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eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 07/12/2012

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  • eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 07/12/2012

    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
    July 12, 2012

    Transfiguration
    A detail from a manuscript illumination depicts the apostles Peter and
    John (from the 13th-century Lady Keran Gospel).

    Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ

    On Sunday, July 15, the Armenian Church will observe one of its five
    major feasts: the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus
    Christ.

    The observance recalls Christ's ascent up Mount Tabor, accompanied by
    his disciples John, James, and Peter. At the mountain's summit, to the
    disciple's frightened amazement, Christ was transfigured in a blinding
    white light; the Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah emerged from
    the mists of time to confer with the Lord; and the voice of God boomed
    from out of the heavens to affirm Jesus as his Son.

    Jesus was characteristically reticent about the episode: he urged the
    disciples not to speak of it. But the gospels recorded it for
    posterity, and his church-including local Armenian parishes across the
    Diocese-celebrates it every year.

    [4]Click here to read an essay about the Transfiguration.
    Links:
    4. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=48bd98b051&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email

    Scripture of the Week

    Wis 7:25-8:4
    Zec 14:16-21
    1 Jn 1:1-7
    Mt 16:13-17:13

    Prayer of the Week

    Look with love, O merciful Father, on the created works of your hand,
    and grant the camps of the angels to be guardians of our feeble
    persons. Deliver us from temptation, from the wandering demons of
    night, that by day and by night, we may give you glory incessantly.

    Upcoming Saints & Feasts

    15 July: Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

    7 July: Remembrance of the dead

    19 July: St. Isaiah the Prophet

    CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

    President of Austria visits Armenia
    Austrian President Heinz Fischer (center) at the Genocide Museum in
    Yerevan (PanARMENIAN photo).

    Austrian President Visits Armenia

    During a visit to Armenia last month, Austrian President Heinz Fischer
    met with His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
    of All Armenians, at Holy Etchmiadzin.

    At the June 27 meeting, His Holiness spoke about the friendship between
    the Armenian and Austrian nations, and expressed appreciation to the
    government of Austria for the liberty and safety it has accorded the
    country's Armenian community. President Fischer thanked His Holiness
    for the warm reception and said he looked forward to future
    collaboration between the two countries.

    Earlier President Fischer met with government leaders, including
    Armenia's President Serge Sargsyan, and visited the Genocide Memorial
    and Museum at Dzidzernagapert, where he planted a tree in memory of the
    martyrs of 1915.


    DIOCESAN NEWS

    Knights and Daughters of Vartan
    Dr. Dennis Papazian (right) presents the "Man of the Year" award to Dr.
    Taner Akcam.

    Knights and Daughters of Vartan Convocation

    Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian delivered the invocation
    at the Knights and Daughters of Vartan banquet held in New York City on
    Saturday, July 7. The evening was part of the organization's 2012
    Convocation and its 94th Avak Tahlij and 72nd Kerakouyn Zhoghov.

    During the program, the Knights of Vartan announced the 2012 `Men of
    the Year' award recipients: genocide scholar Dr. Taner Akcam and human
    rights activist Ragip Zarakolu. Dr. Akcam, whose new book The Young
    Turks' Crime Against Humanity reviews previously inaccessible Ottoman
    documents, was in attendance. Mr. Zarakolu received the award in
    absentia.

    `For generations now, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan has been the
    seed-bed of leadership in the Armenian community,' Archbishop Barsamian
    said. `Through its outreach efforts, countless people have been drawn
    into the orbit of Armenian life.'
    [5]
    Click here to visit the newly-launched website of the Knights and
    Daughters of Vartan.
    Links:
    5. http://kofv.org?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email


    AGBU interns visit the Diocese
    Archbishop Barsamian greets interns on the steps of St Vartan
    Cathedral.

    AGBU Interns Visit Diocesan Center

    Close to 30 participants in the AGBU New York Summer Internship Program
    visited the Manhattan headquarters of the Eastern Diocese, where they
    enjoyed dinner with Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, on
    Wednesday evening, July 7. The evening continued a welcome annual
    tradition for AGBU interns to acquaint themselves with the Primate and
    the Diocesan complex.

