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PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS - September 8, 2005
THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE EASTERN PRELACY
The visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the
establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, will extend
from October 19 to November 1. His Holiness will visit New York, New Jersey,
Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago.
For information about the visit, including itinerary and related
articles go to: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/vehapar01.htm
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN OPENS AYF OLYMPICS
Last Sunday, September 4, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, opened the 72nd
annual AYF Olympics in Washington, DC.
His Eminence encouraged the AYF'ers to "Remember who you are. You are
Armenian Americans. You are descendants of a proud people. We are joined by
a common national origin, a common language, a common religion, and together
we are an important part of the beautiful American mosaic." The Prelate
described the AYF and the Olympics as an important part of our Armenian
American identity. "For 72 years you have brought together young Armenian
Americans to forge friendships and strengthen identity.. I pray for the
continued success of the Armenian Youth Federation and wish you good luck
and Godspeed in all of your endeavors."
To read the entire message go to:
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/090805a.htm
CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO PRESIDENT BUSH
His Holiness Aram I send a letter of condolence to President Bush in the
aftermath of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The Catholicos said:
"The hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans shocks me profoundly. The
tragic images that I see on television are, indeed, disturbing and
heartbreaking. This is, in fact, one of the biggest natural disasters in the
recent memory of the U.S.A.
"I share the pain and the anxiety of those who have been affected by
this disaster. My deep sympathy and full support go to you, Mr. President,
and to all those who are committed to alleviate the suffering of thousands
of people by meeting their basic needs.
"I have already instructed the Armenian Orthodox Archbishops in the
U.S.A., under my spiritual jurisdiction, to appeal their communities to
actively participate in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
"May God strengthen you, Mr. President, as you, together with your
Administration, cope with this great tragedy."
PRAYERS AND COLLECTION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF CONTINUES;
PRESIDENT BUSH DESIGNATES DAY OF PRAYER
Collection of money for hurricane relief will continue this Sunday in
all parishes under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy. Funds collected
will be donated to the American Red Cross. Crossroads readers may send their
donations directly to the Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.
To read the Prelate's message go to:
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/090105a.htm
President Bush has announced that Friday, September 16 will be a
national day of prayer and remembrance.
ARMENIAN CHURCH CONVENES MEETING TO STUDY
SAINTHOOD FOR VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
The Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the canonization of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural meeting in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia, from September 3 to 6.
The members of the committee are: H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian,
Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); H.G. Bishop
Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of All Armenians); H.G. Bishop
Kegham Khatcherian (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); V.R. Fr.
Papken Charian, Secretary (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia);
V.R. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Catholicosate of All Armenians); V.R.
Fr. Daniel Findikian (Catholicosate of All Armenians).
Prior to the meeting, the members of the committee were received by His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who
gave them his Pontifical blessing.
During the meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints. The
first working session will convene from November 8 to 12, 2005, in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
YOUTH CONFERENCE ENDS
The inter-diocesan youth conference organized by the Youth Department of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia concluded on August 30. During the five-day
conference the participants discussed the challenges facing the new
generation in each of the dioceses. In a resolution adopted at the end of
the conference, the delegates emphasized the imperative of reforming the
church and reserving a bigger role for the youth.
Representing the Eastern Prelacy at the conference was Arek Hamalian.
EXALTATION OF THE CROSS CELEBRATED THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, September 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the most
important feasts of the Church. Because it is a Great Feast, or Tabernacle
Feast, it is preceded by a week of abstinence and the following day, Monday,
September 12, is a Memorial Day. The feast was established to celebrate the
exposition of the True Cross at Jerusalem in 629 by Emperor Heraclius after
its recovery from the Persians into whose hands it had fallen in 614. It is
also a commemoration of the strength and power of the Cross.
The Feast is recognized in all of Christendom and is generally
celebrated on September 14. The Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday
nearest this date. In the ceremony of the Armenian Church, the Cross is
decorated with greenery, usually sweet basil, symbolizing the living Cross.
