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PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
Email: [email protected]
TOP STORY March
22, 2012
Sunday of the Advent
Sunday of the Advent
Early in our journey through Great Lent we observed the Sunday of the
Expulsion, which retold the story of mankind's first disobedience, our
exile from paradise, and the beginning of humanity's long history of
separation from God.
In a nice expression of symmetry and resolution, Lent concludes with
the Sunday of the Advent (March 25, the sixth and last Sunday of
Lent):
that is, the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom God entered human
history and restored what had been lost in the exile from Eden.
The Advent calls to mind the birth and revelation of our Savior, his
subsequent sacrifice for mankind, and his victory over sin and death.
As the last Sunday of Lent, this day is especially devoted to the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ, reminding us that he is our eternal
Lord
and King, and that just as everything once began with God, so too
will
everything one day end with Him.
[4]
Click here to learn more about Lent in the Armenian Church.
Links:
4. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=67d535820b&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Pilgrimage to Anatolia
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
The Eastern Diocese will make a pilgrimage to historic Armenia, from
September 5 to 19.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar
and prayer services at the recently consecrated St. Giragos Armenian
Church of Dikranagerd and the St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
The pilgrimage also includes visits to Armenia's magnificent former
capital of Ani and tours of other parts of historic Armenia-Arabkir,
Kars, Aintab, and Malatya, among other cities and villages. The
journey
will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian
Patriarchate.
[5]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
5. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/PilgrimageHistoricArmenia2012.pdf?utm_source=Easte rn+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Primate to visit New England
Primate to Visit New Britain, CT
On Sunday, March 25, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
will visit the Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT,
where he will preside over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the day's sermon. The Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, pastor of
Holy Resurrection Church, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
Following services, the parish Women's Guild will host a Lenten
luncheon during which members of the Boyajian family will offer
reflections on lay ministry. For more information, call the church at
(860) 223-7875.
Scripture of the Week
Is 66:1-24
Col 2:8-3:17
Mt 22:34-23:39
Prayer of the Week
We thank you, Father Almighty, who did prepare for us the Holy Church
as a heaven, a temple of holiness, where the Holy Trinity is
glorified.
We thank you, Christ the King, who did grant us life through your
life-giving and holy body and blood, grant us forgiveness in your
great
mercy. Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
24 March: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Commitment to the Pit)
25 March: Sunday of the Advent
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Pope Shenouda
His Holiness Shenouda III (1923-2012).
In Memoriam: His Holiness Shenouda III (1923-2012)
With great sorrow, the Eastern Diocese learned of the passing of His
Holiness Shenouda III, pontiff of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and an
inspirational figure who led his people for four decades, on Saturday,
March 17.
`Pope Shenouda led a period of revival for the Coptic Church, during
which he emerged as a true father of his people,' wrote Archbishop
Barsamian in a letter to the leader of the Coptic Church in North
America, Bishop David. `His flock was able to advance even in the
face
of difficult external circumstances; and when in recent days the
situation took a more painful turn, it was Pope Shenouda who,
fortified
with the power of the Holy Spirit, motivated his spiritual children
to
practice their Christian faith with even greater conviction and
courage.'
In response to the news of Pope Shenouda's passing, His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
expressed his condolences in a letter to the holy synod of the Coptic
Orthodox Church. On Tuesday, March 20, at Catholicos Karekin's
direction, a delegation of Armenian clergy attended Pope Shenouda's
funeral at the 4th-century St. Bishoy Monastery in Egypt. A requiem
service was held at Holy Etchmiadzin on March 21.
In the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, has
directed parishes to remember His Holiness Shenouda III through a
hokehankisd service on Sunday, March 25. Also on Sunday, Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian and the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, will represent the Diocese at a memorial service at St. Mary
Coptic Orthodox Church in East Brunswick, NJ.
We join our Coptic brothers and sisters to express our sorrow that the
Christian world has lost a humble and godly leader.
DIOCESAN NEWS
Minister of Defence visits Diocese
Archbishop Barsamian presents Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan with a
gold cross.
Armenia's Minister of Defense Visits Diocese
On Wednesday, March 21, Armenia's Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan
visited the headquarters of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America in New York. He was welcomed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate, who led him and his delegation on a tour of St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral.
In the sanctuary, Mr. Ohanyan and his wife Ruzanna lit a candle and
joined the Primate and cathedral dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian,
in reciting the Lord's Prayer.
