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The Armenian Church eNewsletter
http://www.armenianchurch.net
Februar y 7, 2008
Saints & Feasts
2/9 St. Theodore the Warrior
2/10 Sunday of the Expulsion
2/14 Presentation of the Lord to the Temple
2/16 St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Diocese of the
Armenian Church
of America (Eastern)
630 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10016
www.armenianchurch.net
Contact us <mailto:[email protected]>
Diocesan News
PRIMATE ATTENDS MEETING BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL
ORTHODOX CHURCHES
At the appointment of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), attended the fifth
meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue
between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox churches last week.
The weeklong meeting was held near Damascus, Syria at Saint Ephrem Syrian
Orthodox Monastery at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.
Archbishop Barsamian presented a paper on the goal of the ecumenical
dialogue. Meeting participants also examined a draft document entitled
"Nature, Constitution and Mission of the Church," and discussed recent steps
taken to promote cooperation between the Catholic Church and Oriental
Orthodox churches.
After the meeting, Archbishop Barsamian spent the weekend in Damascus at the
invitation of Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of
Damascus.
_____________________________
REV. FR. KRIKOR SABOUNJIAN TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), will preside at the celebration of Rev. Fr. Krikor
Sabounjian's 10th anniversary of ordination this weekend at the Church of
the Holy Translators in Framingham, Mass.
Fr. Sabounjian was ordained to the Holy Order of the Priesthood on February
27 and 28, 1998. He serves as the pastor of the Church of the Holy
Translators.
Fr. Sabounjian studied at Iona College, Saint Vladimir's Orthodox
Theological Seminary, St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary and at the
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He holds a bachelor's degree in speech
communication and religious studies, with a minor in education, and a Master
of Divinity degree.
Rev. Fr. Krikor A. Sabounjian, pastor of the Church of the Holy Translators
in Framingham, Mass., will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his ordination
this weekend.
After graduation, Fr. Sabounjian worked in the private sector, and in 1983,
accepted a position as a full-time youth director at St. James Church of
Watertown, Mass., serving until July 1986. He returned to St. James in
August of 1996 as its part-time youth director while he assisted with
various Diocesan programs. Fr. Sabounjian was assigned as deacon-in-charge
of the Armenian Church of Cape Cod Mission Parish in March 1997. In 1998, he
also took on the pastoral duties of the Armenian Church of MetroWest, Mass.,
a mission parish which was consecrated as the Church of the Holy Translators
on Oct. 19, 2003.
This weekend's events will begin on Saturday, Feb. 9, with a reception at
the church hall. On Sunday, Feb. 10, following a celebration of the Divine
Liturgy, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will ordain three subdeacons and three
acolytes. Jeffrey Hyde, Christopher Seifel and Michael Tutunjian will be
ordained subdeacons, while Daniel Hyde, Ara Bablouzian and Fr. Sabounjian's
son, Michael Sabounjian, will be ordained acolytes. In addition, Archbishop
Barsamian will present Fr. Sabounjian with a Pectoral Cross.
_____________________________
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE MOTHER CATHEDRAL OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN SCHEDULED
FOR SEPTEMBER
The Eastern Diocese will make a pilgrimage to the Mother Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin this fall to participate in the blessing of the Holy Muron
(Oil). This special ceremony occurs only once every seven years, and dates
back to the days of St. Gregory the Enlightener.
The two-week pilgrimage begins in late September and concludes in early
October. The blessing of the Holy Muron will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Itinerary highlights also include a special audience with His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a private
tour of Holy Etchmiadzin; visits to Khorvirab, Vanadzor, Sevan, and Gumri;
and other excursions.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
blesses the Holy Muron (Oil) with the relic of St. Gregory the Enlightener
in 2001. This special ceremony occurs once every seven years.
There is some flexibility in travel dates: pilgrims can opt to depart from
New York on Friday, Sept. 19 or Saturday, Sept. 20, and return to New York
on Friday, Oct. 3 or Saturday, Oct. 4.
The cost per person, which includes airfare and hotel accommodations, is
$2,950. One person travels free for every 20 people a parish signs up for
the pilgrimage.
For more information, please contact your local parish or Arto Vorperian at
the Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710 ext. 213, or email [email protected].
Please note that the number of spaces is limited. Those interested in the
pilgrimage, should make reservations without delay.
_____________________________
CHURCH AND HOME NEWS
Arevakal (Sunrise) Service
The Arevakal (Sunrise) Service is traditionally performed on Wednesday and
Friday mornings during Great Lent. In our Diocese, it traditionally takes
place on Sundays during Great Lent, before or after Badarak (Divine
Liturgy). The central theme of the Sunrise Service is light. Rev. Fr. Zaven
Arzoumanian has written an informative article on the history, theme and
structure of the Arevakal Service. He mentions that "the word Looys (light)
occurs in the Sunrise Service 32 times, of which 17 alone are part of the
distinctive hymn which begins with Looys, Ararich looso, arachin Looys
(Light, Creator of light, primal light)." To read the entire article, click
here <http://www.armenian.ch/index.php?id=church_cer emony> .