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate this Feast Day with the parish of Sts.
Vartanantz, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
BIRTHDAY OF FRANZ WERFEL
Saturday, September 10 is the birthday of Franz Werfel, author of The
Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel was born September 10, 1890, in Prague,
Czechoslovakia, to a wealthy Jewish family. He attended the University of
Leipzig where he majored, and later lectured, in philosophy.
Following World War I, he moved to Vienna, and concentrated on his
career as a writer. The central themes in all his writings were religious
faith, heroism, and human brotherhood. A trip to the Middle East in 1929
inspired The Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel saw starving refugees and
became engrossed in the plight of the Armenians. He started to write the
book in July 1932, and completed it in March 1933. He read parts of the yet
unfinished book during an extensive lecture tour in November 1932.
Werfel died in 1948 in California. He is buried in the famous
Zentralfriedhof Cemetery in Vienna.
"Musa Dagh! Mountain of Moses! At its summit, in the grey dawn-light, a
whole population set up its camp. The mountain top, the windy air, the sea
surge, put such new life into this people that the toil of the night seemed
dispersed and forgotten. No more strained and exhausted faces, but only
excited-looking ones. In and around the Town Enclosure they ran past one
another, shouting. No consciousness whatever of the underlying reality of it
all, only a pugnacious stir. Like a spring torrent, small and overwhelming
urgencies swept away all thoughts of the whole. Even Ter Haigasun, decking
the wooden altar at the centre of the camp, and so engaged in getting things
ship-shape for eternity, was shouting impatiently at the men who helped him
in the work."
>From The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, by Franz Werfel
Calendar of Events
September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.
September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.
September 26-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, will host its second annual golf tournament at the Raceway
Golf Club in Thompson, Connecticut, to benefit the church's Capital Fund.
For information: 508-872-9629.
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.
December 31-New Years Eve dinner-dance, Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) and ARF Dro
Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton. Information: 201-943-2950 or 201-945-0011.
March 5-Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) 2006 membership meeting.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers' Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at www.armenianprelacy.org
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS - September 8, 2005
THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE EASTERN PRELACY
The visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the
establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, will extend
from October 19 to November 1. His Holiness will visit New York, New Jersey,
Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago.
For information about the visit, including itinerary and related
articles go to: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/vehapar01.htm
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN OPENS AYF OLYMPICS
Last Sunday, September 4, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, opened the 72nd
annual AYF Olympics in Washington, DC.
His Eminence encouraged the AYF'ers to "Remember who you are. You are
Armenian Americans. You are descendants of a proud people. We are joined by
a common national origin, a common language, a common religion, and together
we are an important part of the beautiful American mosaic." The Prelate
described the AYF and the Olympics as an important part of our Armenian
American identity. "For 72 years you have brought together young Armenian
Americans to forge friendships and strengthen identity.. I pray for the
continued success of the Armenian Youth Federation and wish you good luck
and Godspeed in all of your endeavors."
To read the entire message go to:
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/090805a.htm
CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO PRESIDENT BUSH
His Holiness Aram I send a letter of condolence to President Bush in the
aftermath of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The Catholicos said:
"The hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans shocks me profoundly. The
tragic images that I see on television are, indeed, disturbing and
heartbreaking. This is, in fact, one of the biggest natural disasters in the
recent memory of the U.S.A.
"I share the pain and the anxiety of those who have been affected by
this disaster. My deep sympathy and full support go to you, Mr. President,
and to all those who are committed to alleviate the suffering of thousands
of people by meeting their basic needs.
"I have already instructed the Armenian Orthodox Archbishops in the
U.S.A., under my spiritual jurisdiction, to appeal their communities to
actively participate in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
"May God strengthen you, Mr. President, as you, together with your
Administration, cope with this great tragedy."
PRAYERS AND COLLECTION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF CONTINUES;
PRESIDENT BUSH DESIGNATES DAY OF PRAYER
Collection of money for hurricane relief will continue this Sunday in
all parishes under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy. Funds collected
will be donated to the American Red Cross. Crossroads readers may send their
donations directly to the Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.
