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The Armenian Church eNewsletter
May 22, 2008
Diocese of the
Armenian Church
of America (Eastern)
630 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10016
www.armenianchurch.net
Contact Us <mailto:[email protected]& gt;
Diocesan News
ACYOA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND SPORTS WEEKEND TO BE HELD IN WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY
22 - 26
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), will preside over the 2008 ACYOA General Assembly,
which will be held in Washington, D.C., May 22-23. Members of the Diocesan
Council will also attend the Assembly.
Sports Weekend activities will follow the Assembly. More than 350
participants registered for the events, which include an array of athletic
competitions, workshops and a social and cultural program. For a complete
schedule, please visit www.acyoasportsweekend2008.com
<http://www.acyo asportsweekend2008.com/> , and check www.armenianchurch.net
<http://www.armenianchur ch.net/> next week for news and photos from the
weekend.
_____________________________
4 DAYS 4 LIFE PROGRAM BEGINS NEXT WEEK
>From Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30, College Ministry will inaugurate a
dynamic program entitled "4 Days 4 Life." As a way for college students to
extend the ACYOA Sports Weekend experience, the program combines Armenian
fellowship with the opportunity to give back to the larger community. Each
day will consist of serving meals at a homeless shelter, social excursions
in the greater Washington, D.C. area, fellowship with parishioners at St.
Mary's Armenian Church, spiritual reflections and more. To sign up, contact
College Ministry Facilitator Julie Hoplamazian at [email protected]
or 212-686-0710, x165. Click here
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/pdf/4Days4L ifeFlyer.pdf> for more
information.
_____________________________
ACYOA JUNIORS HYE M'RTSOOM KICKS OFF FRIDAY
This weekend the ACYOA of St. James Church in Watertown, Mass. will host the
annual Hye M'rtsoom for ACYOA Juniors. The event will draw young people,
ages 13-18, from around the Diocese for a weekend of fun and fellowship.
Participants will arrive Friday night and head "home" with their host
families for a good night's rest. Saturday morning will begin with a matins
service led by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, followed by an
Insights program led by Diocesan Youth Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Morris.
Friendly competition in basketball and volleyball will begin on Saturday and
conclude on Sunday with the championship games. Dances will take place on
Saturday and Sunday evening. The holiday weekend will conclude Monday
morning with a farewell breakfast before the participants head back to their
home parishes. For more information about upcoming events for ACYOA Juniors,
please contact Jennifer Morris at <mailto:[email protected]>
jenni [email protected].
St. James ACYOA Juniors receiving an award at Hye M'rtsoom in 2005.
_____________________________
FAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETS TO DISCUSS PROGRAMS
The Fund for Armenian Relief's Board of Directors discussed and approved the
organization's strategic development vision for 2008-2015 at a meeting on
May 16. Founded in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has implemented more
than 220 relief, development, social, educational and cultural projects,
valued at more than $265 million.
FAR periodically revises its mission to meet the evolving needs of the
people of Armenia and Karabakh. This latest update of the organization's
strategy is tailored to improve and strengthen FAR to effectively address
new challenges that the Armenian nation is facing today. The Board approved
the ambitious and yet realistic program to multiply FAR's resources and
engage new partners in Armenia's civil society, the private sector and
international NGOs. The goal is to develop innovative projects that will
support countrywide changes to offer better living conditions, provide hope
to the most vulnerable segments of the population and empower young
Armenians with the tools, resources and guidance to shape a bright future.
In the next decade, FAR will also concentrate its resources on developing
specific projects that will nurture powerful connections and mutual
appreciation between Armenia and the Diaspora. "The Board has expressed its
strong commitment to programs in Armenia and Karabakh," said Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern) and FAR Board president. "By partnering with FAR family members
globally, we will be ready to continue supporting our brothers and sisters
in building a democratic and prosperous Armenia."
FAR Board of Directors members discuss the organization's strategic
development vision at a meeting last Friday.
_____________________________
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY HELD AT ST. NERSESS Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and
president of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary's Board of Directors, presided
over the Divine Liturgy and the commencement program at St. Nersess Seminary
on Saturday, May 17.
Commencement participants included Megan Jendian, who recently joined the
Diocesan Department of Youth and Education, Rev. Fr. Mesrop Hovsepyan, who
serves the St. James parish in Richmond, Va., and Harry Tchetchenian.
