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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
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
MAY 22, 2008
WORLD GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS POSTPONED TO AUTUMN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced
that the World General Assembly which was scheduled to convene in Antelias,
Lebanon, has been postponed to the autumn of 2008. The exact date will be
announced at a later time.
In his announcement, the Pontiff noted that although the situation in
Lebanon has greatly improved during the past few weeks, it was decided that
it would be wise to postpone the world assembly since so many delegates were
traveling from distant dioceses.
BLESSING OF MURON
Preparations for the blessing of the Holy Muron on June 7 are continuing
at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. 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.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL LEAVE FOR LEBANON NEXT WEEK
FOR MEETING OF THE BROTHERHOOD AND BLESSING OF MURON
A meeting of the Brotherhood of the Holy See of Cilicia will take place
prior to the blessing of the Muron. The meetings are scheduled for June 5-6
at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon. Archbishop Oshagan will travel to
Lebanon next week to participate in the meeting and the blessing of Muron.
The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, has already arrived in Lebanon and will
participate in both events.
CATHOLICOS ARAM RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVE
OF PATRIARCH GREGORIOS LAHHAM
Bishop Michel Abbas, representing the Greek Catholic Patriarch, His
Beatitude Gregorios III Lahham, visited Catholicos Aram I in Antelias on May
16. Also attending the meeting was Bishop Kegham Khatcherian. Bishop Abbas
consulted with Catholicos Aram on behalf of the Patriarch, on a number of
inter-church issues. They exchanged views on forming an inter-church
committee to organize the celebrations to be held within the context of "The
Year of St. Paul," recently announced by Pope Benedict XVI. The
Catholicosate of Cilicia has received an invitation from the Vatican to
participate in this event and Catholicos Aram has accepted the invitation.
In his acceptance letter, the Catholicos outlined his vision for
transforming the celebration of one of Christianity's leading figures into
an opportunity for the renewal of faith on a pan-Christian level. During the
meeting, Bishop Michel also briefed the Pontiff about the details of
Patriarch Lahham's recent visit to the Vatican, during which he had
discussed issues related to the peace process in the Middle East and the
internal situation in Lebanon.
BISHOP NAREG CHAIRS WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES MEETING
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, chaired the second meeting of the Consultative Committee of the
World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Secretaries of Church Families from
May 13-15 in Geneva. Representatives from the Russian Orthodox, Roman
Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist and other Protestant
churches participated. In his opening remarks, Bishop Nareg emphasized the
uniqueness of the gathering as a meeting place for regional and
international ecumenical relations. He stressed the need for cooperation and
united approaches towards issues of concern for all churches.
REV. FR. MESROB LAKISSIAN PARTICIPATES IN
DARFUR RALLY AT U.S. MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator's Cathedral,
participated in a rally to end genocide in Darfur and promote lasting peace
in Sudan, this afternoon, May 22. The rally took place at the U.S. Mission
at the United Nations in New York City. The rally was scheduled at this time
because the U.S. will take over the presidency of the U.N. Security Council
on June 1, and the organizers (Africa Action) are urging the United States
to use its influence in the UN to deploy well-equipped peacekeepers to
Darfur.
Der Mesrob addressed the large gathering and expressed solidarity with
the people of Darfur "who since 2003 have experienced the greatest cruelty."
Der Hayr also told the gathering, "Having experienced the same type of
cruelty early in the 20th century, during the Armenian Genocide, Armenian
Americans join with Africa Action in calling for bold leadership by the
United States when next month the U.S. assumes presidency of the UN Security
Council.. In the words of the psalmist," Der Mesrob concluded, "let us
commit ourselves to defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the
afflicted and needy."
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.
SUMMER CAMP AT ST. SARKIS
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, will once again have a summer
camp for children from age 5 to 12. The camp will take place at the church
facilities from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 18, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Registration must be completed by June 8. The program includes arts and
crafts, music, dance, prayer, Armenian language and history, introduction to
the Bible, sports, games..and more. See calendar of events below for more
details.
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 here.
To read His Holiness' message in English click here.
"STILL ROOM AT THE INN," FOR 2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
"There's still room at the inn," says Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), about the 22nd annual St.
Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. So, if you
have not yet registered for this popular program, do it right now. Sponsored
by AREC, the program will take place at St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By popular demand, this
year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a weekend retreat
(optional) June 27-29. For details click here.
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.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, May 22, are: Proverbs 15:21-26;
Isaiah 22:20-25; 1 Peter 5:1-7; Matthew 11:2-14
Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding
walks straight ahead. Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many
advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word
in season, how good it is! For the wise the path of life leads upward, in
order to avoid Sheol below. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but
maintains the widow's boundaries. Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure. Proverbs 15:21-26.
For listing of the week's Bible readings click here.
ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR'S
DELIVERANCE FROM THE PIT
This Saturday, May 24, is the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator's
emergence from the pit (khor virab). Gregory is revered as the founder of
the Armenian Church. He is recognized and memorialized in both eastern and
western hierarchical churches. The Armenian liturgical calendar reserves
three feast days in his memory: Entrance into the Pit; emergence from the
pit; discovery of relics. In addition to these three dates, there are
several feast days to which he is connected, such as: Feasts of Sts.
Hripsimiantz and Sts. Gayaniantz; Feast of Shoghakat, Feast of Holy
Etchmiadzin, Feast of King Tiridates (Trdat).
St. Gregory was condemned to the pit in 287 AD by King Trdat and the
persecution of Christians in Armenia began. After the persecution and
martyrdom of a group of nuns who came into Armenia, led by Hripsime and
Gayane, seeking refuge from persecution in Rome, Trdat came down with
strange maladies. His sister, Khosrovidukht, had a dream that Gregory was
the only person who could heal her brother. Miraculously, Gregory was still
alive after many years in the pit (thanks to an anonymous woman who
regularly lowered food and water into the pit). Gregory was brought out of
the pit. The king was cured, was baptized, and he proclaimed Christianity to
be the official religion of Armenia.
FEAST OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Sunday, May 25, is the feast day of Holy Mother Etchmiadzin, the
cathedral built by St. Gregory after his deliverance from the pit, to the
specifications he saw in a vision, and on the place marked by the Lord with
a golden hammer. This feast day commemorates the establishment of the
Armenian Church and the eradication of paganism. It is the oldest example of
a four-altar, four-pillar, domed, cruciform church in Christian
architecture. More than 1700 years old, it is the oldest surviving Armenian
Christian site. The complex consists of several buildings, including the
main cathedral and two other churches nearby.
Come and construct the holy tabernacle of light
Because it radiates for us the light of Armenia.
(from a sharagan written by Catholicos Sahak III Dzoraporetsi (677-703)
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
This Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day-a day of remembrance for those who
died in service to the United States of America. It was originally for the
Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. After World
War I it became a holiday to honor all men and women who died in service.
Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but it was one of those
holidays that was moved to Monday to form a long weekend.
"Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling
place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.. Those who
love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they
call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will
rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show
them my salvation."
Psalm 91, known as the "Soldier's Psalm." (Note: It is Psalm 90 in the
Armenian Bible).
NEW ON OUR WEB PAGE (WWW.ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG)
Go to the web page for information about the recent National Representative
Assembly. We will be continuing to add more information and photographs in
the coming days. To view the site thus far click here.
PLG Mothers Day luncheon..Lots of Photographs. Click here.
90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY AT SARDARABAD AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIAN REPUBLIC
This year we mark the 90th anniversary of the 1918 independent republic
of Armenia. After defeating Turkish forces at Sardarabad, Bashabaran, and
Karakilise, on May 28th the Armenians proclaim an independent democratic
Armenian Republic on what was left of the Armenian homeland. Throughout
these critical days, Catholicos Kevork V remained in Etchmiadzin against the
advice and urging of authorities, maintaining that he would rather die in
Etchmiadzin. The battle of Sardarabad is recognized today as not only
stopping the Turkish advance but also preventing the complete destruction of
the Armenian nation.