The delegation included Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan;
Ambassador Garen Nazarian, the Permanent Representative of the
Republic
of Armenia to the United Nations, and his wife Nana; and Colonel
Mesrop
Nazarian, Armenia's Defense Attaché in Washington.
In the Diocese's reception hall, the guests were welcomed by about 25
leaders of the Eastern Diocese. Among these were Diocesan Council
members Oscar Tatosian, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, and Papken Megerian;
Dr.
Edgar Housepian and Dr. John Nercessian of the Fund for Armenian
Relief, and FAR's executive director Garnik Nanagoulian.
Click to [6]read more and to [7]view photos.
Links:
6. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news-archive/armenias-minister-of-defense-visits-diocesan-center?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
7. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Visitations-1/Armenias-Minister-of-Defense/22064239_2H3khr?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 820143&k=gMmTFPN
New England Clergy Retreat
Clergy who took part in this week's Lenten retreat in West Hartford,
CT.
Clergy Retreat Held in Connecticut
Clergy from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, and
Texas gathered this week for a three-day Lenten retreat at the Holy
Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT.
The program began on Monday, March 19, with Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presiding. Themed `Follow Me,' the
retreat
explored Christ's call through Bible study and group discussions
facilitated by the clergy, as well as spiritual reflections offered at
the various prayer services.
The retreat was organized by Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian. A similar retreat is scheduled for the Mid-Atlantic region
next week.
Acolyte ordinatons at St. Vartan Cathedral
Archbishop Barsamian ordains Levon Asdourian and Arman Uzunyan to the
rank of acolyte.
Two Seminarians Ordained Acolytes Last Sunday
On Sunday, March 18, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
ordained two seminarians to the rank of acolyte at St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral. Levon Asdourian and Arman Uzunyan, students of St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary, were made `tbirs' by the hand of the Primate.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian,
cathedral dean. The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of
St. Nersess
Seminary, offered the day's sermon.
ACEF meeting at the Diocesan Center
ACEF board members at a meeting at the Diocesan Center last week.
ACEF Board Reviews Investment Goals and Policies
The Board of Directors of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF)
met
at the Diocesan Center on Friday, March 16, with Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presiding.
Board members elected Alyssa Keleshian Bonomo as secretary and
re-elected Charles Simonian to a second three-year term. The board
also
approved the 2012 budget and a distribution of approximately
$3,186,000
to its beneficiaries.
Given the volatile market conditions of the past few years, the
meeting
focused on reviewing ACEF investment goals and policies. ACEF will
review its Target Investment Allocation and make appropriate changes
based on current market trends; it will also review peer institutions
in order to achieve its distribution policy of 4.5 percent for the
immediate future.
Saintly Women's Day marked across Diocese
Snapshots of this month's Saintly Women's Day commemorations.
Saintly Women's Day Observed Across Diocese
Women's Guild chapters throughout the Eastern Diocese observed Saintly
Women's Day on Saturday, March 10, with special services and programs
commemorating the lives of Mary and Martha-the sisters of Lazarus who
have become enduring symbols of discipleship.
Regional commemorations were hosted by the Church of the Holy Martyrs
in Bayside, NY; St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church in Wynnewood, PA; Sts.
Joachim and Anne Church in Palos Heights, IL; Armenian Church at Hye
Pointe in Haverhill, MA; and St. Paul Church in Syracuse, NY.
At each of the gatherings, the participants discussed how the lives of
women saints can inform present-day life in the Armenian Church. Click
to [8]read more and to [9]view photos.
Links:
8. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/across-the-diocese-womens-guilds-honor-saintly-womens-day?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
9. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Saintly-Womens-Day-2012/22063853_FDHJFM?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 787658&k=2tKRBxz
FAR
Symposium participants during a lecture at the National Medical
Library
in Yerevan.
FAR Hosts Symposium on Geriatric Medicine in Armenia
The Fund for Armenian Relief organized a symposium on geriatric
medicine at the National Medical Library in Yerevan this month. The
symposium was attended by doctors participating in FAR's Continuing
Medical Education program.
Speakers included Birthright Armenia volunteer Natalie Abrahamian, who
is currently volunteering with FAR's medical programs, and Dr. Ruben
Hovhannisyan, a professor from Armenia's National Institute of Health
and the editor-in-chief of the FAR-sponsored Armenian Medical Review
Journal.
The symposium was also broadcast live via Skype at the Ijevan Medical
Center in northeastern Armenia. The broadcast is part of an initiative
to make lectures accessible by medical centers throughout the country.
