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Crossroads E-Newsletter - 3/20/2008

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  • Crossroads E-Newsletter - 3/20/2008

    Untitled DocumentPress 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
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianprelacy.org
    Contact: Iris Papazian

    MARCH 20, 2008

    JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED
    The following joint statement was issued this week by the Armenian
    Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian
    National Committee of America, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    (Eastern/Western) and the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
    America (Eastern/Western) on recent events in Armenia.
    As leading Armenian American organizations, we stand in solidarity with
    the state and the people of Armenia as the nation confronts the current
    political crisis.
    We are deeply saddened by the violence, divisiveness, and deaths during
    the post-electoral street unrest in the capital and extend our heartfelt
    sympathies to all the families of the victims. We condemn all violent acts,
    including assaults, vandalism, and looting, and expect, consistent with due
    process of law, that the organizers and perpetrators will be brought to
    justice.
    We urge all parties to work peacefully within Armenia's civic and legal
    structures to address their outstanding differences and restore Armenia's
    political environment to a state of normalcy in as timely and responsible a
    manner as possible. We join with all Armenians in reaffirming our people's
    common commitment to the security of Armenia and Artsakh in a challenging
    and often dangerous region, and to cooperate toward our shared aim of
    strengthening an open and democratic Armenian homeland, based upon the rule
    of law, social and economic justice, freedom of expression and the media,
    and equal opportunity for all.
    As Armenian Americans, proud and vital partners in the future of the
    Armenian nation, we are ready to cooperate with the newly-elected President
    and the government. We remain committed to doing our part to serve our
    homeland and the Armenian Nation as we have done throughout our long
    history. Armenia will continue to inspire and sustain generations of
    Armenians who have lived, as we do today, beyond her borders.

    PRELATE ISSUES EASTER MESSAGE:
    "THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION"
    Archbishop Oshagan issued his Easter message to the Faithful calling
    upon them to live the message of Christ's Resurrection. The Prelate's
    message emphasizes the messages that those who live for Jesus live with
    Jesus. "For a true Christian who lives by Jesus, life is not simply a sum of
    days and years. We make life worthy by working toward a goal and
    responsibility; we make life worthy and we give meaning to life by being
    obedient to God's commandments."
    To read the entire message in Armenian click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/2008EasterMessageA rmenian.pdf.
    To read the entire message in English click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/031108a.htm.

    FUNE RAL SERVICES FOR MRS. ALICE SACHAKLIAN, PRINCESS OF CILICIA AND PRELACY
    PERSON OF THE YEAR, WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK
    Archbishop Oshagan will officiate over National Funeral Services on
    Tuesday, March 25 for Mrs. Alice Sachaklian, at Soorp Khatch Armenian
    Apostolic Church in Bethesda, Maryland, at 1 pm, followed by a Memorial
    Luncheon in the church hall. As reported last week, Mrs. Sachaklian died on
    Thursday, March 13. Interment will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 10
    am, at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on
    Monday evening, March 24 at Joseph Gawler's Sons, Inc., 5120 Wisconsin Ave.
    NW, Washington, DC 20016 (202-966-6400), from 6 to 9 pm; and on Tuesday
    morning from 10:30 am to noon.
    Mrs. Sachaklian, together with her late husband, Col. Harry A.
    Sachaklian, was an ardent and active supporter of Armenian organizations. In
    2003, she
    enriched the Prelacy's Endowment Fund by establishing the "Colonel Harry A.
    and Alice K. Sachaklian Antelias Seminary Fund." The Fund provides
    financial support for the education of seminary students who plan to enter
    the priesthood.
    Alice Keosaian Sachaklian was born on November 9, 1920, in the Bronx,
    New York, the youngest of four children of Khatchadour and Sophia Keosaian.
    She graduated from Hunter College and continued her masters in German at
    Columbia University. She had a long and distinguished career in government
    service at the National Security Agency where she held positions in Germany
    and in Washington. At her retirement in 1978 she received the Department of
    Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award-the highest honor for a civilian.
    Her 37-year marriage to Col. Harry A. Sachaklian (USAF, Ret.), created a
    legacy of support for the advancement of the Armenian Church and culture.
    She continued her active support after the death of her husband in 2002.
    Mrs. Sachaklian was awarded the Princess of Cilicia insignia, the highest
    civilian award given by the Holy See of Cilicia, and in 2004, she was
    honored as the Prelacy's "Person of the Year."
    She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Virginia Babayan, sisters-in-law, Mrs.
    Anahid Keosaian and Mrs. Arpena Mesrobian; a brother-in-law, Dr. Arra
    Avakian, and many nieces and nephews, including Lt. Col. (USAF, Ret.) George
    A. Rustigian and Mrs. Barbara Rustigian, Dr. Arsine Oshagan, and Ms. Jackie
    Rustigian.