At about the same time Allied forces entered Cilicia, and Catholicos
Sahag II returned to the Catholicate in Cilicia, after being forced into
exile by the Ottoman Turks one year earlier. In 1919 French forces entered
Cilicia, joined by a large number of Armenian volunteer soldiers (gamavors)
of the "Legion Armenienne." This year is also the 90th anniversary of the
victory of this volunteer Armenian Legion over a combined Turkish-German
force at the Battle of Arara, in Palestine, on September 19, 1918.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
With the milestone anniversaries this week of the Battle at Sardarabad and
the establishment of the Armenian Republic of 1918, we direct our readers to
books on these subjects. Nothing compares with the monumental work done by
Professor Richard G. Hovannisian in this area in his pioneering work in
Armenia on the Road to Independence and his four-volume, The Republic of
Armenia.
For quick reference we call your attention to the two volume, Armenian
people from Ancient to Modern Times, edited by Richard G. Hovannisian. The
second volume includes two chapters on the subject. One is titled "Armenia's
Road to Independence," the other "The Republic of Armenia."
Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times
Volume 1: The Dynastic Periods from Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century. 372
pp. $31.95, plus shipping.
Volume 2: Foreign Dominion to Statehood: The Fifteenth Century to the
Twentieth Century, 493 pp, 34.94, plus shipping.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY'S WEB SITE (WWW.ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG) OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL ([email protected]) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).
DISASTERS IN MYANMAR AND CHINA
We end this week asking for prayers for the devastating loss of life and
destruction that has affected parts of Asia-the cyclone in Myanmar (formerly
Burma) and the earthquake in central China. The Chinese government has just
in recent days begun to accept outside help; Myanmar is still very reluctant
to accept foreign assistance. There are some charities, such as Project
HOPE, that are having a modicum of success in sending aid. There is little
that can be done for the tens of thousands who died, but please remember the
tens of thousands more that will need help in the coming months and years.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia, which was scheduled to convene in Antelias, Lebanon has been
postponed and will take place in the autumn.
June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Click here for details.
June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.
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. For
more information click here.
July 7 to July 18-Summer Camp at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New
York. For children age 5 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, lunch and
snack included. Minimum donation is $150. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. &
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. Registration deadline is June 8. For
information contact the church office, 718-224-2275.
June 22-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Anniversary
Celebration, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Special program
and exhibit dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy's affiliation
with the Holy See of Cilicia. For reservations contact the church office,
718-224-2275.
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 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.
August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to 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.
September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
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.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.
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
MAY 22, 2008
WORLD GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS POSTPONED TO AUTUMN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced
that the World General Assembly which was scheduled to convene in Antelias,
Lebanon, has been postponed to the autumn of 2008. The exact date will be
announced at a later time.
In his announcement, the Pontiff noted that although the situation in
Lebanon has greatly improved during the past few weeks, it was decided that
it would be wise to postpone the world assembly since so many delegates were
traveling from distant dioceses.
BLESSING OF MURON
Preparations for the blessing of the Holy Muron on June 7 are continuing
at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. 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.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL LEAVE FOR LEBANON NEXT WEEK
FOR MEETING OF THE BROTHERHOOD AND BLESSING OF MURON
A meeting of the Brotherhood of the Holy See of Cilicia will take place
prior to the blessing of the Muron. The meetings are scheduled for June 5-6
at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon. Archbishop Oshagan will travel to
Lebanon next week to participate in the meeting and the blessing of Muron.
The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, has already arrived in Lebanon and will
participate in both events.
CATHOLICOS ARAM RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVE
OF PATRIARCH GREGORIOS LAHHAM
Bishop Michel Abbas, representing the Greek Catholic Patriarch, His
Beatitude Gregorios III Lahham, visited Catholicos Aram I in Antelias on May
16. Also attending the meeting was Bishop Kegham Khatcherian. Bishop Abbas
consulted with Catholicos Aram on behalf of the Patriarch, on a number of
inter-church issues. They exchanged views on forming an inter-church
committee to organize the celebrations to be held within the context of "The
Year of St. Paul," recently announced by Pope Benedict XVI. The
Catholicosate of Cilicia has received an invitation from the Vatican to
participate in this event and Catholicos Aram has accepted the invitation.
In his acceptance letter, the Catholicos outlined his vision for
transforming the celebration of one of Christianity's leading figures into
an opportunity for the renewal of faith on a pan-Christian level. During the
meeting, Bishop Michel also briefed the Pontiff about the details of
Patriarch Lahham's recent visit to the Vatican, during which he had
discussed issues related to the peace process in the Middle East and the
internal situation in Lebanon.