Dr. Abraham Terian, professor of Armenian Patristics and academic dean at
St. Nersess Seminary, addresses participants at the seminary's commencement
program.
_____________________________
CHURCH AND HOME MATERIALS AVAILABLE ONLINE
A wealth of new Church and Home materials are now available on our Web site,
www.armenianchurch.net <http://www.armenianchurch.net/> . Click on the
"Church and Home" button on the homepage and you will be directed to a
listing of a variety of online tutorials and programs designed to offer
"Back to the Basics" educational tools that can be used from the comfort of
your home. Learn about Armenian Church feasts, the calendar, modern and
classical Armenian and much more!
_____________________________
ART EXHIBITION AT ST. VARTAN ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) presents Art @ the
Cathedral: Giving Form to Faith, an exhibition of work by major 20th and
21st century Armenian-American artists. The exhibition opens on June 19,
2008 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, New
York, N.Y. A concert featuring renowned Armenian-American artists Lucine
Amara, soprano; Sahan Arzruni, piano; and Ani Aznavoorian, cello; will begin
in the sanctuary at 7:30 p.m.
The exhibition is organized in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the
consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. It will highlight the
collection of the Cathedral and include works by established and emerging
artists. The exhibition will remain on view until June 24, 2008. Hours are
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 20-23, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 24. The
exhibition is free and open to the public. Tickets for the opening night
concert are $20 for adults and $15 for students. To purchase tickets, call
the Diocese at 212-293-1270. Click here
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/pdf/art.pdf > for more information.
Construction of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in the 1960s. The Cathedral
was consecrated in April 1968.
_____________________________
SUMMER EVENTS ON THE CATHEDRAL PLAZA FOR VYPs (ST. VARTAN YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS)
This summer, St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will again give young
professionals in the greater New York area an opportunity to come together
on the Cathedral's Grand Plaza. The monthly cultural and social programs
will commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Cathedral and will feature
local Armenian artists and musicians, a grand tour of the Cathedral complex
and opportunities to connect with other Armenians in a unique space. Mark
your calendars now for the following events:
Thursday, June 19 - Art @ the Cathedral: Giving Form to Faith. Art
exhibition at 5:30 p.m. and opening night concert at 7:30 p.m. (art
exhibition free of charge; concert $20)
Thursday, July 17, 6-8 p.m. - YY Sisters vocal trio and SonaArt with wine
and cheese reception
Thursday, August 14, 6-8 p.m. - Grand Tour of St. Vartan Cathedral with wine
and cheese reception
Thursday, September 18, 6-8 p.m. (tentative date) - Fall Kick-Off
Coffeehouse featuring the photography and music of Haik Kocharian
For more information, contact Rachel Goshgarian at 212.686.0710, x126 or
[email protected]; or Julie Hoplamazian at 212.686.0710 x165 or
[email protected].
__________________ ___________
SHUSHI ARMENIAN DANCE ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM AT DIOCESAN CENTER ON MAY 30
The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will
celebrate its 15th anniversary at the Diocesan Center on Friday, May 30.
This much-anticipated event, featuring music, dance, dinner and a
performance by the Shushi dancers, will mark the Ensemble's success since
its inception and honor the steadfast dedication of the group's artistic
director and choreographer, Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian. Funds raised at the
event will help Shushi travel to Armenia in July, where dancers will have
the tremendous opportunity to perform at the Opera House. For more
information, please visit <http://www.shushidance.org/> www.shushidance.org
_____________________________
PARISH NEWS
Livingston, N.J. - St. Mary Armenian Church
Upcoming Events
St. Mary Church will hold a Golf and Tennis Outing at the Rock Spring Club
in West Orange, N.J. on June 2. Click here
<http://www.myarmenianchurch.org/golf.asp& gt; for more information. The
church's Food and Music Festival, featuring live Armenian dance music, is
scheduled for June 7 and 8. Visit www.myarmenianchurch.org
<http://www.myarmenian church.org/> to learn more.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE MOTHER CATHEDRAL OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
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). 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. For more information, click here
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/pdf/muron.p df> or contact Arto Vorperian at
the Diocesan Center at 212-686-0710, x213 or e-mail [email protected]. To view
a video about the Holy Muron, click
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/media/muro n.wmv> here.
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.
_______________________________
Prayer for the Week
It seems like you're not with me, Lord. My soul is full of trouble. Like I'm
in the darkest pit, overwhelmed in the waves of a rocky sea. Living with
indescribable loss. Even my best friend has turned away and I feel repulsive
to everyone, attacked by all. Darkness seems to be my closest friend. Give
me a sign of your goodness, for I know, Lord, that you can help and comfort
me.