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Lent
Great Lent began on Monday, Feb. 4. During Great Lent, we are called into a
period of reflection and self-examination in order to open our hearts to
fully prepare for the glory of the Resurrection of our Lord. Have you
wondered how we are called to fast during Lent, where it originated, or why
it lasts 40 days? The St. Nersess Theological Seminary Web site features a
wonderful resource on many of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Great
Lent, answered by Seminary Dean Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. To read the
entire article, click here
<http://www.stnersess.edu/currentEvents/pr essRelease/pr.php?id=144> .
_____________________________
FR. TATEOS ABDALIAN TO SERVE AS ACYOA ARMENIA SERVICE PROGRAM LEADER
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), has appointed Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian to lead the
ACYOA Armenia Service Program (ASP) this summer. Fr. Abdalian is currently
serving the Diocese as the director of mission parishes. He is an alumnus of
the ACYOA, and no stranger to this particular program, having served as ASP
leader in 1992, just after Armenia became independent.
Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian will lead the ACYOA Armenia Service Program this
summer.
The ASP provides young adults with a unique opportunity to experience the
people and the culture of their homeland while serving as mentors and role
models for underprivileged children at Camp Tzitzernak in Vanadzor, which is
sponsored by the Diocese of Gougark. The group will leave from New York's
JFK Airport on June 30 and return on July 23. For more information, visit
www.acyoa.org/asp.
________________________ _____
ACYOA CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETS IN CHICAGO
The ACYOA Central Council braved the wind and snow to travel to Chicago for
a meeting on Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Church.
The Council discussed a number of upcoming events and programs, including
next month's annual Leadership Conference in Stony Point, N.Y. The
Leadership Conference theme will be "The Armenian Christian Family."
Participants will discuss what makes a family, marriage from a biblical
perspective, the tradition of home blessing and many other topics. They
also will have an opportunity to discuss local ACYOA programming and
consider how to strengthen and maintain their chapters.
The ACYOA Central Council met in Chicago last week to discuss upcoming
events.
Present at the Feb. 2 meeting were Central Council Chairman John El Chemmas
of the St. John Church of Southfield, Mich.; Vice Chairwoman Ani Tovar of
the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, Texas; Treasurer Alex Derderian of the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, Penn.; Programming Coordinator Talin
Hitik of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago; Public Relations
Coordinator Danielle DerAsadourian of the St. James Church of Evanston,
Ill.; and Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob
Church of Racine, Wis.
The meeting was presided over by Diocesan Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun
Najarian. Joining the ACYOA leaders at the meeting were Diocesan Council
Chairman Oscar Tatosian, ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian and St.
Nersess Theological Seminary Director of Youth and Vocations Rev. Fr.
Stepanos Doudoukjian.
Following the meeting, Central Council members supported the local parishes
by attending the annual Poon Paregentan dance in Park Ridge, Ill. The event
was hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, St. James
Church of Evanston, Ill., and Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights,
Ill. On Sunday, Feb. 4, Central Council members attended Badarak at St.
Gregory the Illuminator Church.
For more on ACYOA and highlights of the meeting, visit www.acyoa.org
<http://www.acyoa.org/> .
_____________________________
THE FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF AWARDED HIGHEST RATING BY CHARITY NAVIGATOR,
AGAIN
On Feb. 4, 2008, Charity Navigator congratulated the Fund for Armenian
Relief (FAR) on achieving its coveted four-star rating for sound fiscal
management for the second year in a row.
FAR earned its second consecutive four-star rating for its ability to
efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 15 percent of the charities
rated by Charity Navigator have received at least two consecutive four-star
evaluations, indicating that FAR outperforms most charities in America to
operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible.
As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy
donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable
results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned
dollars. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator,
America's premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient
charities and provides donors with essential information needed to give them
greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.
Prayer for the Week
Protector of Thy creatures, protect with the sign of Thy cross my soul and
my body from the wiles of sin, from the temptations of the devil and from
unjust men, and shield me from all perils of the soul and body; have mercy
upon Thy creatures and upon me, a great sinner.