    PASSING OF DIKRAN HADJETIAN
    Dikran Hadjetian, a resident of Montreal, died suddenly on Monday, March
    17, while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. He was 69 years old. Mr.
    Hadjetian was a delegate to the World General Assembly, a delegate to the
    National Representative Assembly, a Prince of Cilicia, a long-time
    benefactor of the Armenian Church, including the Eastern Prelacy, and the
    sponsor of the renovation of Noravank Monastery in Armenia.
    Archbishop Oshagan will participate in the funeral services next week in
    Montreal.

    HOLY WEEK SERVICES AT THE CATHEDRAL
    Holy Week services began last Sunday with Palm Sunday and Opening of the
    Portals services at St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City. Today the
    Cathedral, led by its pastor Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, continued the
    tradition of the Order of Repentance and Last Supper in the morning,
    followed by the Divine Liturgy and Communion. This evening the Washing of
    the Feet service will take place at 6 pm, followed by the Vigil (Khavaroom)
    beginning at 8 pm. On Good Friday the Order of the Crucifixion will take
    place at noon, with evening services at 7 pm and the Order of Entombment at
    7:30 pm. On Great Saturday Holy Communion and Breakfast for children will
    take place 10 to 11 pm. Easter Eve service begins at 6 pm with the reading
    of the scriptures at 6:30 and Easter Eve Divine Liturgy at 7 pm.
    On Easter Sunday the Holy Liturgy will be celebrated and the sermon will
    be delivered by the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. Morning
    service begins 10 am and the Divine Liturgy begins at 10:30 am.

    NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL MEETING
    Representatives of New England parishes met at Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church
    in Whitinsville, Massachusetts for the New England Regional Meeting on
    Saturday, March 8. Members of Boards of Trustees, National Representative
    Assembly delegates and Pastors of the New England churches gathered along
    with Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and several members of the
    Executive Council. The agenda included topics important to parish leaders
    and to the challenges facing the Prelacy and the parishes. The host parish
    with its pastor, Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, and Board of Trustees and Ladies
    Guild made every effort to create a comfortable
    atmosphere with their gracious hospitality.
    The regional meeting concluded with statements by Archbishop Oshagan,
    Jack Mardoian, chairman of the Executive Council, and Hagop Khatchadourian,
    Central Executive member who coordinated the regional meeting. With a
    closing prayer by Archbishop Oshagan the participants returned to their
    homes with renewed spirit and commitment.

    VISITS TO HOVNANIAN SCHOOL AND NEW JERSEY HOME
    Yesterday morning, March 19, Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan,
    Archpriest Mousegh Der Kaloustian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, and Rev. Fr.
    Hovnan Bozoian, visited the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New Jersey, and
    the New Jersey Rehabilitation Center and Home for the Aged in Emerson, New
    Jersey.
    At the Hovnanian School, students from grades 1 to 8 welcomed the
    Prelate and his entourage and presented a short program for the honored
    guests. The Prelate then officiated over the traditional Blessing of the
    Home ceremony, asking that God's blessing be upon the entire school
    including the students, their parents, the principal and administration, and
    the Trustees.
    At the Emerson Home, the clergy interacted with the elderly residents,
    who greeted their visit with great anticipation. Following the Home Blessing
    ceremony the Prelate and clergy shared a delicious lunch with the residents
    and the administration of the Home. The clergy had special words of
    greetings for Archpriest Vahrich Shirinian, a resident at the Home, who
    participated in the services, and presented a short message.

    40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION OF ARCHPRIEST ARSHAG DAGHLIAN
    Under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, the 40th anniversary of
    Archpriest Fr. Arshag Daghlian will be celebrated on Saturday, March 29, at
    St. Stephen's Church Hall, Watertown, Massachusetts. Dinner will be served
    at 6 pm, followed by a program. Reservations for the event (donation of
    $20), can be made by contacting the church at 617-924-7562.