[10]
Click here to visit FAR's blog and to read more.
Links:
10. http://blog.farusa.org/2012/03/20/far-health-programs-far-birthright-armenia-volunteer-lectures-on-geriatric-medicine?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
SMC
Dn. Rubik Mailian leads a session on Divine Liturgy hymns for junior
choir members.
Sacred Music Council Leads Workshops in Midwest
Dn. Rubik Mailian, chair of the Sacred Music Council, conducted choir
workshops in the Midwest last weekend.
On Friday evening, March 16, he met with junior choir members from
Chicago and Wisconsin parishes at the St. George Church of Waukegan,
IL, where he led a two-hour workshop on singing the hymns of the
Divine
Liturgy.
The next morning Dn. Mailian worked with the choir members of St. John
the Baptist Church of Greenfield, WI; Holy Resurrection Church of
South
Milwaukee, WI; and St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI. He emphasized
ensemble skills and reviewed the meaning of the text of the Divine
Liturgy.
Later on Saturday afternoon, Dn. Mailian met with the Chicago area
church choirs at St. James Church in Evanston, IL. After reviewing the
hymns of the Divine Liturgy and the variables for Easter Sunday, Dn.
Mailian introduced the Greek and Russian versions of the `Krisdos
haryav ee merelotz' hymn. The hymn will be sung in Greek and Russian
during an upcoming ecumenical gathering in Chicago.
Leadership meeting
Leadership Meeting to be Held at Diocese on Saturday
Representatives of the Diocesan organizations, St. Nersess Seminary,
and the Diocesan administration and staff will gather on Saturday,
March 24, for a day-long meeting to discuss the Diocese's mission and
to begin planning new initiatives for the Diocese and its local
parishes.
The Leadership Meeting is being organized by the Diocesan Council, and
will convene under the presidency of the Primate, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian. In a letter to the participants, the Primate called the
meeting an opportunity `to come together in a spirit of common
aspiration, to examine the mission of our church, and strategize about
its future.'
The gathering will take place at the Diocesan Center in New York.
Video
Lenten Video Series Continues
On our [11]website homepage and [12]YouTube channel, the Eastern
Diocese is offering a series of brief online videos on Great Lent.
Links:
11. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
12. http://www.youtube.com/easterndiocese?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
For this week's edition, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St.
Vartan Armenian Cathedral, speaks about the Lenten sanctuary. Previous
videos have included a primer on Armenian Church fasting traditions
with the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, and a reflection on the
significance of the 40-day period Christ spent in the wilderness
following his baptism by Diocesan communications director Christopher
Zakian.
PARISH NEWS
Fr. Tateos visits Atlanta Mission Parish
Newly elected Parish Council members with Fr. Tateos Abdalian. From
left: Mari Avedissian, Lena Murad, Vera Nercessian, Murat Corluyan,
Vatche Terzian, John Nercessian, and Laura Stuart.
Atlanta Mission Parish Focuses on Building Community
The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese's director of Mission
Parishes, visited the Armenian Church of Atlanta mission parish on
March 16-18. Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, he met
with parishioners to begin implementing a strategic plan developed
last
month during meetings with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate, and other Diocesan representatives.
The plan calls for the establishment of a school to teach the Armenian
faith and cultural traditions to young parishioners, choir development
opportunities and meetings with the Diocesan Scared Music Council, the
creation of a schedule of monthly home visits, and the establishment
of
a Bible study and ACYOA Seniors groups.
During last weekend's visit, Fr. Abdalian met with choir members to
practice Easter hymns and conducted a Bible study session for adults.
He also met with young people to begin developing a local ACYOA
chapter.
Also last weekend, the parish held its annual assembly to elect a new
Parish Council and to approve a budget for the coming year.
St. James youth outreach
Sunday School students make Easter baskets for a local food pantry.
Watertown, MA, Sunday School Students Give Back
On Sunday, March 18, the Sunday School of St. James Church of
Watertown, MA, took part in `Service Sunday'-an annual tradition where
students bring in donated supplies and spend the day assembling the
items for local charities.
This year students made 72 Easter baskets for a local food pantry. The
baskets were filled with candy and gifts, and included a special
message from the parish. The children also made boxed lunches and
collected socks, soap, towels, and other essentials for a Boston
homeless shelter.
Fourth graders participated in a special session with the Rev. Fr.
Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, during which they learned how to make
nshkhar (the bread used in Holy Communion). Fr. Aljalian blessed the
nshkhars and distributed them to the students to take home.
