES 2,790TH BIRTHDAY
This weekend festivities begin in Yerevan in celebration of that
historic city's 2,790th birthday. Opening ceremonies of the celebration will
take place tomorrow, October 10, at the National Theater of Opera and
Ballet. Exhibitions, concerts and other events will follow.
The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC (it is as old as
Rome, Babylon, Nineveh and Carthage), with the founding of the Urartian
fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC by King Arghisti. Archeologists have
reconstructed the ruins of the Erebuni fortress. The cuneiform inscription
citing the date of the establishment of the fortress has been preserved.
The city of Yerevan is situated in the historic Ararat Valley, on the
banks of the Hrazdan River. Always an important center of Armenian
civilization, Yerevan has been the capital of Armenia only since 1918, and
the twelfth capital in the history of Armenia.
MONDAY IS COLUMBUS DAY
This Monday, October 13, is Columbus Day, a holiday celebrated in many
countries in the Americas, commemorating the date of Christopher Columbus's
arrival in the New World in 1492. A sailor on the Pinta sighted land early
in the morning of October 12, 1492, and a new era of European exploration
and expansion began. The next day the ninety crew members of Columbus'
three-ship fleet (Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria) landed on the Bahamian
island of Guanahani, ending a voyage that began ten weeks earlier from
Palos, Spain.
President Franklin Roosevelt first proclaimed October 12 a national
holiday in 1937. Since 1971, during that era when dates of holidays were
moved (in the U.S.) to create long weekends-Columbus Day has been
commemorated on the second Monday in October, which is also Thanksgiving Day
in Canada.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES.
This week's photo is from the first Pontifical Visit of Catholicos
Khoren I in 1969. A National Reception Committee composed of more than 150
prominent Armenians from the United States and Canada was formed under the
chairmanship of Mr. George M. Mardikian. A national steering committee was
headed by Prelacy Executive Council member Mr. Moushegh (Michael)
Haratunian, responsible for all of the details and arrangements of the
extensive visit.
Khoren Vehapar arrived in New York on April 10, 1969, accompanied by
Archbishop Sahag Ayvazian, Prelate of Greece, and Mr. and Mrs. George
Mardikian, who traveled to Antelias to
escort His Holiness to the United States. V. Rev. Fr. Souren Kataroian
(later Archbishop) served as staff bearer. The Catholicos was met at the
airport by the Prelate Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian; the Vicar, V. Rev.
Fr. Yervant Apelian; Central Executive members, parish priests, national
reception and steering committee members.
Seen in this photo are, left to right, Mr. and Mrs. George Mardikian,
Dr. Christopher Babigian, chairman of the Executive Council; His Holiness;
Mr. Yeghishe Melikian, a member of the Central Executive Council; Archbishop
Hrant; V. Rev. Fr. Yervant Apelian; and Rev. Fr. Datev Kaloustian, a member
of the Central Religious Council. One clergyman, between the Prelate and
Vicar, cannot be identified since only his veghar (hood) is visible.
However, it may be V. Rev. Fr. Souren Kataroian, who at the time was pastor
of Sourp Hagop Church in Montreal, Canada, and who joined His Holiness at
the airport to serve as his staff bearer.
A MINI SERMON
St. Paul reminds us that it is a good thing to remain faithful to those
traditions that have been passed down to us over the centuries and one of
those traditions is to remember those who came before us such as our Saints
and Church Fathers. This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Holy
Translators (Srpotz Tarkmanchatz Vartabedatz)-those who gave us the language
that all of us speak as Armenians. Our Church Fathers saw the need for a
written and spoken word to transmit the Word of God to our people in a
language of their own. So great was the faith and determination of these
men, that the very first book that was translated was the Holy Bible which
is known as the "Queen" of all Biblical translations. The Armenian word for
the Gospel is known as Asdvadzashounch, literally "the breath of God." We
can imagine how holy and God-inspired our Church Fathers were in their
devotion to Jesus Christ and the preaching of the Good News of the Kingdom
of God. On this feast day we celebrate the living testimony of those who
came before us and bequeathed to us their faith. As the Apostle Paul writes,
we need to examine ourselves to see if we are as faithful as we should be to
all that has been given to us as Armenian Orthodox Christians. It is not
enough for us to proclaim ourselves as the first nation to accept the
Christian faith; it is far more important for us to be the best Christians.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor
St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts
AND CHECK THIS ARTICLE ON ATLANTIC ON LINE..