    VICAR WILL ATTEND COURT PROGRAM
    Bishop Anoushavan will attend a program about New York City Housing next
    Wednesday, March 26. The program is sponsored by the New York State Unified
    Court System and the Interfaith Center of New York. Religious and community
    leaders have been invited to participate in the roundtable discussion.

    NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
    The Eastern Prelacy's National Representative Assembly will be hosted by
    St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, May 8-10. Information for
    delegates, including hotel reservations, meal plans, and airport shuttle
    service are on the Prelacy web page. Additional information will be posted
    on a regular basis, so check the site often. In addition to the NRA, the
    National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will be meeting and celebrating
    its 25th anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens will take place. To
    get to the NRA site click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/nra0800.html.
    PLEAS E NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL
    16. DELEGATES HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR INFORMATION PACKETS; PLEASE MAKE
    YOUR RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 16 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATE.
    INFORMATION IS ALSO ON THE PRELACY WEB SITE.

    YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
    His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
    designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
    To read His Holiness' message in Armenian click
    http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/Pon tifical%20Messages/messages58.htm.
    To read His Holiness' message in English click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/2008Encyclical.pdf .

    BLESSING OF MURON
    The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
    Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) on June 7, 2008.
    The Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally
    blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which
    is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the
    parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which
    are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, thus
    creating an unbroken chain with the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron
    is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Prior
    to its blessing, the Muron remains for forty days on the altar of the
    Cathedral. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of
    pilgrims from various parts of the world.
    During this same period the World General Assembly of the Catholicosate
    of the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias beginning on June 3
    through to June 5.
    The Prelacy is organizing a pilgrimage to Antelias for the Muron
    blessing. For details click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/Muronorhnek08.pdf.

    INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
    An international gathering of youth is being organized by the Holy See
    of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older,
    to attend this gathering from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the
    annual pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of
    God.
    Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes
    to facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting
    with a portion of the travel expenses. For information contact your local
    parish.

    TODAY IS MAUNDY THURSDAY
    Today, Thursday, March 21, is Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Lord'
    Supper where Christ distributed unleavened bread and passed a cup of wine to
    his disciples, telling them this was His Body and Blood of the New Covenant.
    In the tradition of the Armenian Church the Order of Repentance and Last
    Supper takes place in the morning, followed by the Divine Liturgy. In the
    evening the Washing of the Feet service takes place at which time the
    officiating priest washes the feet of twelve men, as Christ had done for his
    disciples. This is followed by the Vigil (Khavaroom) dedicated to the
    betrayal, arrest, torture, passion, and trial of Christ, which continues
    into Friday

    EASTER-THE MOVEABLE FEAST
    Easter is the holiest of holidays for Christendom. Since the days of
    early church history, determining the precise date of Easter has been a
    matter for argument. The date of Easter is on the Sunday immediately
    following the Paschal Full Moon date of the year. The date of the Paschal
    Full Moon is determined from historical tables, and has no correspondence to
    lunar events. Most of Christendom, including the Armenian Church (except in
    Jerusalem), follow the Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox Churches still
    use the Julian calendar (for calculating the date of Easter). This is partly
    why the dates are rarely the same. The date for Easter for us can range from
    March 22 to April 25.
    There have been a number of attempts to unify the Easter dates. Most
    recently, in 1965, the World Council of Churches (WCC) began a discussion on
    the topic that continued for some years. In 1997 the WCC and the Middle East
    Council of Churches sponsored a meeting in Aleppo, Syria, and they came up
    with a suggestion not for a fixed date, but a fixed formula for all of
    Christendom. The churches could not agree. And while it is generally agreed
    that the Last Supper was the Passover meal, Passover and Easter do not
    always coincide, because Passover is calculated on the Hebrew calendar.