More prayers
<http://www.stvartanbookstore.com/index .asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5246&
HS=1 > <http://www.armenianchurch.net/prayer>
Scripture for the Week
Prv 9:1-6
Zec 3:7-4:9
Heb 9:1-10
Jn 10:22-30
Saints & Feasts
5/24: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Deliverance from the pit)
5/25: Feast of the Catholic Church of Holy Etchmiadzin
May God bless and keep you and your family.
May 22, 2008
Diocese of the
Armenian Church
of America (Eastern)
630 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10016
www.armenianchurch.net
Contact Us <mailto:[email protected]& gt;
Diocesan News
ACYOA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND SPORTS WEEKEND TO BE HELD IN WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY
22 - 26
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), will preside over the 2008 ACYOA General Assembly,
which will be held in Washington, D.C., May 22-23. Members of the Diocesan
Council will also attend the Assembly.
Sports Weekend activities will follow the Assembly. More than 350
participants registered for the events, which include an array of athletic
competitions, workshops and a social and cultural program. For a complete
schedule, please visit www.acyoasportsweekend2008.com
<http://www.acyo asportsweekend2008.com/> , and check www.armenianchurch.net
<http://www.armenianchur ch.net/> next week for news and photos from the
weekend.
_____________________________
4 DAYS 4 LIFE PROGRAM BEGINS NEXT WEEK
>From Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30, College Ministry will inaugurate a
dynamic program entitled "4 Days 4 Life." As a way for college students to
extend the ACYOA Sports Weekend experience, the program combines Armenian
fellowship with the opportunity to give back to the larger community. Each
day will consist of serving meals at a homeless shelter, social excursions
in the greater Washington, D.C. area, fellowship with parishioners at St.
Mary's Armenian Church, spiritual reflections and more. To sign up, contact
College Ministry Facilitator Julie Hoplamazian at [email protected]
or 212-686-0710, x165. Click here
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/pdf/4Days4L ifeFlyer.pdf> for more
information.
_____________________________
ACYOA JUNIORS HYE M'RTSOOM KICKS OFF FRIDAY
This weekend the ACYOA of St. James Church in Watertown, Mass. will host the
annual Hye M'rtsoom for ACYOA Juniors. The event will draw young people,
ages 13-18, from around the Diocese for a weekend of fun and fellowship.
Participants will arrive Friday night and head "home" with their host
families for a good night's rest. Saturday morning will begin with a matins
service led by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, followed by an
Insights program led by Diocesan Youth Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Morris.
Friendly competition in basketball and volleyball will begin on Saturday and
conclude on Sunday with the championship games. Dances will take place on
Saturday and Sunday evening. The holiday weekend will conclude Monday
morning with a farewell breakfast before the participants head back to their
home parishes. For more information about upcoming events for ACYOA Juniors,
please contact Jennifer Morris at <mailto:[email protected]>
jenni [email protected].
St. James ACYOA Juniors receiving an award at Hye M'rtsoom in 2005.
_____________________________
FAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETS TO DISCUSS PROGRAMS
The Fund for Armenian Relief's Board of Directors discussed and approved the
organization's strategic development vision for 2008-2015 at a meeting on
May 16. Founded in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has implemented more
than 220 relief, development, social, educational and cultural projects,
valued at more than $265 million.
FAR periodically revises its mission to meet the evolving needs of the
people of Armenia and Karabakh. This latest update of the organization's
strategy is tailored to improve and strengthen FAR to effectively address
new challenges that the Armenian nation is facing today. The Board approved
the ambitious and yet realistic program to multiply FAR's resources and
engage new partners in Armenia's civil society, the private sector and
international NGOs. The goal is to develop innovative projects that will
support countrywide changes to offer better living conditions, provide hope
to the most vulnerable segments of the population and empower young
Armenians with the tools, resources and guidance to shape a bright future.
In the next decade, FAR will also concentrate its resources on developing
specific projects that will nurture powerful connections and mutual
appreciation between Armenia and the Diaspora. "The Board has expressed its
strong commitment to programs in Armenia and Karabakh," said Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern) and FAR Board president. "By partnering with FAR family members
globally, we will be ready to continue supporting our brothers and sisters
in building a democratic and prosperous Armenia."