[13]Click here to view photos of `Service Sunday.'
Links:
13. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/St-James-Sunday-School-Service/22064201_bMMdfS?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 817124&k=mgT8h4j
EVENTS
Sacred Music at St. Vartan Cathedral
Sacred Music at the Cathedral
`An Evening of Worship, Scripture, and Sacred Music' will be held at
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Saturday, March 24, beginning with a
Vespers Service at 7 p.m.
The program will include hymns from the Sunrise, Peace, and Rest
services of the Armenian Church. The hymns will be sung by the St.
Vartan Cathedral Choir under the direction of Maestro Khoren
Mekanejian.
[14]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
14. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/StVartanVespers2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese +E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Art at the Cathedral
Easter Art Exhibit at the Diocese
New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is pleased to announce that a
special art exhibit will be on display in the Diocesan Complex as part
of the upcoming observance of Easter Eve and Easter Sunday on April 7
and 8, 2012.
Behold, All Things Have Become New: Armenian Artists Celebrate Easter
is an exhibition of works by prominent Yerevan-based painters as well
as by prolific Armenian artists based in America. Curator for the
exhibit is Vasken Kalayjian, renowned graphic designer and artist.
Behold, All Things Have Become New will be on display in Guild Hall
and
Yerevan Hall of the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral complex (630
Second
Avenue, New York City).
[15]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
15. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=0183d70696&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
YOUTH NEWS
ACYOA-FAR internship
Intern at the FAR Children's Center in Armenia
The ACYOA Central Council is offering young people ages 20 and older a
unique hands-on learning experience: a 10-week internship opportunity
at the FAR Children's Support Center in Yerevan, Armenia, from May 29
to August 8.
Interns will work with a professional staff under the guidance and
direction of Dr. Mira Antonyan, the executive director of the
Children's Center and Armenia's leading expert in child protection.
They will become familiar not only with the activities of the center,
but also with other relevant child and family protection services and
structures.
Applications for the program are due by April 20. Click to
[16]download
a flyer and an [17]application form.
Links:
16. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Internflier_FAR2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese +E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
17. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/FARInternship2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
St. Nersess Summer conferences
St. Nersess Summer Conferences participants visit the elderly.
If it's Summer, it Must be St. Nersess
Applications for the St. Nersess Summer Conferences for young people
are now available online. Five conferences are scheduled, each of
which
will include daily worship, Bible Study, and Armenian language
instruction.
Special topics to be explored this year include: `How to Pray,' `God's
Plan for You and Me,' `Growing in Faith through the Badarak,' `Loving
as Christ Loved,' `Dating and Intimacy,' and `Is Forgiveness Possible
for Those Who Commit Genocide?'
The conferences will be preceded by a Deacons Training Program on June
25-July 3. [18]Click here to download a brochure and an application
form.
Links:
18. http://www.stnersess.edu/news/article.php?id=336&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
ACYOA Juniors retreats continue
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian speaks to ACYOA Juniors about the baptism
service.
ACYOA Juniors Retreats Underway
The fourth ACYOA Juniors retreat of the season took place last weekend
at St. Hagop Church in Pinellas Park, FL. The retreat sessions focused
on this year's Diocesan theme of `Vocations: The Call to
Serve-Ministry
of the Faithful,' and participants were encouraged to explore how
each
of them can share his or her God-given talents for the benefit of
others.
Jennifer Morris, the Diocese's Youth Outreach coordinator, worked with
Yn. Anna Demerjian to prepare for the retreat. The Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Demerjian, parish pastor, served as the retreat chaplain and led two
of
the sessions.
In addition to Bible studies and educational sessions, participants
enjoyed time for outdoor games and activities, including a traditional
campfire gathering which showcased their musical talents. On Sunday
morning, the ACYOA Juniors took part in the celebration of the Divine
Liturgy and enjoyed a Lenten lunch hosted by the parish Women's Guild.
[19]Click here to view photos from the Florida retreat.
Links:
19. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/ACYOA-Juniors-Florida-Retreat/22064075_4BMwJC?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 806932&k=FdD596s
Below is a schedule of upcoming retreats. To register, contact your
parish pastor or youth minister, or e-mail Jennifer Morris at
[20][email protected].
