Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/02/2014

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/02/2014

    PRESS RELEASE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Tel: 212-686-0710
    Fax: 212--779-3558
    Email: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/



    ** TOP STORY January 2, 2014
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Christmas
    The altar icon from the St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.


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

    On Monday, 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 =80=9CBlessing of Water' ceremony, which follows the
    Divine Liturgy on January 6.

    On Sunday, January 5, the Eve of the Feast of Theophany, the Armenian
    Church will hold the Jrakalouyts (lamp-lighting) service. At
    St. Vartan Cathedral in New York, services will begin at 4 p.m. with
    Scripture readings by the Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum students. The
    Divine Liturgy will follow at 5 p.m., celebrated by the cathedral
    dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian. (Please note that because
    of the 5 p.m. badarak on January 5, there will be no Sunday morning
    badarak at the cathedral on that day.)

    On Monday, January 6, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
    will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.; it will be preceded
    by a morning service beginning at 9:30 a.m. The `Blessing of Water'
    will follow the Divine Liturgy. Hratch Nersessian will serve as
    "godfather" of the Blessing of Water ceremony.

    A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will follow in Haik
    and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The Akh'tamar Armenian Dance
    Ensemble, under the direction of Sylva Assadourian, will perform
    during the reception, which is free and open to the public.

    Click here
    (http://bit.ly/18RMyUe?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    for more information on the cathedral services. 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=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.

    Click on the following links to read the Primate's Christmas message
    (http://bit.ly/1g3Woo9?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    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=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    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
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    4 January: Holy Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nissa, Sylvester of Rome,
    and Ephrem the Syrian

    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 Holiness Karekin II
    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, welcomed 2014 as a
    `redemptive year,' and offered prayers that it would usher in a period
    of divine blessings, peace, and hope.

    `By God's will, 2013 was a year of benevolent results,' said His
    Holiness; `but there were also difficult times in the homeland as well
    as in the diaspora. We are facing deep-rooted problems such as making
    our country prosperous, defending our rights, reinforcing our
    statehood, and improving our national and religious life.'

    In the face of such concerns, Catholicos Karekin expressed his
    profound confidence in the Armenian people, who have `bravely endured
    hardship, shown tolerance when in distress, and lived with the
    determination to forge a bright future.' Click here
    (http://bit.ly/1eYraBL?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to read the whole message.

    In a separate message directed to the Armenians of Syria
    (http://bit.ly/1g3xtQL?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    , His Holiness conveyed his fatherly concern for that beleaguered
    community. `On this day, when together with the Christian world all
    Armenians are celebrating the New Year, you are present in our
    thoughts and prayers,' he said.

    Click here
    (http://youtu.be/1G3cLELwtPU?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to view His Holiness Karekin II's video message for the New Year in
    Armenian.


    Archbishop Datev Karibian
    Archbishop Datev Karibian.


    ** Brazilian Diocese Honors Archbishop Karibian
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On December 1, 2013, the long-serving Primate of the Armenian Church's
    Diocese of Brazil, Archbishop Datev Karibian, was honored on the 50th
    anniversary of his priestly ordination.

    The milestone coincided with the 30th anniversary of his service to
    Brazil's Armenian community. More than 400 people attended the
    celebratory banquet organized by the AGBU chapter of Sao Paulo.

    In his heartfelt remarks, Archbishop Karibian expressed his joy at
    serving the Armenians of Brazil, and thanked God for granting him
    wisdom in his leadership. He also thanked his fellow clergy, the
    diocesan directors, as well as Armenia's Consul in Brazil for their
    continuing support of his ministry.


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


    ** Time is Running Out
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    With a new year now officially upon us, the Eastern Diocese is making
    a final, urgent plea for support of the 2013 Annual Appeal. Follow
    this link to donate now
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=7cf28290ac&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to the 2013 Annual Appeal-before time runs out.

    The Annual 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 parishes.

    Your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
    Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
    youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
    communication technologies.

    To our past and prospective donors, we are deeply grateful for your
    support of the creative, educational, and inspirational programs that
    lift up Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.