More prayers
<http://www.stvartanbookstore.com/index .asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5246&
HS=1 > <http://www.armenianchurch.net/prayer>
Scripture for the Week
Lk 4:43-5:11 Is 33:2-22
Rom 12:1-13:10 Mt 5:17-48
More Bible <http://www.armenianchurch.net/readings/index.p hp> Readings
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/reading s/index.php>
May God bless and keep you and your family.
d
http://www.armenianchurch.net
Februar y 7, 2008
Saints & Feasts
2/9 St. Theodore the Warrior
2/10 Sunday of the Expulsion
2/14 Presentation of the Lord to the Temple
2/16 St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Diocese of the
Armenian Church
of America (Eastern)
630 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10016
www.armenianchurch.net
Contact us <mailto:[email protected]>
Diocesan News
PRIMATE ATTENDS MEETING BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL
ORTHODOX CHURCHES
At the appointment of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), attended the fifth
meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue
between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox churches last week.
The weeklong meeting was held near Damascus, Syria at Saint Ephrem Syrian
Orthodox Monastery at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.
Archbishop Barsamian presented a paper on the goal of the ecumenical
dialogue. Meeting participants also examined a draft document entitled
"Nature, Constitution and Mission of the Church," and discussed recent steps
taken to promote cooperation between the Catholic Church and Oriental
Orthodox churches.
After the meeting, Archbishop Barsamian spent the weekend in Damascus at the
invitation of Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of
Damascus.
_____________________________
REV. FR. KRIKOR SABOUNJIAN TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), will preside at the celebration of Rev. Fr. Krikor
Sabounjian's 10th anniversary of ordination this weekend at the Church of
the Holy Translators in Framingham, Mass.
Fr. Sabounjian was ordained to the Holy Order of the Priesthood on February
27 and 28, 1998. He serves as the pastor of the Church of the Holy
Translators.
Fr. Sabounjian studied at Iona College, Saint Vladimir's Orthodox
Theological Seminary, St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary and at the
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He holds a bachelor's degree in speech
communication and religious studies, with a minor in education, and a Master
of Divinity degree.
Rev. Fr. Krikor A. Sabounjian, pastor of the Church of the Holy Translators
in Framingham, Mass., will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his ordination
this weekend.
After graduation, Fr. Sabounjian worked in the private sector, and in 1983,
accepted a position as a full-time youth director at St. James Church of
Watertown, Mass., serving until July 1986. He returned to St. James in
August of 1996 as its part-time youth director while he assisted with
various Diocesan programs. Fr. Sabounjian was assigned as deacon-in-charge
of the Armenian Church of Cape Cod Mission Parish in March 1997. In 1998, he
also took on the pastoral duties of the Armenian Church of MetroWest, Mass.,
a mission parish which was consecrated as the Church of the Holy Translators
on Oct. 19, 2003.
This weekend's events will begin on Saturday, Feb. 9, with a reception at
the church hall. On Sunday, Feb. 10, following a celebration of the Divine
Liturgy, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will ordain three subdeacons and three
acolytes. Jeffrey Hyde, Christopher Seifel and Michael Tutunjian will be
ordained subdeacons, while Daniel Hyde, Ara Bablouzian and Fr. Sabounjian's
son, Michael Sabounjian, will be ordained acolytes. In addition, Archbishop
Barsamian will present Fr. Sabounjian with a Pectoral Cross.
_____________________________
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE MOTHER CATHEDRAL OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN SCHEDULED
FOR SEPTEMBER
The Eastern Diocese will make a pilgrimage to the Mother Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin this fall to participate in the blessing of the Holy Muron
(Oil). This special ceremony occurs only once every seven years, and dates
back to the days of St. Gregory the Enlightener.
The two-week pilgrimage begins in late September and concludes in early
October. The blessing of the Holy Muron will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Itinerary highlights also include a special audience with His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a private
tour of Holy Etchmiadzin; visits to Khorvirab, Vanadzor, Sevan, and Gumri;
and other excursions.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
blesses the Holy Muron (Oil) with the relic of St. Gregory the Enlightener
in 2001. This special ceremony occurs once every seven years.
There is some flexibility in travel dates: pilgrims can opt to depart from
New York on Friday, Sept. 19 or Saturday, Sept. 20, and return to New York
on Friday, Oct. 3 or Saturday, Oct. 4.
The cost per person, which includes airfare and hotel accommodations, is
$2,950. One person travels free for every 20 people a parish signs up for
the pilgrimage.
For more information, please contact your local parish or Arto Vorperian at
the Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710 ext. 213, or email [email protected].
Please note that the number of spaces is limited. Those interested in the
pilgrimage, should make reservations without delay.
_____________________________
CHURCH AND HOME NEWS
Arevakal (Sunrise) Service
The Arevakal (Sunrise) Service is traditionally performed on Wednesday and
Friday mornings during Great Lent. In our Diocese, it traditionally takes
place on Sundays during Great Lent, before or after Badarak (Divine
Liturgy). The central theme of the Sunrise Service is light. Rev. Fr. Zaven
Arzoumanian has written an informative article on the history, theme and
structure of the Arevakal Service. He mentions that "the word Looys (light)
occurs in the Sunrise Service 32 times, of which 17 alone are part of the
distinctive hymn which begins with Looys, Ararich looso, arachin Looys
(Light, Creator of light, primal light)." To read the entire article, click
here <http://www.armenian.ch/index.php?id=church_cer emony> .