Links:
20. mailto:[email protected]
April 13-15: New York, New Jersey, and the Mid-Atlantic (Stony Point,
NY)
April 21-22: Texas (Dallas, TX)
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
Email: [email protected]
TOP STORY March
22, 2012
Sunday of the Advent
Sunday of the Advent
Early in our journey through Great Lent we observed the Sunday of the
Expulsion, which retold the story of mankind's first disobedience, our
exile from paradise, and the beginning of humanity's long history of
separation from God.
In a nice expression of symmetry and resolution, Lent concludes with
the Sunday of the Advent (March 25, the sixth and last Sunday of
Lent):
that is, the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom God entered human
history and restored what had been lost in the exile from Eden.
The Advent calls to mind the birth and revelation of our Savior, his
subsequent sacrifice for mankind, and his victory over sin and death.
As the last Sunday of Lent, this day is especially devoted to the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ, reminding us that he is our eternal
Lord
and King, and that just as everything once began with God, so too
will
everything one day end with Him.
[4]
Click here to learn more about Lent in the Armenian Church.
Links:
4. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=67d535820b&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Pilgrimage to Anatolia
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
The Eastern Diocese will make a pilgrimage to historic Armenia, from
September 5 to 19.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar
and prayer services at the recently consecrated St. Giragos Armenian
Church of Dikranagerd and the St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
The pilgrimage also includes visits to Armenia's magnificent former
capital of Ani and tours of other parts of historic Armenia-Arabkir,
Kars, Aintab, and Malatya, among other cities and villages. The
journey
will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian
Patriarchate.
[5]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
5. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/PilgrimageHistoricArmenia2012.pdf?utm_source=Easte rn+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Primate to visit New England
Primate to Visit New Britain, CT
On Sunday, March 25, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
will visit the Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT,
where he will preside over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the day's sermon. The Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, pastor of
Holy Resurrection Church, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
Following services, the parish Women's Guild will host a Lenten
luncheon during which members of the Boyajian family will offer
reflections on lay ministry. For more information, call the church at
(860) 223-7875.
Scripture of the Week
Is 66:1-24
Col 2:8-3:17
Mt 22:34-23:39
Prayer of the Week
We thank you, Father Almighty, who did prepare for us the Holy Church
as a heaven, a temple of holiness, where the Holy Trinity is
glorified.
We thank you, Christ the King, who did grant us life through your
life-giving and holy body and blood, grant us forgiveness in your
great
mercy. Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
24 March: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Commitment to the Pit)
25 March: Sunday of the Advent
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Pope Shenouda
His Holiness Shenouda III (1923-2012).
In Memoriam: His Holiness Shenouda III (1923-2012)
With great sorrow, the Eastern Diocese learned of the passing of His
Holiness Shenouda III, pontiff of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and an
inspirational figure who led his people for four decades, on Saturday,
March 17.
`Pope Shenouda led a period of revival for the Coptic Church, during
which he emerged as a true father of his people,' wrote Archbishop
Barsamian in a letter to the leader of the Coptic Church in North
America, Bishop David. `His flock was able to advance even in the
face
of difficult external circumstances; and when in recent days the
situation took a more painful turn, it was Pope Shenouda who,
fortified
with the power of the Holy Spirit, motivated his spiritual children
to
practice their Christian faith with even greater conviction and
courage.'
In response to the news of Pope Shenouda's passing, His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
expressed his condolences in a letter to the holy synod of the Coptic
Orthodox Church. On Tuesday, March 20, at Catholicos Karekin's
direction, a delegation of Armenian clergy attended Pope Shenouda's
funeral at the 4th-century St. Bishoy Monastery in Egypt. A requiem
service was held at Holy Etchmiadzin on March 21.
In the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, has
directed parishes to remember His Holiness Shenouda III through a
hokehankisd service on Sunday, March 25. Also on Sunday, Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian and the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, will represent the Diocese at a memorial service at St. Mary
Coptic Orthodox Church in East Brunswick, NJ.
We join our Coptic brothers and sisters to express our sorrow that the
Christian world has lost a humble and godly leader.
DIOCESAN NEWS
Minister of Defence visits Diocese
Archbishop Barsamian presents Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan with a
gold cross.
Armenia's Minister of Defense Visits Diocese
On Wednesday, March 21, Armenia's Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan
visited the headquarters of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America in New York. He was welcomed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate, who led him and his delegation on a tour of St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral.
In the sanctuary, Mr. Ohanyan and his wife Ruzanna lit a candle and
joined the Primate and cathedral dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian,
in reciting the Lord's Prayer.