To read the Prelate's message go to:
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/090105a.htm
President Bush has announced that Friday, September 16 will be a
national day of prayer and remembrance.
ARMENIAN CHURCH CONVENES MEETING TO STUDY
SAINTHOOD FOR VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
The Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the canonization of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural meeting in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia, from September 3 to 6.
The members of the committee are: H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian,
Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); H.G. Bishop
Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of All Armenians); H.G. Bishop
Kegham Khatcherian (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); V.R. Fr.
Papken Charian, Secretary (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia);
V.R. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Catholicosate of All Armenians); V.R.
Fr. Daniel Findikian (Catholicosate of All Armenians).
Prior to the meeting, the members of the committee were received by His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who
gave them his Pontifical blessing.
During the meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints. The
first working session will convene from November 8 to 12, 2005, in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
YOUTH CONFERENCE ENDS
The inter-diocesan youth conference organized by the Youth Department of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia concluded on August 30. During the five-day
conference the participants discussed the challenges facing the new
generation in each of the dioceses. In a resolution adopted at the end of
the conference, the delegates emphasized the imperative of reforming the
church and reserving a bigger role for the youth.
Representing the Eastern Prelacy at the conference was Arek Hamalian.
EXALTATION OF THE CROSS CELEBRATED THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, September 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the most
important feasts of the Church. Because it is a Great Feast, or Tabernacle
Feast, it is preceded by a week of abstinence and the following day, Monday,
September 12, is a Memorial Day. The feast was established to celebrate the
exposition of the True Cross at Jerusalem in 629 by Emperor Heraclius after
its recovery from the Persians into whose hands it had fallen in 614. It is
also a commemoration of the strength and power of the Cross.
The Feast is recognized in all of Christendom and is generally
celebrated on September 14. The Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday
nearest this date. In the ceremony of the Armenian Church, the Cross is
decorated with greenery, usually sweet basil, symbolizing the living Cross.
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate this Feast Day with the parish of Sts.
Vartanantz, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
BIRTHDAY OF FRANZ WERFEL
Saturday, September 10 is the birthday of Franz Werfel, author of The
Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel was born September 10, 1890, in Prague,
Czechoslovakia, to a wealthy Jewish family. He attended the University of
Leipzig where he majored, and later lectured, in philosophy.
Following World War I, he moved to Vienna, and concentrated on his
career as a writer. The central themes in all his writings were religious
faith, heroism, and human brotherhood. A trip to the Middle East in 1929
inspired The Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel saw starving refugees and
became engrossed in the plight of the Armenians. He started to write the
book in July 1932, and completed it in March 1933. He read parts of the yet
unfinished book during an extensive lecture tour in November 1932.
Werfel died in 1948 in California. He is buried in the famous
Zentralfriedhof Cemetery in Vienna.
"Musa Dagh! Mountain of Moses! At its summit, in the grey dawn-light, a
whole population set up its camp. The mountain top, the windy air, the sea
surge, put such new life into this people that the toil of the night seemed
dispersed and forgotten. No more strained and exhausted faces, but only
excited-looking ones. In and around the Town Enclosure they ran past one
another, shouting. No consciousness whatever of the underlying reality of it
all, only a pugnacious stir. Like a spring torrent, small and overwhelming
urgencies swept away all thoughts of the whole. Even Ter Haigasun, decking
the wooden altar at the centre of the camp, and so engaged in getting things
ship-shape for eternity, was shouting impatiently at the men who helped him
in the work."
>From The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, by Franz Werfel
Calendar of Events
September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.
September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.
September 26-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, will host its second annual golf tournament at the Raceway
Golf Club in Thompson, Connecticut, to benefit the church's Capital Fund.
For information: 508-872-9629.
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.
December 31-New Years Eve dinner-dance, Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) and ARF Dro
Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton. Information: 201-943-2950 or 201-945-0011.
March 5-Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) 2006 membership meeting.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers' Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at www.armenianprelacy.org