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eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/03/2013

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  • eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/03/2013

    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 January 4, 2013
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Nativitiy of Our Lord Jesus Christ
    The altar icon of St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.


    ** Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Sunday, January 6, the Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of
    the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In Armenian
    tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ,
    but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered
    through the `Blessing of Water' ceremony, which follows the Divine
    Liturgy on January 6.

    On Saturday, January 5, the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and
    Theophany of Our Lord, the Armenian Church will celebrate the
    Jrakalouyts (lamp-lighting) service. At St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral
    in New York, services will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Scripture readings
    by the Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum students. The Divine Liturgy will
    follow, celebrated by the cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon
    Kiledjian.

    On January 6, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will
    celebrate the Divine Liturgy, which will be preceded by a morning
    service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The `Blessing of Water' will follow
    the Divine Liturgy. Sarkis Jebejian will serve as "godfather" of the
    Blessing of Water service.

    A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will follow in Haik
    and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The Shushi Dance Ensemble of
    St. Vartan Cathedral, under the direction of choreographer Seta
    Kantardjian, will perform during the reception, which is free and open
    to the public.

    For information on services in your area, contact your local parish
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=39e33a956e&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas
    celebration. Click on the following links to read the Primate's
    Christmas message
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=13d000e964&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    and to view a brief video
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=f8e1288937&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    about Christmas in the Armenian Church.


    ** Scripture of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Ti 2:11-15
    Mt 1:18-25


    ** Prayer of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding
    and speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. Make us equal
    to your true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth; for
    to the most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now
    and always. Amen.


    ** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    5 January: Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ

    6 January: Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
    Christ

    7 January: Remembrance of the dead


    ** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    His Holines Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
    His Holiness Karekin II.


    ** New Year Message of His Holiness Karekin II
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    In his New Year message, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
    Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, reflected on the
    accomplishments of the Armenian people over the past year.

    `It is my prayer that 2013 may be a year of peace and prosperity for
    the world and the Armenian people in Armenia and the diaspora,' he
    said. `May our faith and national identity inspire us to carry forward
    our heritage and to realize new dreams and visions for the blossoming
    of our homeland.'

    Click here
    (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P-KZ4C-38Q&feature=share&list=UUm03-iV0O8sSMpOyQK3Qjcg&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view His Holiness Karekin II's video message in Armenian.



    ** DIOCESAN NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Annual Appeal


    ** Support the Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Eastern Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal is drawing to a close=80'and
    we need your help to make it a success! The Appeal is the only
    Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese
    undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources that enrich
    life in our local parishes.

    We have set a target of $825,000 for the 2012 Annual Appeal. Please
    consider making a contribution to help spread the good work of the
    Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
    generations.

    Follow these links to donate now
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=6b955fcfa5&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    , and to learn more
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=e34cee809b&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    about the 2012 Annual Appeal.


    Home blessing


    ** Home Blessing in the Christmas Season
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The home is a sacred place where family members maintain and share
    their values. It is also a place where they are charged with these
    values to live a peaceful and God-pleasing life.

    According to the traditions of the Armenian Church, God is asked to
    bestow His blessing on homes on the Feast of the Nativity and
    Theophany of our Lord. In this season, clergy visit the homes of
    parishioners and perform the Home Blessing service.

    Parishioners are encouraged to contact their local pastor and request
    a Home Blessing service. To learn more about this tradition, and to
    download the service booklet, click here
    (http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/faith-and-worship/home-blessings/?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    .


    FAR
    >From left: Dr. Hambardzum Simonyan, Dr. Harout Mangoyan, and Dr. Emil
    Vardapetyan at the year-end event last month.


    ** FAR Says Thanks to its Network of Doctors in Armenia
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Fund for Armenian Relief's Healthcare and Social Programs
    Department held a program last month at the Aram Khachaturian
    House-Museum in Yerevan to express gratitude to the organization's
    network of doctors. The doctors have made contributions to FAR's
    Continuing Medical Education program, helping train other health
    professionals in Armenia's regional hospitals. The event featured a
    tour of the museum, musical performances, and a reception. Click here
    (http://bit.ly/10UHlro?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view photos.

    CME was established in 2005 by FAR in collaboration with FAR's
    Fellowship Alumni Association. The program enhances the professional
    training of physicians in Armenia, Javakhk, and Nagorno-Karabagh by
    creating opportunities to train and learn the latest medical
    technologies, to upgrade physicians' computer and English-language
    skills, to network and information exchange, and to improve medical
    supplies in regional hospitals.


    ** PARISH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    St. George Church, Hartford, CT
    Sunday School students, teachers, and parents at a retirement
    community in Hartford.


    ** Hartford Sunday School Spreads Christmas Cheer
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Last month students at the St. George Church Sunday School of
    Hartford, CT, made their annual visit to parishioners who are unable
    to attend church on Sundays.

    Following a luncheon and a morning of cookie decorating, students
    visited parishioners Albert and Lillian Kandarian at a local
    retirement community, where they sang Christmas carols and delivered
    the cookie trays they had prepared earlier in the day. Assisting the
    students were Sunday School co-superintendents Cynthia Messikian and
    Virginia Wasynczuk, teachers, parents, and the parish pastor, the
    Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian.