The delegation included Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan;
Ambassador Garen Nazarian, the Permanent Representative of the
Republic
of Armenia to the United Nations, and his wife Nana; and Colonel
Mesrop
Nazarian, Armenia's Defense Attaché in Washington.
In the Diocese's reception hall, the guests were welcomed by about 25
leaders of the Eastern Diocese. Among these were Diocesan Council
members Oscar Tatosian, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, and Papken Megerian;
Dr.
Edgar Housepian and Dr. John Nercessian of the Fund for Armenian
Relief, and FAR's executive director Garnik Nanagoulian.
Click to [6]read more and to [7]view photos.
Links:
6. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news-archive/armenias-minister-of-defense-visits-diocesan-center?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
7. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Visitations-1/Armenias-Minister-of-Defense/22064239_2H3khr?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 820143&k=gMmTFPN
New England Clergy Retreat
Clergy who took part in this week's Lenten retreat in West Hartford,
CT.
Clergy Retreat Held in Connecticut
Clergy from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, and
Texas gathered this week for a three-day Lenten retreat at the Holy
Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT.
The program began on Monday, March 19, with Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presiding. Themed `Follow Me,' the
retreat
explored Christ's call through Bible study and group discussions
facilitated by the clergy, as well as spiritual reflections offered at
the various prayer services.
The retreat was organized by Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian. A similar retreat is scheduled for the Mid-Atlantic region
next week.
Acolyte ordinatons at St. Vartan Cathedral
Archbishop Barsamian ordains Levon Asdourian and Arman Uzunyan to the
rank of acolyte.
Two Seminarians Ordained Acolytes Last Sunday
On Sunday, March 18, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
ordained two seminarians to the rank of acolyte at St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral. Levon Asdourian and Arman Uzunyan, students of St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary, were made `tbirs' by the hand of the Primate.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian,
cathedral dean. The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of
St. Nersess
Seminary, offered the day's sermon.
ACEF meeting at the Diocesan Center
ACEF board members at a meeting at the Diocesan Center last week.
ACEF Board Reviews Investment Goals and Policies
The Board of Directors of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF)
met
at the Diocesan Center on Friday, March 16, with Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presiding.
Board members elected Alyssa Keleshian Bonomo as secretary and
re-elected Charles Simonian to a second three-year term. The board
also
approved the 2012 budget and a distribution of approximately
$3,186,000
to its beneficiaries.
Given the volatile market conditions of the past few years, the
meeting
focused on reviewing ACEF investment goals and policies. ACEF will
review its Target Investment Allocation and make appropriate changes
based on current market trends; it will also review peer institutions
in order to achieve its distribution policy of 4.5 percent for the
immediate future.
Saintly Women's Day marked across Diocese
Snapshots of this month's Saintly Women's Day commemorations.
Saintly Women's Day Observed Across Diocese
Women's Guild chapters throughout the Eastern Diocese observed Saintly
Women's Day on Saturday, March 10, with special services and programs
commemorating the lives of Mary and Martha-the sisters of Lazarus who
have become enduring symbols of discipleship.
Regional commemorations were hosted by the Church of the Holy Martyrs
in Bayside, NY; St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church in Wynnewood, PA; Sts.
Joachim and Anne Church in Palos Heights, IL; Armenian Church at Hye
Pointe in Haverhill, MA; and St. Paul Church in Syracuse, NY.
At each of the gatherings, the participants discussed how the lives of
women saints can inform present-day life in the Armenian Church. Click
to [8]read more and to [9]view photos.
Links:
8. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/across-the-diocese-womens-guilds-honor-saintly-womens-day?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
9. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Saintly-Womens-Day-2012/22063853_FDHJFM?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 787658&k=2tKRBxz
FAR
Symposium participants during a lecture at the National Medical
Library
in Yerevan.
FAR Hosts Symposium on Geriatric Medicine in Armenia
The Fund for Armenian Relief organized a symposium on geriatric
medicine at the National Medical Library in Yerevan this month. The
symposium was attended by doctors participating in FAR's Continuing
Medical Education program.
Speakers included Birthright Armenia volunteer Natalie Abrahamian, who
is currently volunteering with FAR's medical programs, and Dr. Ruben
Hovhannisyan, a professor from Armenia's National Institute of Health
and the editor-in-chief of the FAR-sponsored Armenian Medical Review
Journal.
The symposium was also broadcast live via Skype at the Ijevan Medical
Center in northeastern Armenia. The broadcast is part of an initiative
to make lectures accessible by medical centers throughout the country.
[10]
Click here to visit FAR's blog and to read more.
Links:
10. http://blog.farusa.org/2012/03/20/far-health-programs-far-birthright-armenia-volunteer-lectures-on-geriatric-medicine?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
SMC
Dn. Rubik Mailian leads a session on Divine Liturgy hymns for junior
choir members.
Sacred Music Council Leads Workshops in Midwest
Dn. Rubik Mailian, chair of the Sacred Music Council, conducted choir
workshops in the Midwest last weekend.
On Friday evening, March 16, he met with junior choir members from
Chicago and Wisconsin parishes at the St. George Church of Waukegan,
IL, where he led a two-hour workshop on singing the hymns of the
Divine
Liturgy.
The next morning Dn. Mailian worked with the choir members of St. John
the Baptist Church of Greenfield, WI; Holy Resurrection Church of
South
Milwaukee, WI; and St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI. He emphasized
ensemble skills and reviewed the meaning of the text of the Divine
Liturgy.
Later on Saturday afternoon, Dn. Mailian met with the Chicago area
church choirs at St. James Church in Evanston, IL. After reviewing the
hymns of the Divine Liturgy and the variables for Easter Sunday, Dn.
Mailian introduced the Greek and Russian versions of the `Krisdos
haryav ee merelotz' hymn. The hymn will be sung in Greek and Russian
during an upcoming ecumenical gathering in Chicago.
Leadership meeting
Leadership Meeting to be Held at Diocese on Saturday
Representatives of the Diocesan organizations, St. Nersess Seminary,
and the Diocesan administration and staff will gather on Saturday,
March 24, for a day-long meeting to discuss the Diocese's mission and
to begin planning new initiatives for the Diocese and its local
parishes.
The Leadership Meeting is being organized by the Diocesan Council, and
will convene under the presidency of the Primate, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian. In a letter to the participants, the Primate called the
meeting an opportunity `to come together in a spirit of common
aspiration, to examine the mission of our church, and strategize about
its future.'
The gathering will take place at the Diocesan Center in New York.
Video
Lenten Video Series Continues
On our [11]website homepage and [12]YouTube channel, the Eastern
Diocese is offering a series of brief online videos on Great Lent.
Links:
11. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
12. http://www.youtube.com/easterndiocese?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
For this week's edition, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St.
Vartan Armenian Cathedral, speaks about the Lenten sanctuary. Previous
videos have included a primer on Armenian Church fasting traditions
with the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, and a reflection on the
significance of the 40-day period Christ spent in the wilderness
following his baptism by Diocesan communications director Christopher
Zakian.
PARISH NEWS
Fr. Tateos visits Atlanta Mission Parish
Newly elected Parish Council members with Fr. Tateos Abdalian. From
left: Mari Avedissian, Lena Murad, Vera Nercessian, Murat Corluyan,
Vatche Terzian, John Nercessian, and Laura Stuart.
Atlanta Mission Parish Focuses on Building Community
The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese's director of Mission
Parishes, visited the Armenian Church of Atlanta mission parish on
March 16-18. Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, he met
with parishioners to begin implementing a strategic plan developed
last
month during meetings with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate, and other Diocesan representatives.
The plan calls for the establishment of a school to teach the Armenian
faith and cultural traditions to young parishioners, choir development
opportunities and meetings with the Diocesan Scared Music Council, the
creation of a schedule of monthly home visits, and the establishment
of
a Bible study and ACYOA Seniors groups.
During last weekend's visit, Fr. Abdalian met with choir members to
practice Easter hymns and conducted a Bible study session for adults.
He also met with young people to begin developing a local ACYOA
chapter.
Also last weekend, the parish held its annual assembly to elect a new
Parish Council and to approve a budget for the coming year.
St. James youth outreach
Sunday School students make Easter baskets for a local food pantry.
Watertown, MA, Sunday School Students Give Back
On Sunday, March 18, the Sunday School of St. James Church of
Watertown, MA, took part in `Service Sunday'-an annual tradition where
students bring in donated supplies and spend the day assembling the
items for local charities.
This year students made 72 Easter baskets for a local food pantry. The
baskets were filled with candy and gifts, and included a special
message from the parish. The children also made boxed lunches and
collected socks, soap, towels, and other essentials for a Boston
homeless shelter.
Fourth graders participated in a special session with the Rev. Fr.
Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, during which they learned how to make
nshkhar (the bread used in Holy Communion). Fr. Aljalian blessed the
nshkhars and distributed them to the students to take home.