    Following a tour of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral by the Diocesan
    Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, the young people met with
    Archbishop Barsamian and enjoyed a traditional Armenian meal.

    Archbishop Barsamian stressed the central role the Armenian Church has
    played in the lives of the Armenian people for centuries, encouraging
    the young guests to be mindful of that heritage and to safeguard it for
    future generations.

    Click to [6]read more and to [7]view photos.
    Links:
    6. http://bit.ly/LiG4Dg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
    7. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/AGBU-Summer-Interns-Visit/24130444_p84Lbc?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i=1961 162375&k=nMjGhMH


    Fr. Diran Bohajian and Metropolitan Zachariah
    Fr. Diran Bohajian (left) with Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos in
    Muttontown, NY.

    Diocese of Syrian Orthodox Church Marks Milestone

    On Thursday June 7, the Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian, pastor of St. Leon
    Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, represented Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag
    Barsamian at the celebration of the first anniversary of the
    enthronement of Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, the leader of
    the Northeastern Diocese of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church.

    The gathering took place at the headquarters of the Syrian Diocese in
    Muttontown, NY. Clergy took part in a prayer service, followed by a
    reception during which guests had the opportunity to congratulate
    Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos and to share warm wishes for a fruitful
    ministry.


    Fr. Karekin Kasparian
    Fr. Karekin Kasparian helped make the CPE program a required part of
    the preparation for ministry in the Armenian Church.

    "A Ministry of Healing": New Video Focuses on CPE

    A new video on the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program is now
    available on [8]our YouTube channel. Titled `A Ministry of Healing,'
    the video features the Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian as he recalls his
    experience with CPE in the early 1950s.
    Links:
    8. http://www.youtube.com/user/EasternDiocese?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email

    As a result of Fr. Kasparian's leadership, CPE became a required part
    of the preparation for ministry in the Armenian Church, and today Fr.
    Kasparian continues to guide a new generation of priests through this
    life-changing program.
    [9]
    Click here to view the video. To read an article about CPE from the
    Fall 2009/Winter 2010 issue of The Armenian Church magazine, [10]click
    here.
    Links:
    9. http://youtu.be/QJS9t_8gRrQ?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
    10. http://issuu.com/ArmenianChurchMagazine/docs/acmfall_winter2010/15?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email


    St. Nersess
    Conference participants pose for a group photo with clergy.

    Primate Visits St. Nersess High School "A" Conference

    Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian visited St. Nersess
    Armenian Seminary on Monday, July 9, to spend time with participants in
    the seminary's High School `A' Summer Conference.

    Archbishop Barsamian spoke to the young people about last month's young
    adult pilgrimage to the Holy Land. An engaging discussion followed,
    with the Primate encouraging the participants to remain involved in the
    Armenian Church.

    The High School `A' Summer Conference is the first in a series of
    summer programs taking part at the seminary in July and August. High
    school students explore their faith, learn about the traditions of the
    Armenian Church, and take part in discussions about issues important to
    young people. The next conference, for junior high students, is
    scheduled for July 19-23. [11]Click here to visit the seminary's
    website for more information.
    Links:
    11. http://www.stnersess.edu/youth/programs/index.php?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email


    Primate visits St. Vartan Camp
    Archbishop Barsamian gives campers wooden crosses from the Holy Land.

    Session "A" Continues at St. Vartan Camp

    On Wednesday, July 11, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian traveled to the
    Diocese's Ararat Center in Greenville, NY, for a visit to St. Vartan
    Camp.

    With him were the two Diocesan summer interns, Kiersten Johnston and
    Maral Firkatian Wozniak. The trip marked their introduction to the
    retreat center in the scenic Catskill Mountains, with its pool, tennis
    court, basketball court, soccer field, and dining and recreational
    facilities. The St. Vartan Camp campers and staff gave a warm welcome
    to Archbishop Barsamian and the interns.

    The Primate joined with Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian to speak to the
    campers, encouraging them to continue learning about their Armenian
    faith and culture, and to reach out to others in the community.