    The Christmas caroling party has become a tradition of the St. George
    Church Sunday School. Parishioners say it allows young people to learn
    the importance of volunteering, and brings joy to those who are
    homebound.

    Click here
    (http://smu.gs/S7pxXE?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view the day's photos.


    Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church ACYOA, Providence, RI
    ACYOA Juniors deliver gift bags to the Hasbro Children's Hospital.


    ** Holiday Youth Ministry in Providence, RI
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    This holiday season, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
    continued its robust schedule of activities for youth and service to
    the community.

    On November 16, young people attended a Providence Bruins hockey game
    and shared dinner after kicking off their Christmas holiday outreach
    initiatives. On November 24, they co-hosted a sold-out holiday concert
    with Onnik Dinkjian.

    On December 16, a group of 34 ACYOA Juniors-led by parish pastor the
    Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, youth director Stephen Megrdichian, and
    parents-visited nursing homes and homebound parishioners to sing
    Christmas carols. Later the group enjoyed a Christmas dinner at
    Wright's Farms.

    The ACYOA Juniors also delivered clothing, toys, books, and other
    donated items to three local charities, and delivered gift bags
    created during Sports Weekend to the Hasbro Children's Hospital.


    St. Leon Church Christmas Pagent, NJ
    Sunday School children perform in the St. Leon Church Christmas
    pageant.


    ** Little Angels Sing at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Sunday School of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held its
    Christmas pageant last month. The program was dedicated to
    appreciating the special place that angels hold in the Armenian
    Church.

    Students sang Armenian and English hymns, and read narrations
    describing these divine creations. The program concluded with the
    teachers singing =80=9CThe Twelve Days of Christmas.'

    Click here
    (http://smu.gs/RvmE15?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view photos.


    St. James Church Christmas Eve, Watertown, MA
    A Sunday School student reads from the Gospel at St. James Church.


    ** Christmas Carols Fill Sanctuary in Watertown, MA
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Monday, December 24, parishioners gathered in the sanctuary of
    St. James Church in Watertown, MA, for a Christmas Eve candlelight
    service.

    The evening began with Gospel readings by the Sunday School students,
    followed by a program of Christmas carols and instrumental
    performances. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, delivered a
    message on the meaning of Christmas, revealed in the love and light of
    Christ's birth.

    A reception followed the program in the church's Armene & Veronica
    Tarvezian Hall. Click here
    (http://smu.gs/ZY47iY?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view photos.


    Fr. Khachatur
    Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan.


    ** Appreciation Dinner in Chelmsford, MA
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Some 175 parishioners and friends gathered for an `Appreciation Family
    Dinner' last month to mark the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan's fifth
    anniversary as pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, and
    to recognize the loving and active support of Yn. Anna Kesablyan.

    Representatives of various parish organizations expressed their
    gratitude to Fr. Kesablyan for his pastoral leadership of
    Sts. Vartanantz Church. A slide show highlighted the growth of church
    organizations and membership over the past five years.

    Fr. Kesablyan thanked the community for its warmth, and shared his
    vision for the next chapter of the parish's history. Click here
    (http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Chelmsford2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to read more.


    Upcoming Events


    ** Upcoming Parish Events
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
    St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its 6th annual `Winter
    Dance Armenian Style' on Saturday, January 12, from 7 p.m. to 12
    a.m. Enjoy music by Onnik Dinkjian and the John Berberian
    Ensemble. For information, call (201) 444-5475, or click here
    (http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/StLeonJan2013.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view a flyer.

    Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
    The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida will welcome the
    Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, for the
    celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 13, at 1 p.m. The
    service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (3901 Davis Blvd.,
    Naples, FL). A Iuncheon and bake sale featuring Armenian breads and
    pastries will follow the service. For more information, or to make
    luncheon reservations, call (239) 348-3804.


    ** EVENTS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Movie


    ** "If Only Everyone" Film Screening at the Diocese
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    `If Only Everyone'-a new film produced in Armenia-will premiere in New
    York on Friday, January 4, at 7:30 p.m.

    The screening will take place at the Diocesan Center's Haik and Alice
    Kavookjian Auditorium (630 Second Avenue, at 35th Street, in New York
    City). A Q&A with writer, actor, and producer Michael Poghosian will
    follow the screening.

    Tickets are $20, and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Click
    here
    (http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/IfOnlyEveryone.jpg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view a flyer for more information.



    ** YOUTH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    ASP
    ASP participants visit churches and other historic sites in the
    homeland.


    ** Register for the Armenia Service Program
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The ACYOA Central Council has announced that the 2013 Armenia Service
    Program is scheduled for July 1-20.

    The program of travel and service gives young adults (ages 18 to 28) a
    unique opportunity to discover their homeland and to serve its people
    in a meaningful way. In 2013, the service component of the trip will
    be carried out in partnership with the Fund for Armenian Relief and
    the Fuller Center for Housing.

    For information, click here
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=4b8e93a1fa&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
    to view a flyer, or contact Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive
    secretary, at [email protected]
    (mailto:[email protected]) .

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