    DAILY BIBLE READINGS
    Bible readings for today, Great Thursday of Holy Week, March 20, are:
    Morning: John 12:27-43. Office of Penitents: Isaiah 60:20-22; Ezekiel
    36:24-31; Hebrews 10:19-31; Luke 7:36-50. Holy Eucharist: Genesis 22:1-18;
    Isaiah 61:1-7; Acts 1:15-26; Mark 14:1-26; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Matthew
    26:17-30. Washing of the Feet: Exodus 30:17-21; 1 Kings 7:38-40; 2
    Chronicles 4:2-6; Isaiah 44:2-6; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; 1 John 4:7-21; John
    13: 1-11; John 13:12-15.
    "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say-'Father, save me from
    this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father,
    glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and
    I will glorify it again." The crowd standing there heard it and said that it
    was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered,
    "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of
    this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am
    lifted up from the earth, will draw all people' to myself." He said this to
    indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have
    heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that
    the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to
    them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the
    light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the
    darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light,
    believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
    After Jesus had said this, departed and hid from them. Although he had
    performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This
    was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "Lord, who has
    believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
    And so they could not believe, because Isaiah had said, "He has blinded
    their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their
    eyes, and understand with their heart and turn-and I would heal them."
    Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him.
    Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of
    the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out
    of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the gory that comes
    >From God. (John 12:27-43)
    For listing of the week's Bible readings click
    http://www.armenianprelacy.org/dbr2008-3.pdf.

    TU RKISH NOVELIST ELIF SHAFAK NOMINATED
    Elif Shafak, who wrote the best-seller The Bastard of Istanbul, is one
    of the finalists for the prestigious British fiction prize, according to a
    Reuters press release, which noted "Ms. Shafak was prosecuted in Turkey over
    comments made by characters in her book about the 1915 massacre of Armenians
    by Ottoman Turks. She was acquitted by an Istanbul court in 2006." The
    winner will be announced on June 4.

    JULIA VADALA TAFT, 65; BROUGHT RELIEF SUPPLIES TO ARMENIA IN 1988
    Julia Vadala Taft, former assistant secretary of state who coordinated
    the U.S. government's response to earthquakes, floods, and other disasters
    in foreign countries died this week. She was 65 years old. She was married
    to William Howard Taft, a great-grandson of President William Howard Taft,
    the 26th president of the United States. In 1988, following the earthquake
    in northwest Armenia, Ms. Taft was one of the first to reach Armenia with
    needed supplies. She escorted a jumbo cargo plane packed with relief
    supplies, and reportedly took no luggage of her own (except a sleeping bag)
    so that every inch of the plane could be packed with supplies.

    ODE TO SPRING
    Spring arrived early this morning in our part of the world. Although it
    is a blustery day, nevertheless we celebrate the arrival of the season of
    rebirth and renewal.
    "The Christian gardener patiently picks sin from the soul's soil and
    cultivates it with care and attention to the tender new growth of faith."
    (From Vigen Guroian's Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening).

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    March 30-Second lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church,
    Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian,
    PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr.
    Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842.

    April 11-Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian. Opening
    reception, 7 to 11 pm, at the Prelacy offices, New York City. Jointly
    sponsored by the Prelacy and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian
    Relief Society. Proceeds will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The
    exhibition will also be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12
    and 13, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

    April 20-Third lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church,
    Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian,
    PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr.
    Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842.

    April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, New York City, 2
    pm. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Co-sponsored by the
    AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA, ADL-RAG and S.D. Hunchagians. With
    the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the
    Armenian Church, AMAA, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical
    Church and Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and Armenian youth
    organizations. Free bus transportation from Armenian churches in New York
    and New Jersey; Baruyr's, 40th & Queens Boulevard, and Hovnanian School, New
    Milford, New Jersey. For information: Sam: 516-352-2587; Leo: 201-746-0409;
    Ara: 973-759-7518; John: 718-631-2247.

    May 2-Presentation of the recent publication of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian's
    Archbishop Nerses Lambronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon, 7 pm, at
    St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York.

    May 5-Mothers' Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St.
    Regis, New York City. Reception at 11:30 followed by luncheon.

    May 8-10-National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
    St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.

    May 8 and 9-National Association of Ladies Guild (NALG) conference in
    conjunction with the National Representative Assembly, celebrating the 25th
    anniversary of the NALG, will take place at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
    Massachusetts.

    June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
    Cilicia will convene in Antelias, Lebanon.

    June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon.

    June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
    Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
    Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council.

    July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies' Guild of Sts.
    Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
    401-434-4467.

    August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
    Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
    shine.

    August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
    organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

    September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
    Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
    For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
    201-943-2950.

    October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
    Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
    House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
    Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
    Details to follow.
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