BISHOP NAREG CHAIRS WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES MEETING
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, chaired the second meeting of the Consultative Committee of the
World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Secretaries of Church Families from
May 13-15 in Geneva. Representatives from the Russian Orthodox, Roman
Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist and other Protestant
churches participated. In his opening remarks, Bishop Nareg emphasized the
uniqueness of the gathering as a meeting place for regional and
international ecumenical relations. He stressed the need for cooperation and
united approaches towards issues of concern for all churches.
REV. FR. MESROB LAKISSIAN PARTICIPATES IN
DARFUR RALLY AT U.S. MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator's Cathedral,
participated in a rally to end genocide in Darfur and promote lasting peace
in Sudan, this afternoon, May 22. The rally took place at the U.S. Mission
at the United Nations in New York City. The rally was scheduled at this time
because the U.S. will take over the presidency of the U.N. Security Council
on June 1, and the organizers (Africa Action) are urging the United States
to use its influence in the UN to deploy well-equipped peacekeepers to
Darfur.
Der Mesrob addressed the large gathering and expressed solidarity with
the people of Darfur "who since 2003 have experienced the greatest cruelty."
Der Hayr also told the gathering, "Having experienced the same type of
cruelty early in the 20th century, during the Armenian Genocide, Armenian
Americans join with Africa Action in calling for bold leadership by the
United States when next month the U.S. assumes presidency of the UN Security
Council.. In the words of the psalmist," Der Mesrob concluded, "let us
commit ourselves to defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the
afflicted and needy."
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.
SUMMER CAMP AT ST. SARKIS
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, will once again have a summer
camp for children from age 5 to 12. The camp will take place at the church
facilities from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 18, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Registration must be completed by June 8. The program includes arts and
crafts, music, dance, prayer, Armenian language and history, introduction to
the Bible, sports, games..and more. See calendar of events below for more
details.
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 here.
To read His Holiness' message in English click here.
"STILL ROOM AT THE INN," FOR 2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
"There's still room at the inn," says Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), about the 22nd annual St.
Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. So, if you
have not yet registered for this popular program, do it right now. Sponsored
by AREC, the program will take place at St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By popular demand, this
year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a weekend retreat
(optional) June 27-29. For details click here.
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.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, May 22, are: Proverbs 15:21-26;
Isaiah 22:20-25; 1 Peter 5:1-7; Matthew 11:2-14
Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding
walks straight ahead. Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many
advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word
in season, how good it is! For the wise the path of life leads upward, in
order to avoid Sheol below. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but
maintains the widow's boundaries. Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure. Proverbs 15:21-26.
For listing of the week's Bible readings click here.
ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR'S
DELIVERANCE FROM THE PIT
This Saturday, May 24, is the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator's
emergence from the pit (khor virab). Gregory is revered as the founder of
the Armenian Church. He is recognized and memorialized in both eastern and
western hierarchical churches. The Armenian liturgical calendar reserves
three feast days in his memory: Entrance into the Pit; emergence from the
pit; discovery of relics. In addition to these three dates, there are
several feast days to which he is connected, such as: Feasts of Sts.
Hripsimiantz and Sts. Gayaniantz; Feast of Shoghakat, Feast of Holy
Etchmiadzin, Feast of King Tiridates (Trdat).
St. Gregory was condemned to the pit in 287 AD by King Trdat and the
persecution of Christians in Armenia began. After the persecution and
martyrdom of a group of nuns who came into Armenia, led by Hripsime and
Gayane, seeking refuge from persecution in Rome, Trdat came down with
strange maladies. His sister, Khosrovidukht, had a dream that Gregory was
the only person who could heal her brother. Miraculously, Gregory was still
alive after many years in the pit (thanks to an anonymous woman who
regularly lowered food and water into the pit). Gregory was brought out of
the pit. The king was cured, was baptized, and he proclaimed Christianity to
be the official religion of Armenia.
FEAST OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Sunday, May 25, is the feast day of Holy Mother Etchmiadzin, the
cathedral built by St. Gregory after his deliverance from the pit, to the
specifications he saw in a vision, and on the place marked by the Lord with
a golden hammer. This feast day commemorates the establishment of the
Armenian Church and the eradication of paganism. It is the oldest example of
a four-altar, four-pillar, domed, cruciform church in Christian
architecture. More than 1700 years old, it is the oldest surviving Armenian
Christian site. The complex consists of several buildings, including the
main cathedral and two other churches nearby.