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Lent
Great Lent began on Monday, Feb. 4. During Great Lent, we are called into a
period of reflection and self-examination in order to open our hearts to
fully prepare for the glory of the Resurrection of our Lord. Have you
wondered how we are called to fast during Lent, where it originated, or why
it lasts 40 days? The St. Nersess Theological Seminary Web site features a
wonderful resource on many of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Great
Lent, answered by Seminary Dean Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. To read the
entire article, click here
<http://www.stnersess.edu/currentEvents/pr essRelease/pr.php?id=144> .
_____________________________
FR. TATEOS ABDALIAN TO SERVE AS ACYOA ARMENIA SERVICE PROGRAM LEADER
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), has appointed Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian to lead the
ACYOA Armenia Service Program (ASP) this summer. Fr. Abdalian is currently
serving the Diocese as the director of mission parishes. He is an alumnus of
the ACYOA, and no stranger to this particular program, having served as ASP
leader in 1992, just after Armenia became independent.
Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian will lead the ACYOA Armenia Service Program this
summer.
The ASP provides young adults with a unique opportunity to experience the
people and the culture of their homeland while serving as mentors and role
models for underprivileged children at Camp Tzitzernak in Vanadzor, which is
sponsored by the Diocese of Gougark. The group will leave from New York's
JFK Airport on June 30 and return on July 23. For more information, visit
www.acyoa.org/asp.
________________________ _____
ACYOA CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETS IN CHICAGO
The ACYOA Central Council braved the wind and snow to travel to Chicago for
a meeting on Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Church.
The Council discussed a number of upcoming events and programs, including
next month's annual Leadership Conference in Stony Point, N.Y. The
Leadership Conference theme will be "The Armenian Christian Family."
Participants will discuss what makes a family, marriage from a biblical
perspective, the tradition of home blessing and many other topics. They
also will have an opportunity to discuss local ACYOA programming and
consider how to strengthen and maintain their chapters.
The ACYOA Central Council met in Chicago last week to discuss upcoming
events.
Present at the Feb. 2 meeting were Central Council Chairman John El Chemmas
of the St. John Church of Southfield, Mich.; Vice Chairwoman Ani Tovar of
the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, Texas; Treasurer Alex Derderian of the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, Penn.; Programming Coordinator Talin
Hitik of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago; Public Relations
Coordinator Danielle DerAsadourian of the St. James Church of Evanston,
Ill.; and Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob
Church of Racine, Wis.
The meeting was presided over by Diocesan Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun
Najarian. Joining the ACYOA leaders at the meeting were Diocesan Council
Chairman Oscar Tatosian, ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian and St.
Nersess Theological Seminary Director of Youth and Vocations Rev. Fr.
Stepanos Doudoukjian.
Following the meeting, Central Council members supported the local parishes
by attending the annual Poon Paregentan dance in Park Ridge, Ill. The event
was hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, St. James
Church of Evanston, Ill., and Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights,
Ill. On Sunday, Feb. 4, Central Council members attended Badarak at St.
Gregory the Illuminator Church.
For more on ACYOA and highlights of the meeting, visit www.acyoa.org
<http://www.acyoa.org/> .
_____________________________
THE FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF AWARDED HIGHEST RATING BY CHARITY NAVIGATOR,
AGAIN
On Feb. 4, 2008, Charity Navigator congratulated the Fund for Armenian
Relief (FAR) on achieving its coveted four-star rating for sound fiscal
management for the second year in a row.
FAR earned its second consecutive four-star rating for its ability to
efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 15 percent of the charities
rated by Charity Navigator have received at least two consecutive four-star
evaluations, indicating that FAR outperforms most charities in America to
operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible.
As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy
donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable
results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned
dollars. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator,
America's premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient
charities and provides donors with essential information needed to give them
greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.
Prayer for the Week
Protector of Thy creatures, protect with the sign of Thy cross my soul and
my body from the wiles of sin, from the temptations of the devil and from
unjust men, and shield me from all perils of the soul and body; have mercy
upon Thy creatures and upon me, a great sinner.
More prayers
<http://www.stvartanbookstore.com/index .asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5246&
HS=1 > <http://www.armenianchurch.net/prayer>
Scripture for the Week
Lk 4:43-5:11 Is 33:2-22
Rom 12:1-13:10 Mt 5:17-48
More Bible <http://www.armenianchurch.net/readings/index.p hp> Readings
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/reading s/index.php>
May God bless and keep you and your family.
d