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Holy Week at St. Vartan Cathedral Will Be Observed 4/9-4/16

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  • Holy Week at St. Vartan Cathedral Will Be Observed 4/9-4/16

    PRESS OFFICE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Contact: Chris Zakian
    Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurch.net

    April 3, 2006
    ___________________

    HOLY WEEK AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL WILL BE OBSERVED APRIL 9 THROUGH APRIL 16,
    EASTER SUNDAY

    St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will observe Holy Week, April 9 through 16,
    with a series of special services, culminating in the Easter Sunday
    celebration on April 16, 2006.

    Holy Week is the sacred commemoration of the dramatic events leading to the
    Resurrection of Jesus Christ, His victory over death and the redemption of
    humanity and the fallen world. The Armenian Church re-enacts these episodes
    in the days leading up to Easter. What follows is a brief schedule of Holy
    Week events:

    PALM SUNDAY--the commemoration of Jesus' triumphal entry into
    Jerusalem--falls on April 9. Fr. Mardiros Chevian (dean of St. Vartan
    Cathedral) will be the celebrant for the services, which will begin with a
    Morning Service at 9:30 a.m., and will continue with the Divine Liturgy at
    10:30 a.m. The Turun-Patzek or "Door-Opening" Service will be held after
    the Divine Liturgy.

    April 13 is GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY, and the day's services memori¬alize the
    Last Supper, Jesus' vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane, His arrest and trial.
    Two separate services will be celebrated on this day. In the morning, the
    Divine Liturgy, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a
    luncheon.

    In the evening, the "Washing of the Feet" ceremony will start at 7:00 p.m.,
    with the Khavaroom or Vigil Service following at 8:30 p.m. Archbishop
    Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese, will officiate. During the
    Washing of Feet ceremony, twelve individuals will serve as surrogates for
    the apostles. This year, in recognition of the 1600th anniversary of the
    Armenian alphabet, the twelve will be selected from individuals with the
    names Sahag, Mesrob, Vramshabouh, and names associated with the Holy
    Translators.

    The crucifixion and death of Christ will be observed on April 14--GREAT AND
    HOLY FRIDAY--and again two services will occur. The Order of the
    Cruci¬fixion of Christ will begin at 12:00 noon. This will be a short
    service enabling working people in Manhattan to attend, and it will be
    followed by a luncheon in the Diocesan Complex's Yerevan Room.

    That same evening, at 7:30 p.m., the Order of the Entombment of the Lord, or
    Taghoom Service, will take place.

    On GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY, April 15, the Divine Liturgy will be preceded by
    a scripture-reading ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Easter Eve Liturgy will begin at
    7:00 p.m. The St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir, under the direction of Maro
    Partamian, will sing the liturgy. (The St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir is
    made up of students from the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum, and Diocesan Armenian
    Saturday schools of New York and New Jersey.) Students of the Diocesan
    Khrimian Lyceum will also provide the Scripture readings. A reception will
    follow the services.

    The drama of Holy Week will culminate on EASTER SUNDAY, April 16. Easter is
    the central holy day of the Christian calendar, and commemorates the
    discovery of Christ's empty tomb and the news of His glorious Resur¬rection.
    Matins will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m.
    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
    of America, will celebrate the Liturgy and deliver the homily. The St.
    Vartan Cathedral Choirs will sing the Divine Liturgy under the direction of
    Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. Florence Avakian will accompany on the organ.

    Immediately following the service, the traditional Antasdan ceremony, or
    "Blessing of the Fields," will be conducted on the cathedral plaza. This
    will be followed by the release of doves ceremony on the cathedral plaza,
    where Haig Dadourian will serve as "godfather."

    Please note that after a year hiatus, the annual Easter Luncheon and program
    has been reinstated. The luncheon--featuring a traditional Armenian lamb
    dinner--will follow the services in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium.
    The reception will include a home-blessing service, entertainment by the
    Yeraz Dance Ensemble directed by Karnig Nercessian, and the recognition of
    the various names associated with the holiday. The donation for the
    luncheon for adults is $30; for children twelve and under, $20.

    For more information on these observances, call the Diocese of the Armenian
    Church at (212) 686-0710. St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at 630
    Second Avenue (corner of 34th Street) in New York City.

    --4/3/06
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