[13]Click here to view photos of `Service Sunday.'
Links:
13. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/St-James-Sunday-School-Service/22064201_bMMdfS?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 817124&k=mgT8h4j
EVENTS
Sacred Music at St. Vartan Cathedral
Sacred Music at the Cathedral
`An Evening of Worship, Scripture, and Sacred Music' will be held at
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Saturday, March 24, beginning with a
Vespers Service at 7 p.m.
The program will include hymns from the Sunrise, Peace, and Rest
services of the Armenian Church. The hymns will be sung by the St.
Vartan Cathedral Choir under the direction of Maestro Khoren
Mekanejian.
[14]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
14. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/StVartanVespers2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese +E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
Art at the Cathedral
Easter Art Exhibit at the Diocese
New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is pleased to announce that a
special art exhibit will be on display in the Diocesan Complex as part
of the upcoming observance of Easter Eve and Easter Sunday on April 7
and 8, 2012.
Behold, All Things Have Become New: Armenian Artists Celebrate Easter
is an exhibition of works by prominent Yerevan-based painters as well
as by prolific Armenian artists based in America. Curator for the
exhibit is Vasken Kalayjian, renowned graphic designer and artist.
Behold, All Things Have Become New will be on display in Guild Hall
and
Yerevan Hall of the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral complex (630
Second
Avenue, New York City).
[15]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
15. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=0183d70696&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
YOUTH NEWS
ACYOA-FAR internship
Intern at the FAR Children's Center in Armenia
The ACYOA Central Council is offering young people ages 20 and older a
unique hands-on learning experience: a 10-week internship opportunity
at the FAR Children's Support Center in Yerevan, Armenia, from May 29
to August 8.
Interns will work with a professional staff under the guidance and
direction of Dr. Mira Antonyan, the executive director of the
Children's Center and Armenia's leading expert in child protection.
They will become familiar not only with the activities of the center,
but also with other relevant child and family protection services and
structures.
Applications for the program are due by April 20. Click to
[16]download
a flyer and an [17]application form.
Links:
16. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Internflier_FAR2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese +E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
17. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/FARInternship2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
St. Nersess Summer conferences
St. Nersess Summer Conferences participants visit the elderly.
If it's Summer, it Must be St. Nersess
Applications for the St. Nersess Summer Conferences for young people
are now available online. Five conferences are scheduled, each of
which
will include daily worship, Bible Study, and Armenian language
instruction.
Special topics to be explored this year include: `How to Pray,' `God's
Plan for You and Me,' `Growing in Faith through the Badarak,' `Loving
as Christ Loved,' `Dating and Intimacy,' and `Is Forgiveness Possible
for Those Who Commit Genocide?'
The conferences will be preceded by a Deacons Training Program on June
25-July 3. [18]Click here to download a brochure and an application
form.
Links:
18. http://www.stnersess.edu/news/article.php?id=336&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
ACYOA Juniors retreats continue
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian speaks to ACYOA Juniors about the baptism
service.
ACYOA Juniors Retreats Underway
The fourth ACYOA Juniors retreat of the season took place last weekend
at St. Hagop Church in Pinellas Park, FL. The retreat sessions focused
on this year's Diocesan theme of `Vocations: The Call to
Serve-Ministry
of the Faithful,' and participants were encouraged to explore how
each
of them can share his or her God-given talents for the benefit of
others.
Jennifer Morris, the Diocese's Youth Outreach coordinator, worked with
Yn. Anna Demerjian to prepare for the retreat. The Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Demerjian, parish pastor, served as the retreat chaplain and led two
of
the sessions.
In addition to Bible studies and educational sessions, participants
enjoyed time for outdoor games and activities, including a traditional
campfire gathering which showcased their musical talents. On Sunday
morning, the ACYOA Juniors took part in the celebration of the Divine
Liturgy and enjoyed a Lenten lunch hosted by the parish Women's Guild.
[19]Click here to view photos from the Florida retreat.
Links:
19. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/ACYOA-Juniors-Florida-Retreat/22064075_4BMwJC?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=23355bf79f-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1760 806932&k=FdD596s
Below is a schedule of upcoming retreats. To register, contact your
parish pastor or youth minister, or e-mail Jennifer Morris at
[20][email protected].
Links:
20. mailto:[email protected]
April 13-15: New York, New Jersey, and the Mid-Atlantic (Stony Point,
NY)
April 21-22: Texas (Dallas, TX)