    Please help us strengthen these efforts. Your generous contribution to
    the 2013 Annual Appeal is greatly needed to help spread the good work
    of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
    generations.


    Home Blessing


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

    Throughout history, Armenian Christians have considered the home to be
    a sacred place: the tranquil sanctuary of the family, where habits of
    virtue, pious traditions, and life-affirming customs are passed from
    one generation to another.

    Above all, the home is where one's faith in God is first kindled, and
    where that faith finds some of the most profound occasions for action.

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

    Parishioners are encouraged to contact their local pastor and request
    a Home Blessing service for their own home. 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=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    .


    Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
    Archbishop Torkom Manoogian (1919-2012).


    ** Patriarch, Primate-But Above All, Friend
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    `Most of the time, from afar, he was 'The Primate': solemn and
    intimidating. But when he entered the young people's world, he became
    their playful and ageless friend.'

    So writes Joyce Sulahian in her thoughtful reminiscence of the late
    Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, recalling the profound influence he had
    on an entire generation.

    She continues: `Torkom Srpazan continually challenged the young to
    surpass the boundaries of mediocrity, while making them think they
    were just having fun. Their hungry minds opened for him, allowing the
    powerful lessons of a rich heritage to penetrate within, slowly
    becoming an indivisible part of their being. And so their mutual bond
    grew.'

    To read the read the whole essay, click here
    (http://bit.ly/JwFzXx?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    . And see the "Events" listing below for information on the upcoming
    tribute to the life and legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian,
    scheduled for Sunday, February 9 at the Diocesan Center in New York.


    Interfaith Breakfast
    Outgoing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the annual Interfaith
    Breakfast on December 31.


    ** Diocesan Vicar Attends NYC Interfaith Breakfast
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, attended an
    interfaith breakfast sponsored by New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg
    on December 31. It was Mayor Bloomberg's final day in office after his
    12-year term as the city's leader.

    Representatives of every religious group in New York City took part in
    the event, which began and ended with songs offered by a children's
    choir and prayers from clergy of various faiths.

    Mayor Bloomberg thanked the religious leaders for their support during
    his years in office, and expressed his confidence in the city's
    future.

    Holding an annual interfaith breakfast on the last day of the year is
    a tradition Mayor Bloomberg began shortly after taking office, in the
    months following the 9/11 terrorist attack.


    Oshavank, Historic Armenia
    Oshvank monastery near Erzurum.


    ** 2014 Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Eastern Diocese will sponsor a pilgrimage to historic Armenia,
    from September 3 to 15, 2014.

    Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate the Divine Liturgy
    at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar, and to take part in
    prayer services at St. Giragos Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the
    St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.

    The pilgrimage also includes visits to other cities of historic
    Armenia=80'Kharpert, Malatya, and Sepastia, among other locales. The
    journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
    Armenian Patriarchate.

    Click here
    (http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/PilgrimageHistoricArmenia2014.pdf?utm_source=Easte rn+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
    about the Diocese's 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
    (http://bit.ly/19FuTfB?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    .


    ** PARISH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Christmas Spectacular in Springfield
    Performers at the St. Mark Church's "Christmas Spectacular."


    ** Springfield Holds its Annual Christmas Concert
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, hosted its 4th annual
    =80=9CChristmas Spectacular' on December 22, with more than 150 people
    filling the church's T. Nishan Omartian Hall for dinner and a concert.

    The September Girls-a close-harmony vocal ensemble which includes two
    St. Mark parishioners, Brenda Jermakian and Jane Garabedian, as well
    as Karen Drumheller, Ellen Harris, and Janet Parslow-entertained the
    guests.

    The concert also featured tenor Philip DerMargosian and saxophonist
    David Jermakian.


    Christmas Caroling in Racine
    Members of the St. Mesrob Church ACYOA.


    ** Christmas Caroling in Racine
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    In Racine, WI, about 50 young people from the ACYOA Juniors and
    Seniors went forth during the Christmas holiday to visit the sick,
    elderly, and bereaved of the community. The Christmas visitations have
    become an annual tradition for Racine's St. Mesrob Church-and a
    service opportunity eagerly anticipated by the parish youth.

    `It's probably their most loved activity,' says St. Mesrob pastor the
    Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian. `The young people learn so much, and are
    able to minister to the needs of our elderly through their singing of
    Christmas carols and their friendly presence.'

    Donations collected from this year's excursion were sent to the Fund
    for Armenian Relief-the Eastern Diocese's humanitarian relief and
    development organization in Armenia-to benefit its Children's Center
    in Yerevan.


    Upcoming Events


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

    Armenian Church of Southwest Florida | Naples, FL
    The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, will
    celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany on Sunday, January
    12, at 1:30 p.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (3901 Davis Blvd.) in
    Naples, FL. An Armenian Christmas dinner (reservations required) will
    be held in Trinity Hall afterwards.

    For information or to make reservations, contact Carole Meghreblian at
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


    ** EVENTS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Tatevik
    Datevik Hovanesian will perform at the Diocesan Center on January 17.


    ** Jazz Concert at the Diocesan Center
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    St. Vartan Cathedral will host an evening of American, Armenian, and
    Brazilian jazz featuring vocalist Datevik Hovanesian on Friday,
    January 17, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

    The concert will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of
    the Diocesan Complex (630 Second Avenue, New York City).

    Click here
    (http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/pdf/Jazz%20Concert.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to view a flyer for ticket information.


    Abp. Torkom Manoogian
    A tribute to the legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian will be held at
    the Diocesan Center on February 9.


    ** The Legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Eastern Diocese will host a celebration of the remarkable life and
    enduring legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Primate of
    the Eastern Diocese and 96th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, on
    Sunday, February 9, 2014.

    The day will begin at New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral with
    the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, followed by a requiem
    service. A memorial luncheon and program will be held in the
    afternoon.

    Reservations are now being taken for the memorial, with a deadline of
    January 24. Click here
    (http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/AbpTorkomManoogian2014.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Dioc ese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    to view a flyer with reservation information. Additional program
    details will be forthcoming.


    ** YOUTH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Khrimian Students
    Students of the Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum.


    ** Looking Back on a Year of Armenian Culture
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    As the young students of the Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum look ahead to
    2014, they will be building on the lessons learned during their past
    year of study at the Diocesan Center in New York.

    A slate of special guest lecturers-including academics, artists, and
    alumni of the Khrimian Lyceum-addressed the students throughout 2013
    on topics ranging from sacred music to folk dancing, from ancient
    Armenian artifacts to the modern use of the Armenian
    language. Teachers Hovannes Khosdeghian, Krikor Markarian, and Lori
    Cinar gave presentations on a host of Armenian themes, eliciting
    enthusiastic questions from the inquisitive students.

    An offering of the Diocesan Armenian Studies program, the Khrimian
    Lyceum has been educating Armenian teenagers for more than 25
    years. Currently a four-year program melding a faith-based Armenian
    heritage curriculum with traditional Armenian creative arts, the
    Lyceum meets at least once a month, with its students required to
    serve at their local parishes. Through classroom lectures, hands-on
    projects, dramatic productions, music instruction, and field trips,
    the students receive a well-rounded perspective on their
    heritage. Each year's activities are highlighted in the students'
    self-produced yearbook, and put on display in an annual performance of
    musical, dancing, artistic and speaking skills.

    Diocesan parishes in Watertown and Detroit have adapted the Khrimian
    Lyceum format in the past, and currently the Houston and Evanston
    parishes are actively implementing this identity-reinforcing program.

    To view a photo gallery of the past year's activities, click here
    (http://smu.gs/1drGYtq?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=5fa54defa7-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-5fa54defa7-159688434)
    . And contact Gilda Kupelian of the Armenian Studies program, at
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , to
    find out how the Diocese can help your local parish build a program of
    its own.




    From: A. Papazian
Working...
X