We call your attention to an article posted on Atlantic On Line
entitled, "McCain's Armenia Problem," by Daniel Nichanian. The article gives
a good picture of promises made and broken regarding the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide by both parties. While noting that, "Historically,
neither party has owned the support of Armenian Americans," Nichanian
states, "Bush's record is sure to haunt McCain's 2008 presidential run, but
it's not as if the Arizona senator needed any help in alienating Armenian
Americans. McCain's own stance against genocide recognition and his relative
indifference toward bilateral relations with Armenia have been a matter of
record since well before George W. Bush emerged on the national stage."
Daniel Nichanian is the son of Professor Mark Nichanian and Anahid
Garmiryan, principal of the Hovnanian School in New Jersey. Daniel graduated
from Yale University in May and is an intern at The Atlantic.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 11-St. Hagop Armenian Church, Racine, Wisconsin, "The Changing
Landscape of Historic Western Armenia: Reflections on a Journey into the
Past," a lecture by Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian, 7 pm. Dr. Hovannisian will
present his impressions of his "imagined" Western Armenia with the "real"
Western Armenia. For information: [email protected].
October 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lecture by Rev. Fr.
Nareg Terterian, "The Sacraments of the Church." For information,
718-224-2275.
October 12-St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, New York, Annual
Book Fair, dedicated to the Holy Translators in celebrating of the Cultural
Month. Immediately after the Badarak at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue, Woodside, New York. For information, 212-689-5880.
October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.
October 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lecture by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian, "Prayer: Personal and Communal." For information, 718-224-2275.
October 19-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, first Connecticut
performance of "Hello Ellis Island," at Silas Deane Middle School, 551 Silas
Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut. Program starts at 3 pm; reception
follows. Advance reservation desired. Adults $25; Students $10; Children
under 12 $5. Tickets at door $30. For information: 860-229-8322.
October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
October 31, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 1-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Harvest Dinner Dance.
For information: 516-248-2955.
November 2-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, 83rd
anniversary banquet at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington,
Connecticut. Reception 1 pm, dinner at 2 pm. For information: 860-229-8322.
November 7 & 8-Annual bazaar, St. Stephen's Armenian Church, 10 am to 9 pm,
at the ACED, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Massachusetts. Dinners and gourmet
delicacies, arts and crafts, games and activities for children. For
information, 617-924-7562.
November 8-Mid-West Regional Conference with Executive Council, Pastors,
Boards of Trustees, and Delegates to the National Representative Assembly,
9:30 to 4:30 pm, hosted by All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois.
November 8 & 9-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, largest
Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday 12 noon to 10 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 8
pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and
kufta dinners. Live Armenian music. For information: 401-434-4467.
November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.
November 16-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Bazaar and Food
Festival by Ladies Guild.
November 15-70th Anniversary of St. Hagop Armenian Church, Racine,
Wisconsin, dinner and program, 6 pm at the Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street,
Racine. The keynote address will be given by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy. For information, 262-886-6709.
November 21-Sacred Armenian Music, featuring Onnik Dinkjian, Armen Babamian,
Krikor Pidedjian and Ara Dinkjian, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
jersey. For information and tickets contact Bea at 201-445-6867 or Margo at
201-461-1676.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.
November 23-William Saroyan Centennial Celebration, co-sponsored by the
Anthropology/Armenian Museum at Queens College and the AGBU, 3 pm at Lefrak
Concert Hall, Queens College, Flushing, New York. Archbishop Oshagan will
participate. The program includes readings and a play by Saroyan. Also
special performance by the Aaron Copeland School of Music students of the
music of composer Arno Babadjanian. For information: 718-428-5650.
December 6-Annual Holiday Bake Sale, St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois. 9
am to 3 pm. Favorite Armenian and American pastries and stay for a Lahmejoon
and Kufta lunch. Phone ahead for orders, 847-244-4573.
December 7-Membership meeting, St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois. For
information: 847-244-4573.
February 7-50th anniversary celebration of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Dinner Dance at Rockleigh Country Club.
March 8-Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City,
sponsored by Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild.
March 28-ARS Centennial Gala Banquet, Yale Club, New York City.
May 3-50th anniversary celebration of consecration of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
MAY 7-9-National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted by All
Saints Armenian Apostolic Church, Glenview, Illinois. Clergy Conference
begins May 6.
JUNE 29 - JULY 5-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute, St. Mary of
Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
JULY 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Ladies' Guild/ARS
Ani Chapter present A Hye Summer Night 4 Dance at The Annunciation Greek
Church, Cranston, Rhode Island. For information, 401-434-4467.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress