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PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
July 13, 2012
SEVEN `DATEVATZIES' GRADUATE
Seven students completed the four-week Summer Christian Studies
Program of St. Gregory of Datev Institute, sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). The graduates
participated in over 100 educational sessions (about 25 each year).
This year the Institute registered sixty-five students-twenty-three
first year students, twelve second year, fourteen third year, and
seven fourth year. There were nine postgraduates. The classes for all
five levels took place concurrently. The weeklong program was held at
St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July
1-8, 2012.
Graduates with Fr. Nareg Terterian (Dean) and Dn. Shant Kazanjian
(AREC Director) are, left to right, Eric Pjojian, Shant Eghian, James
Mengouchian, Martha Sieger, Nazelie Doghramadjian, Anahid Keshishian,
Anna Shadoyan.
Instructors and staff of the 26th summer program of St. Gregory of
Datev Institute. (Front row left to right): Dn. Bedros Kalajian,
Fr. Stephan Baljian, Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Fr. Nareg Terterian,
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian (Vicar), Fr. Khoren Habeshian, Fr. Sarkis
Aktavoukian, Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian. (Back row
left to right): Maral Doghramadjian, Jeanette S. Nazarian, Yn. Joanna
Baghsarian, Tamar Lakissian, Fr. Antranig Baljian, Maggie
Kouyoumdjian, Dn. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, M.D. (Not in photo: Yn.
Alice Baljian, Arman Ayvazyan, Ani Yaghmourian)
For more photos click here (http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/ksk6q).
SUMMER CAMP IN ARMENIA IN THIRD YEAR
For the third year, Archpriest Aram Stepanian, pastor of Soorp
Asdvadzazdin Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, directed a Summer
Camp in Armenia for the children in the Prelacy's orphan sponsorship
program. The camp is sponsored by the Prelacy with many of the
arrangements, including the selection of the campers, carried out by
the Prelacy's Yerevan office of St. Nerses the Great Charitable
Fund. This year fifty orphans from ages 13 to 16 attended the camp at
Dzaghgatzor, Armenia, for a fun-filled week while learning about the
teachings of the Armenian Church, as well as about the history and
saints of the church.
One of their field trips was to Holy Etchmiadzin where they were
graciously received by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians. Der Aram reports that this was `an exciting experience for
the children. An once-in-a-lifetime experience.'
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian speaks to the children in front of the
offices of St. Nerses the Great Charitable Fund as they prepare to
leave for the
camp.
The bus arrives at the Dzaghgatzor camp grounds.
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All
Armenians, welcomes Der Aram and the campers to Holy Etchmiadzin. The
Catholicos blessed the children and praised the camp program.
WAUKEGAN OBSERVES ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, July 1, the Armenian community of Waukegan, Illinois,
commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Armenian community memorial
monument
located in the Armenian section of the Northshore Garden of
Memories. A joint requiem service was performed by Der Hrant
Kevorkian, pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church, and Der Paren Galstyan,
pastor of St. George Church, both in Waukegan. After the service
everyone joined in the fellowship and the brief program that took
place at St. Paul Church hall.
A joint Requiem Service took place at the Armenian monument located in
Northshore Garden of Memories in Waukegan, Illinois. The site of the
monument in the Armenian section of the cemetery.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, July 15, Feast of the Transfiguration of
Our Lord Jesus Christ, (Aylakerputiunm / Vartavar) are Wisdom
7:25-8:4; Zechariah 14:16-21; 1 John 1:1-7; Matthew 16:13-17:13.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them
up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before
them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling
white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with
him. Then Peter
said to Jesus, `Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I
will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one
for Elijah.' While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud
over-shadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, `This is my Son,
the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!' When the
disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by
fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, `Get up and do not be
afraid.' And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself
alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, `Tell no
one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from
the dead.' And the disciples asked him, `Why then, do the scribes say
that Elijah must come first?' He replied, `Elijah is indeed coming and
will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they do not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they
pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.'
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John
the Baptist. (Matthew 17:1-13)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/0kl6q).
THE OLD ARK OF THE COVENANT AND
FEAST OF THE NEW HOLY CHURCH
Tomorrow, Saturday, July 14, the Armenian Church commemorates the Old
Ark of the Covenant and the Feast of the New Holy Church. This
combined commemoration takes place on the Saturday prior to the Feast
of the Transfiguration. Celebrating the old and the new shows the
perpetuity of the church. God revealed Himself to humankind gradually
through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and the prophets. The church
existed from the beginning, and that is why the Old Testament is
accepted as part of the Holy Scriptures and recognized as preamble to
the New Testament. The hymn designated for this day proclaims: `Who
from the beginning established your church
with wisdom, O, Father of Wisdom, who revealed to Moses upon Sinai.'
FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, July 15, the Armenian Church observes one of its five
major feasts, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus
Christ (Aylakerputiunm / Vartavar). This Feast is observed fourteen
weeks after Easter, and therefore can fall between June 28 and August
1. It commemorates an episode in the New Testament recorded by
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter. (See today's Bible reading for the
text from the Gospel according to St. Matthew).
The Transfiguration took place on the `holy mountain' (believed to be
Mt. Tabor) where Jesus went with John, James and Peter
to pray. As He was praying, `His face shone like the sun and His
garments became white as light.' The Patriarch Moses and Prophet
Elijah appeared at His side. It was at this moment that His appearance
was
`transfigured' revealing himself as God to His disciples as a voice
from above said, `This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased. Listen to him.'
The pre-Christian festival, Vartavar (Festival of Roses), was joined
with this new Christian holiday. Armenians would decorate the temple
of the goddess of Asdghig (goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and
water) with roses, release doves, and engage in water games on this
pre-Christian holiday. St. Gregory the Illuminator combined Vartavar
with Transfiguration. The
fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the prayer that is read in the
church on this feast: `O Lord, bless the harvest of this year and
defend from all the perils, and may Your right hand, O Lord, protect
us for the whole year.'
Vartavar became a traditional day of pilgrimage to churches named in
honor of St. John the Baptist. The most popular destination was the
Monastery of Sourp Garabed of Moush, founded by Gregory the
Illuminator in the province of Taron near Moush. (Garabed means
Forerunner, referring to John the Baptist). The monastery was large
and expansive and built like a fortress in the mountains. More than
one thousand pilgrims could be accommodated. After 1915 the complex
ceased to exist. The monastery was destroyed by the Turkish army, and
the ravages of time, weather and scavengers completed its
destruction. The once large and thriving Armenian monastery is now a
mass of stone and rubble.
This Sunday is the name day for those named Vartkes, Vartavar, Vart,
Vartouhi, Alvart, Sevart, Nevart, Lousvart, Baidzar, Vartanoush,
Vartiter, Varvar.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
The Monday after each of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church
is a Memorial Day.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
NEW SERIES OF PUBLICATIONS
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, has announced
the publication of a series of history books, each devoted to a town
where Armenians had been living for centuries. The series is being
produced under the
supervision of His Holiness.
The first volume, History of Adana, written by historian Puzant
Yeghiayan, has just been published, under the sponsorship of Mr. and
Mrs. Krikor Mahseredjian from Abu Dhabi. The second volume, History of
Hadjin, is current in press and will be released soon.
One thousand copies of each volume will be published and distributed
to libraries in Armenia, Karabagh, and the Diaspora, as well as to all
educational and cultural institutions.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Death of Vahan Totovents (July 18, 1938)
Vahan Totovents was one of the prominent members of the Armenian
intelligentsia killed during the second `April 24' of the twentieth
century: the Stalinist purges of 1937-1938. A prolific writer and
translator, he had settled in Soviet Armenia in 1922.
Totovents was born in 1889 in the Western Armenian city of Mezre,
close to Kharpert. His parents were originally from Akn; the
Totovayents were a well-to-do family of Akn that moved to Mezre in the
eighteenth century.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the province of Kharpert was
going through a process of economic and cultural development. The
Euphrates College, founded by American missionaries, was centered in
Kharpert and the National Central College (Azkayin Getronagan
Varjaran) had been created in Mezre, where a group of intellectuals
such as Rupen Zartarian and Lerukhan (two writer who would be victims
of the Armenian genocide), among others, gave particular momentum to
education. Young Vahan entered the National Central College in 1897.
As many other writers, he first wrote poetry and in 1908, after he
graduated from the school, he departed to Constantinople, where he
published two booklets of poetry in 1908 and 1909. In 1909, he
traveled to Paris and from there to New York. Members of his
extended family had already settled in Saint Paul (Minnesota) and
Totovents worked for a while at the Oriental rug shop of his maternal
uncle, writer
Bedros Keljik. He also studied literature at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison from 1912 to 1914. In those years, he became a
member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
In 1915, he was among the hundreds of Armenian Americans who embarked
to the Caucasian front to fight in the volunteer battalions against
the
Turkish army. Disillusioned with the A.R.F., in 1917-1918 he edited
the independent newspaper `Hayastan,' published by General Antranig,
in Tiflis. During the war years and after the war, he continued to
publish poetry, stories, articles, and satire. He also published
several books.
In 1920 he left the Caucasus and went to Constantinople. He got
married and after living again in the United States for a while, in
late 1921 he returned to Constantinople, where he was an editor of the
periodical =80=9CJoghoverdi Dzayne,' which belonged to the newly
founded Armenian Democratic Liberal Party. In late 1922 he settled in
Yerevan.
He was a professor at the University of Yerevan from 1924-1926, a
newspaper editor and a translator. During the 1920s and 1930s, he
published many novels, stories, and plays; among them his best works,
such as the memoir `Life on the Old Roman Road,' the collections of
stories, `Doves,' `Pale Blue Flowers,' the short novel `Burned
Papers,' etcetera. He also translated several
plays by Shakespeare into Armenian. In 1934 he participated in the
First Congress of Soviet Writers held in Moscow. Decades later,
several of his books were translated into English and some of his
stories were turned into films.
Following the assassination of Aghasi Khanjian, first secretary of the
Communist Party of Armenia, by Laurenti Beria, Stalin's henchman in
the Caucasus, a wave of repression started against many prominent
intellectuals. Totovents was among the first to be arrested on July
18, 1936. He was interrogated and tortured several times, and after a
summary mock trial, he was shot on July 18, 1938. His only son, Levon,
died in the Soviet army fighting against the Germans in 1942, during
World War II. Totovents memory and standing were rehabilitated in
1955, after the death of Stalin.
WEST COAST VISITORS
A group of Armenians from the Los Angeles area visited the Prelacy
offices today where they were received and welcomed by the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan. The visitors were part of a East Coast tour
organized by Sona Tours. The visitors were accompanied by their tour
leader, Ms. Jacqueline Touloumdjian.
Archbishop Oshagan welcomes the West Coast tourists to the Prelacy
office.
ONE DAY LATE
Crossroads is being sent to you on Friday, rather than the customary
Thursday, this week because of some unforeseen circumstances. We will
resume our usual Thursday schedule next week.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild and ARS Ani Chapter,
Providence, Rhode Island, `A Hye Summer Night VI' dance, featuring
Hachig Kazarian, Richard Hagopian, Kenneth Kalajian, Jason Naroian, 8
pm to 1 am; $35 adults; $15 children 16 and under. At the Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, Rhode
Island. Mezza will
be served. Limited seating. For tickets and information: 401-434-4467
(Joyce Bagdasarian); 401-354-8770 (Joyce Yeremian).
August 5-Annual Shish Kebob Picnic and Grape Blessing, St. Paul
Armenian Church, 645 South Lewis Ave., Waukegan, Illinois, 12 noon to
4 pm. Armenian dinners and pastries available. For information: Arda
Haroian (847)
445-7934.
August 5-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, presents
Blessing of Madagh and Grapes, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and participation of the pastors of the
New England area churches, at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts,
noon to 6 pm. Music by Michael Gregian and Ensemble.
August 10-12-Armenian Fest and Blessing of the Grapes, All Saints
Church, Glenview, Illinois. For information: 847-998-1989.
August 12-Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of the
Grapes, and Indoor Picnic, following the Divine Liturgy at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Ladies Guild. Activities for
kids of all ages; food available for sale. Admission (including raffle
ticket), $5.00; children free. For information: 212-689-5880.
August 12-Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester,
Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, at
noon on the church grounds. Enjoy delicious Armenian food, including
Shish Kebab, Losh Kebab, and Chicken Kebab dinners, along with kheyma
and homemade desserts. Listen and dance to Armenian music by DJ
Shaheen, sign-up for backgammon tournament, or let children play on
bouncy house. Free parking and admission. For information:
508-852-2414.
August 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Church
Picnic, on the church grounds, noon to 6 pm. Best kebabs, cold beer
and tan,
watermelon, home-made sweets, special `Kid-Zone' activities for
children. Also Armenian music and dancing, raffle with great
prizes. Takeout available all day. Admission free. For information
718-224-2275.
October 4-31-Pontifical Visit to the Eastern Prelacy by His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
November 10-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
New Jersey and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of New York, present
Inga
& Anush with performances by Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble of New
Jersey, Hamazkayin Meghri Dance Ensemble of Pennsylvania, and Vanush
Khanamiryan
Dance Academy of New York and Connecticut. Felician College, 262 South
Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $70) and
information: 201-739-9557, 201-684-1509, or
www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/gdm6q).
November 11-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
Boston and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy proudly present Inga &
Anush with performance by Erebouni Dance Ensemble of Hamazkayin
Boston. Shaw Auditorium, Watertown High School, Watertown,
Massachusetts, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $45) and information:
617-331-0426 or www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/w5m6q).
November 18-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 50th anniversary
jubilee.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[email protected] to your address book.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
July 13, 2012
SEVEN `DATEVATZIES' GRADUATE
Seven students completed the four-week Summer Christian Studies
Program of St. Gregory of Datev Institute, sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). The graduates
participated in over 100 educational sessions (about 25 each year).
This year the Institute registered sixty-five students-twenty-three
first year students, twelve second year, fourteen third year, and
seven fourth year. There were nine postgraduates. The classes for all
five levels took place concurrently. The weeklong program was held at
St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July
1-8, 2012.
Graduates with Fr. Nareg Terterian (Dean) and Dn. Shant Kazanjian
(AREC Director) are, left to right, Eric Pjojian, Shant Eghian, James
Mengouchian, Martha Sieger, Nazelie Doghramadjian, Anahid Keshishian,
Anna Shadoyan.
Instructors and staff of the 26th summer program of St. Gregory of
Datev Institute. (Front row left to right): Dn. Bedros Kalajian,
Fr. Stephan Baljian, Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Fr. Nareg Terterian,
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian (Vicar), Fr. Khoren Habeshian, Fr. Sarkis
Aktavoukian, Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian. (Back row
left to right): Maral Doghramadjian, Jeanette S. Nazarian, Yn. Joanna
Baghsarian, Tamar Lakissian, Fr. Antranig Baljian, Maggie
Kouyoumdjian, Dn. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, M.D. (Not in photo: Yn.
Alice Baljian, Arman Ayvazyan, Ani Yaghmourian)
For more photos click here (http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/ksk6q).
SUMMER CAMP IN ARMENIA IN THIRD YEAR
For the third year, Archpriest Aram Stepanian, pastor of Soorp
Asdvadzazdin Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, directed a Summer
Camp in Armenia for the children in the Prelacy's orphan sponsorship
program. The camp is sponsored by the Prelacy with many of the
arrangements, including the selection of the campers, carried out by
the Prelacy's Yerevan office of St. Nerses the Great Charitable
Fund. This year fifty orphans from ages 13 to 16 attended the camp at
Dzaghgatzor, Armenia, for a fun-filled week while learning about the
teachings of the Armenian Church, as well as about the history and
saints of the church.
One of their field trips was to Holy Etchmiadzin where they were
graciously received by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians. Der Aram reports that this was `an exciting experience for
the children. An once-in-a-lifetime experience.'
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian speaks to the children in front of the
offices of St. Nerses the Great Charitable Fund as they prepare to
leave for the
camp.
The bus arrives at the Dzaghgatzor camp grounds.
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All
Armenians, welcomes Der Aram and the campers to Holy Etchmiadzin. The
Catholicos blessed the children and praised the camp program.
WAUKEGAN OBSERVES ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, July 1, the Armenian community of Waukegan, Illinois,
commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Armenian community memorial
monument
located in the Armenian section of the Northshore Garden of
Memories. A joint requiem service was performed by Der Hrant
Kevorkian, pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church, and Der Paren Galstyan,
pastor of St. George Church, both in Waukegan. After the service
everyone joined in the fellowship and the brief program that took
place at St. Paul Church hall.
A joint Requiem Service took place at the Armenian monument located in
Northshore Garden of Memories in Waukegan, Illinois. The site of the
monument in the Armenian section of the cemetery.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, July 15, Feast of the Transfiguration of
Our Lord Jesus Christ, (Aylakerputiunm / Vartavar) are Wisdom
7:25-8:4; Zechariah 14:16-21; 1 John 1:1-7; Matthew 16:13-17:13.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them
up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before
them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling
white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with
him. Then Peter
said to Jesus, `Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I
will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one
for Elijah.' While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud
over-shadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, `This is my Son,
the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!' When the
disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by
fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, `Get up and do not be
afraid.' And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself
alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, `Tell no
one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from
the dead.' And the disciples asked him, `Why then, do the scribes say
that Elijah must come first?' He replied, `Elijah is indeed coming and
will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they do not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they
pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.'
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John
the Baptist. (Matthew 17:1-13)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/0kl6q).
THE OLD ARK OF THE COVENANT AND
FEAST OF THE NEW HOLY CHURCH
Tomorrow, Saturday, July 14, the Armenian Church commemorates the Old
Ark of the Covenant and the Feast of the New Holy Church. This
combined commemoration takes place on the Saturday prior to the Feast
of the Transfiguration. Celebrating the old and the new shows the
perpetuity of the church. God revealed Himself to humankind gradually
through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and the prophets. The church
existed from the beginning, and that is why the Old Testament is
accepted as part of the Holy Scriptures and recognized as preamble to
the New Testament. The hymn designated for this day proclaims: `Who
from the beginning established your church
with wisdom, O, Father of Wisdom, who revealed to Moses upon Sinai.'
FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, July 15, the Armenian Church observes one of its five
major feasts, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus
Christ (Aylakerputiunm / Vartavar). This Feast is observed fourteen
weeks after Easter, and therefore can fall between June 28 and August
1. It commemorates an episode in the New Testament recorded by
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter. (See today's Bible reading for the
text from the Gospel according to St. Matthew).
The Transfiguration took place on the `holy mountain' (believed to be
Mt. Tabor) where Jesus went with John, James and Peter
to pray. As He was praying, `His face shone like the sun and His
garments became white as light.' The Patriarch Moses and Prophet
Elijah appeared at His side. It was at this moment that His appearance
was
`transfigured' revealing himself as God to His disciples as a voice
from above said, `This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased. Listen to him.'
The pre-Christian festival, Vartavar (Festival of Roses), was joined
with this new Christian holiday. Armenians would decorate the temple
of the goddess of Asdghig (goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and
water) with roses, release doves, and engage in water games on this
pre-Christian holiday. St. Gregory the Illuminator combined Vartavar
with Transfiguration. The
fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the prayer that is read in the
church on this feast: `O Lord, bless the harvest of this year and
defend from all the perils, and may Your right hand, O Lord, protect
us for the whole year.'
Vartavar became a traditional day of pilgrimage to churches named in
honor of St. John the Baptist. The most popular destination was the
Monastery of Sourp Garabed of Moush, founded by Gregory the
Illuminator in the province of Taron near Moush. (Garabed means
Forerunner, referring to John the Baptist). The monastery was large
and expansive and built like a fortress in the mountains. More than
one thousand pilgrims could be accommodated. After 1915 the complex
ceased to exist. The monastery was destroyed by the Turkish army, and
the ravages of time, weather and scavengers completed its
destruction. The once large and thriving Armenian monastery is now a
mass of stone and rubble.
This Sunday is the name day for those named Vartkes, Vartavar, Vart,
Vartouhi, Alvart, Sevart, Nevart, Lousvart, Baidzar, Vartanoush,
Vartiter, Varvar.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
The Monday after each of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church
is a Memorial Day.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
NEW SERIES OF PUBLICATIONS
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, has announced
the publication of a series of history books, each devoted to a town
where Armenians had been living for centuries. The series is being
produced under the
supervision of His Holiness.
The first volume, History of Adana, written by historian Puzant
Yeghiayan, has just been published, under the sponsorship of Mr. and
Mrs. Krikor Mahseredjian from Abu Dhabi. The second volume, History of
Hadjin, is current in press and will be released soon.
One thousand copies of each volume will be published and distributed
to libraries in Armenia, Karabagh, and the Diaspora, as well as to all
educational and cultural institutions.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Death of Vahan Totovents (July 18, 1938)
Vahan Totovents was one of the prominent members of the Armenian
intelligentsia killed during the second `April 24' of the twentieth
century: the Stalinist purges of 1937-1938. A prolific writer and
translator, he had settled in Soviet Armenia in 1922.
Totovents was born in 1889 in the Western Armenian city of Mezre,
close to Kharpert. His parents were originally from Akn; the
Totovayents were a well-to-do family of Akn that moved to Mezre in the
eighteenth century.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the province of Kharpert was
going through a process of economic and cultural development. The
Euphrates College, founded by American missionaries, was centered in
Kharpert and the National Central College (Azkayin Getronagan
Varjaran) had been created in Mezre, where a group of intellectuals
such as Rupen Zartarian and Lerukhan (two writer who would be victims
of the Armenian genocide), among others, gave particular momentum to
education. Young Vahan entered the National Central College in 1897.
As many other writers, he first wrote poetry and in 1908, after he
graduated from the school, he departed to Constantinople, where he
published two booklets of poetry in 1908 and 1909. In 1909, he
traveled to Paris and from there to New York. Members of his
extended family had already settled in Saint Paul (Minnesota) and
Totovents worked for a while at the Oriental rug shop of his maternal
uncle, writer
Bedros Keljik. He also studied literature at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison from 1912 to 1914. In those years, he became a
member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
In 1915, he was among the hundreds of Armenian Americans who embarked
to the Caucasian front to fight in the volunteer battalions against
the
Turkish army. Disillusioned with the A.R.F., in 1917-1918 he edited
the independent newspaper `Hayastan,' published by General Antranig,
in Tiflis. During the war years and after the war, he continued to
publish poetry, stories, articles, and satire. He also published
several books.
In 1920 he left the Caucasus and went to Constantinople. He got
married and after living again in the United States for a while, in
late 1921 he returned to Constantinople, where he was an editor of the
periodical =80=9CJoghoverdi Dzayne,' which belonged to the newly
founded Armenian Democratic Liberal Party. In late 1922 he settled in
Yerevan.
He was a professor at the University of Yerevan from 1924-1926, a
newspaper editor and a translator. During the 1920s and 1930s, he
published many novels, stories, and plays; among them his best works,
such as the memoir `Life on the Old Roman Road,' the collections of
stories, `Doves,' `Pale Blue Flowers,' the short novel `Burned
Papers,' etcetera. He also translated several
plays by Shakespeare into Armenian. In 1934 he participated in the
First Congress of Soviet Writers held in Moscow. Decades later,
several of his books were translated into English and some of his
stories were turned into films.
Following the assassination of Aghasi Khanjian, first secretary of the
Communist Party of Armenia, by Laurenti Beria, Stalin's henchman in
the Caucasus, a wave of repression started against many prominent
intellectuals. Totovents was among the first to be arrested on July
18, 1936. He was interrogated and tortured several times, and after a
summary mock trial, he was shot on July 18, 1938. His only son, Levon,
died in the Soviet army fighting against the Germans in 1942, during
World War II. Totovents memory and standing were rehabilitated in
1955, after the death of Stalin.
WEST COAST VISITORS
A group of Armenians from the Los Angeles area visited the Prelacy
offices today where they were received and welcomed by the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan. The visitors were part of a East Coast tour
organized by Sona Tours. The visitors were accompanied by their tour
leader, Ms. Jacqueline Touloumdjian.
Archbishop Oshagan welcomes the West Coast tourists to the Prelacy
office.
ONE DAY LATE
Crossroads is being sent to you on Friday, rather than the customary
Thursday, this week because of some unforeseen circumstances. We will
resume our usual Thursday schedule next week.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild and ARS Ani Chapter,
Providence, Rhode Island, `A Hye Summer Night VI' dance, featuring
Hachig Kazarian, Richard Hagopian, Kenneth Kalajian, Jason Naroian, 8
pm to 1 am; $35 adults; $15 children 16 and under. At the Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, Rhode
Island. Mezza will
be served. Limited seating. For tickets and information: 401-434-4467
(Joyce Bagdasarian); 401-354-8770 (Joyce Yeremian).
August 5-Annual Shish Kebob Picnic and Grape Blessing, St. Paul
Armenian Church, 645 South Lewis Ave., Waukegan, Illinois, 12 noon to
4 pm. Armenian dinners and pastries available. For information: Arda
Haroian (847)
445-7934.
August 5-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, presents
Blessing of Madagh and Grapes, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and participation of the pastors of the
New England area churches, at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts,
noon to 6 pm. Music by Michael Gregian and Ensemble.
August 10-12-Armenian Fest and Blessing of the Grapes, All Saints
Church, Glenview, Illinois. For information: 847-998-1989.
August 12-Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of the
Grapes, and Indoor Picnic, following the Divine Liturgy at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Ladies Guild. Activities for
kids of all ages; food available for sale. Admission (including raffle
ticket), $5.00; children free. For information: 212-689-5880.
August 12-Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester,
Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, at
noon on the church grounds. Enjoy delicious Armenian food, including
Shish Kebab, Losh Kebab, and Chicken Kebab dinners, along with kheyma
and homemade desserts. Listen and dance to Armenian music by DJ
Shaheen, sign-up for backgammon tournament, or let children play on
bouncy house. Free parking and admission. For information:
508-852-2414.
August 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Church
Picnic, on the church grounds, noon to 6 pm. Best kebabs, cold beer
and tan,
watermelon, home-made sweets, special `Kid-Zone' activities for
children. Also Armenian music and dancing, raffle with great
prizes. Takeout available all day. Admission free. For information
718-224-2275.
October 4-31-Pontifical Visit to the Eastern Prelacy by His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
November 10-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
New Jersey and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of New York, present
Inga
& Anush with performances by Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble of New
Jersey, Hamazkayin Meghri Dance Ensemble of Pennsylvania, and Vanush
Khanamiryan
Dance Academy of New York and Connecticut. Felician College, 262 South
Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $70) and
information: 201-739-9557, 201-684-1509, or
www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/gdm6q).
November 11-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
Boston and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy proudly present Inga &
Anush with performance by Erebouni Dance Ensemble of Hamazkayin
Boston. Shaw Auditorium, Watertown High School, Watertown,
Massachusetts, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $45) and information:
617-331-0426 or www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/gpr6b/4f4cee/w5m6q).
November 18-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 50th anniversary
jubilee.
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]