    Among the clergy and lay leaders serving at the camp this week are Fr.
    Krikor Sabounjian, Fr. Tateos Abdalian, Fr. Arakel Vardazarian, and
    Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.


    FAR music school
    A student practices the violin at the Octet Music School in Gyumri.

    Gyumri's Octet Music School to be Rebuilt

    When students at the Octet Music School in Gyumri gave a concert
    earlier this month, it marked the last time they would perform in the
    cramped aluminum trailers that have served as their classrooms since
    the 1988 earthquake. In the near future, the students will have a new
    facility, currently under construction.

    The concert was attended by participants in the ACYOA Armenia Service
    Program, who are volunteering to assist in the early phases of the
    building's demolition (see article below). The ASP group was impressed
    by the skill and dedication of the students.

    The reconstruction of the school has been made possible thanks to the
    fundraising efforts of Mediamax; the Australian NGO Do Something;
    musicians Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, and Serj Tankian; and Fund for
    Armenian Relief supporters Edward and Janet Mardigian.


    Historic Armenia Pilgrimage

    Ten Spots Left for Historic Armenia Pilgrimage

    Ten final spots are available for the Eastern Diocese's pilgrimage to
    historic Armenia. Interested parties can still register through July
    20; the 10 spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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 Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church in
    Kayseri, are some of the rare opportunities afforded to pilgrims on
    this trip, led by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

    The pilgrimage also includes visits to Armenia's magnificent former
    capital of Ani and tours of other parts of historic Armenia-Arapkir,
    Kars, Antep, and Malatya, among other cities and villages. The journey
    will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the Armenian
    Patriarchate.

    [12]Click here to view a flyer with more information.
    Links:
    12. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=54bcda9609&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email


    PARISH NEWS

    Holy Resurrection Church
    Fr. Paren Galstyan with parishioners at the Holy Resurrection Church
    picnic this month.

    South Milwaukee, WI, Parish Hosts Summer Picnic

    Holy Resurrection Church of South Milwaukee, WI, hosted a picnic
    following church services on Sunday, July 8. The event went forward in
    the church's newly-renovated cultural center under the guidance of the
    Rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, parish pastor.

    Parishioners, neighbors, and guests from sister Armenian churches in
    the region enjoyed shish kebab dinners and traditional Armenian sweets.

    `The picnic was successful,' said Fr. Galstyan, who noted that the
    parish's last summertime picnic was two decades ago. `We'll be
    maintaining this tradition in the years to come.'


    YOUTH NEWS

    Diocesan Scholarship winners announced

    Diocese Announces Scholarship Recipients

    The Eastern Diocese is pleased to announce the recipients of the
    2012-13 academic year Diocesan scholarships. [13]Click here to view the
    names of the recipients.
    Links:
    13. http://bit.ly/PPJ8bH?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email

    Each year, the Diocese awards scholarships to students enrolled in
    four-year undergraduate programs who have demonstrated a high degree of
    scholarship and leadership in their local parishes.

    [14]Click here to learn more about Diocesan scholarships.
    Links:
    14. http://bit.ly/NaZ7A6?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email


    ASP
    ASP volunteers at the construction site in Gyumri.

    ASP Group Begins Service Project in Gyumri

    The ACYOA Armenia Service Program, now in its second week, is
    completing its service portion in Gyumri, where participants are
    volunteering at the construction site of the city's Octet Music School
    (see above).

    The group has met with Bishop Mikayel Ajapahian, Primate of the Shirak
    Diocese, and Marina Bazayeva, the Fund for Armenian Relief's office
    director in Gyumri, who introduced them to the construction project.
    Prior to beginning the work, ASP participants attended a concert given
    by students of the Octet Music School.

    On the way to Gyumri from Yerevan, the ASP group visited the
    13th-century Hovanavank monastery, the Fortress of Amberd, and Sourp
    Asdvadsatsin Church on Mount Aragats. [15]Click here to read more about
    the trip on our blog.
    Links:
    15. http://bit.ly/NX8qyj?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd46ddd231-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email

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