Come and construct the holy tabernacle of light
Because it radiates for us the light of Armenia.
(from a sharagan written by Catholicos Sahak III Dzoraporetsi (677-703)
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
This Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day-a day of remembrance for those who
died in service to the United States of America. It was originally for the
Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. After World
War I it became a holiday to honor all men and women who died in service.
Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but it was one of those
holidays that was moved to Monday to form a long weekend.
"Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling
place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.. Those who
love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they
call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will
rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show
them my salvation."
Psalm 91, known as the "Soldier's Psalm." (Note: It is Psalm 90 in the
Armenian Bible).
NEW ON OUR WEB PAGE (WWW.ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG)
Go to the web page for information about the recent National Representative
Assembly. We will be continuing to add more information and photographs in
the coming days. To view the site thus far click here.
PLG Mothers Day luncheon..Lots of Photographs. Click here.
90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY AT SARDARABAD AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIAN REPUBLIC
This year we mark the 90th anniversary of the 1918 independent republic
of Armenia. After defeating Turkish forces at Sardarabad, Bashabaran, and
Karakilise, on May 28th the Armenians proclaim an independent democratic
Armenian Republic on what was left of the Armenian homeland. Throughout
these critical days, Catholicos Kevork V remained in Etchmiadzin against the
advice and urging of authorities, maintaining that he would rather die in
Etchmiadzin. The battle of Sardarabad is recognized today as not only
stopping the Turkish advance but also preventing the complete destruction of
the Armenian nation.
At about the same time Allied forces entered Cilicia, and Catholicos
Sahag II returned to the Catholicate in Cilicia, after being forced into
exile by the Ottoman Turks one year earlier. In 1919 French forces entered
Cilicia, joined by a large number of Armenian volunteer soldiers (gamavors)
of the "Legion Armenienne." This year is also the 90th anniversary of the
victory of this volunteer Armenian Legion over a combined Turkish-German
force at the Battle of Arara, in Palestine, on September 19, 1918.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
With the milestone anniversaries this week of the Battle at Sardarabad and
the establishment of the Armenian Republic of 1918, we direct our readers to
books on these subjects. Nothing compares with the monumental work done by
Professor Richard G. Hovannisian in this area in his pioneering work in
Armenia on the Road to Independence and his four-volume, The Republic of
Armenia.
For quick reference we call your attention to the two volume, Armenian
people from Ancient to Modern Times, edited by Richard G. Hovannisian. The
second volume includes two chapters on the subject. One is titled "Armenia's
Road to Independence," the other "The Republic of Armenia."
Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times
Volume 1: The Dynastic Periods from Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century. 372
pp. $31.95, plus shipping.
Volume 2: Foreign Dominion to Statehood: The Fifteenth Century to the
Twentieth Century, 493 pp, 34.94, plus shipping.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY'S WEB SITE (WWW.ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG) OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL ([email protected]) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).
DISASTERS IN MYANMAR AND CHINA
We end this week asking for prayers for the devastating loss of life and
destruction that has affected parts of Asia-the cyclone in Myanmar (formerly
Burma) and the earthquake in central China. The Chinese government has just
in recent days begun to accept outside help; Myanmar is still very reluctant
to accept foreign assistance. There are some charities, such as Project
HOPE, that are having a modicum of success in sending aid. There is little
that can be done for the tens of thousands who died, but please remember the
tens of thousands more that will need help in the coming months and years.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia, which was scheduled to convene in Antelias, Lebanon has been
postponed and will take place in the autumn.
June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Click here for details.
June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.
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. For
more information click here.
July 7 to July 18-Summer Camp at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New
York. For children age 5 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, lunch and
snack included. Minimum donation is $150. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. &
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. Registration deadline is June 8. For
information contact the church office, 718-224-2275.
June 22-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Anniversary
Celebration, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Special program
and exhibit dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy's affiliation
with the Holy See of Cilicia. For reservations contact the church office,
718-224-2275.
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 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.
August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to 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.
September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
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.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.