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  • Easter celebration brings out generations

    PRESS OFFICE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
    Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurch.net

    April 18, 2006
    ___________________

    ARMENIAN FAITHFUL FILL CATHEDRAL TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
    By Jake Goshert

    Some came with sleeping babies in their arms. Others had toddlers
    walking alongside. There were families with three generations
    attending. All ages of Armenians came Sunday, April 16, 2006, to the
    Easter Divine Liturgy at New York City's St. Vartan Cathedral.

    About 1,500 people filled the cathedral, spilling out onto the
    sunlit plaza. Among the worshipers were several dignitaries, such
    as Ambassador Armen Martirossyan, Armenia's ambassador to the United
    Nations, and his young family.

    "There was a tangible sense of spirit and celebration that filled
    the entire cathedral," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
    of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), who
    celebrated the badarak Easter Sunday. "And there were families and
    people from all generations. There were seniors and young parents,
    teenagers and newborns. Both the current community leaders and the
    future were there to celebrate the victory of Christ's resurrection."

    The Easter Sunday Divine Liturgy was sung by the St. Vartan Cathedral
    Choirs, under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian with Florence
    Avakian accompanying on the organ.

    DAY OF CELEBRATION

    Following the badarak and the administering of Holy Communion,
    the Primate joined the faithful on the plaza for the traditional
    "Antasdan" ceremony, or "Blessing of the Fields," followed by the
    release of doves.

    The release of 12 doves each Easter represents Jesus sending his 12
    disciples to spread the gospel to the world. Joining the Primate in
    this ceremony was Diocesan Council Chairman Haig Dadourian, who served
    as "godfather." He was joined by his wife, Astrid, their children and
    grandchildren, each helping launch a white dove into the air above
    the mass of joyous faithful.

    "Not only was Haig Dadourian eager to join this important celebration,
    but he wanted the next generation of his family to share in the
    experience," the Primate said. "A true steward of the church, he
    is actively working to instill a sense of faith in his children and
    grandchildren."

    Following the ceremony on the plaza, 260 Armenians gathered in
    the Diocesan Center's Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium for
    a traditional Armenian lamb dinner, organized by Gregory and Ani
    Manuelian, and featuring a performance by the Yeraz dance group
    directed by Karnik Nercessian.

    WEEK OF CELEBRATION

    The Easter services were the capstone of a week-long commemoration
    of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. The events and services were
    organized by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral.

    Easter Eve, Saturday, April 15, 2006, featured a Divine Liturgy
    celebrated by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, which was preceded by a
    Scripture-reading ceremony.

    The Divine Liturgy was sung by the St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir,
    made up of students from the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum, and Diocesan
    Armenian Saturday schools of New York and New Jersey and under the
    direction of Maro Partamian. Students of the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum
    also provided the Scripture readings.

    EASTER CONTINUES

    April 16 did not mark the end of Easter celebrations for all Armenians.
    Because they use the Julian calendar, the Armenian Patriarchate of
    Jerusalem will celebrate Easter on April 23, 2006.

    On Monday, April 17, 2006, a group of 35 people from the Diocese
    headed to the Holy Land on a special pilgrimage. They will be in the
    Holy Land until April 25.

    This is the first of two trips to the region being organized by
    the Diocese this year. The Diocese will take another group on an
    educational pilgrimage to the Holy Land this August.

    "In the Holy Land you see first-hand the sites mentioned in the
    Bible's accounts of Holy Week. And seeing these places enlivens the
    hearts of Christians," the Primate said. "We must also remember that
    the spirit of Easter, the hope and renewal it promises, can be found
    in the hearts of all believers throughout the year."

    -- 4/18/06

    E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in
    the News and Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website,
    www.armenianchurch.net.

    PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
    Diocese, delivers his Easter homily to a filled St. Vartan Cathedral
    in New York City on Sunday, April 16, 2006.

    PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate administers communion to a young
    Armenian on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2006.

    PHOTO CAPTION (3): A young child looks at the doves before they are
    set loose during the releasing of the doves ceremony on the plaza of
    New York City's St. Vartan Cathedral following the Easter badarak on
    Sunday, April 16, 2006.

    PHOTO CAPTION (4): Astrid and Haig Dadourian, who served as "godfather"
    of the releasing of doves ceremony, kiss the hand-cross of Archbishop
    Barsamian prior to the ceremony.

    PHOTO CAPTION (5): Dancers from the Yeraz Dance Group perform during
    the traditional Armenian lamb lunch at the St. Vartan Cathedral in
    New York City following Easter Sunday services. (Photo courtesy of
    Jennifer Morris.)

    PHOTO CAPTION (6): Armen Akopian, a student from the Diocese's
    Khrimian Lyceum, reads from the Scriptures during the Easter Eve
    service on April 15, 2006, in the St. Vartan Cathedral.(Photo courtesy
    of Jennifer Morris.)

    PHOTO CAPTION (7): Two of the 12 doves released following the Easter
    Sunday badarak perch in a corner of the St. Vartan Cathedral in New
    York City.

    # # #

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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