FAR Board of Directors members discuss the organization's strategic
development vision at a meeting last Friday.
_____________________________
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY HELD AT ST. NERSESS Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and
president of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary's Board of Directors, presided
over the Divine Liturgy and the commencement program at St. Nersess Seminary
on Saturday, May 17.
Commencement participants included Megan Jendian, who recently joined the
Diocesan Department of Youth and Education, Rev. Fr. Mesrop Hovsepyan, who
serves the St. James parish in Richmond, Va., and Harry Tchetchenian.
Dr. Abraham Terian, professor of Armenian Patristics and academic dean at
St. Nersess Seminary, addresses participants at the seminary's commencement
program.
_____________________________
CHURCH AND HOME MATERIALS AVAILABLE ONLINE
A wealth of new Church and Home materials are now available on our Web site,
www.armenianchurch.net <http://www.armenianchurch.net/> . Click on the
"Church and Home" button on the homepage and you will be directed to a
listing of a variety of online tutorials and programs designed to offer
"Back to the Basics" educational tools that can be used from the comfort of
your home. Learn about Armenian Church feasts, the calendar, modern and
classical Armenian and much more!
_____________________________
ART EXHIBITION AT ST. VARTAN ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) presents Art @ the
Cathedral: Giving Form to Faith, an exhibition of work by major 20th and
21st century Armenian-American artists. The exhibition opens on June 19,
2008 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, New
York, N.Y. A concert featuring renowned Armenian-American artists Lucine
Amara, soprano; Sahan Arzruni, piano; and Ani Aznavoorian, cello; will begin
in the sanctuary at 7:30 p.m.
The exhibition is organized in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the
consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. It will highlight the
collection of the Cathedral and include works by established and emerging
artists. The exhibition will remain on view until June 24, 2008. Hours are
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 20-23, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 24. The
exhibition is free and open to the public. Tickets for the opening night
concert are $20 for adults and $15 for students. To purchase tickets, call
the Diocese at 212-293-1270. Click here
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/pdf/art.pdf > for more information.
Construction of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in the 1960s. The Cathedral
was consecrated in April 1968.
_____________________________
SUMMER EVENTS ON THE CATHEDRAL PLAZA FOR VYPs (ST. VARTAN YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS)
This summer, St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will again give young
professionals in the greater New York area an opportunity to come together
on the Cathedral's Grand Plaza. The monthly cultural and social programs
will commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Cathedral and will feature
local Armenian artists and musicians, a grand tour of the Cathedral complex
and opportunities to connect with other Armenians in a unique space. Mark
your calendars now for the following events:
Thursday, June 19 - Art @ the Cathedral: Giving Form to Faith. Art
exhibition at 5:30 p.m. and opening night concert at 7:30 p.m. (art
exhibition free of charge; concert $20)
Thursday, July 17, 6-8 p.m. - YY Sisters vocal trio and SonaArt with wine
and cheese reception
Thursday, August 14, 6-8 p.m. - Grand Tour of St. Vartan Cathedral with wine
and cheese reception
Thursday, September 18, 6-8 p.m. (tentative date) - Fall Kick-Off
Coffeehouse featuring the photography and music of Haik Kocharian
For more information, contact Rachel Goshgarian at 212.686.0710, x126 or
[email protected]; or Julie Hoplamazian at 212.686.0710 x165 or
[email protected].
__________________ ___________
SHUSHI ARMENIAN DANCE ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM AT DIOCESAN CENTER ON MAY 30
The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will
celebrate its 15th anniversary at the Diocesan Center on Friday, May 30.
This much-anticipated event, featuring music, dance, dinner and a
performance by the Shushi dancers, will mark the Ensemble's success since
its inception and honor the steadfast dedication of the group's artistic
director and choreographer, Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian. Funds raised at the
event will help Shushi travel to Armenia in July, where dancers will have
the tremendous opportunity to perform at the Opera House. For more
information, please visit <http://www.shushidance.org/> www.shushidance.org
_____________________________
PARISH NEWS
Livingston, N.J. - St. Mary Armenian Church
Upcoming Events
St. Mary Church will hold a Golf and Tennis Outing at the Rock Spring Club
in West Orange, N.J. on June 2. Click here
<http://www.myarmenianchurch.org/golf.asp& gt; for more information. The
church's Food and Music Festival, featuring live Armenian dance music, is
scheduled for June 7 and 8. Visit www.myarmenianchurch.org
<http://www.myarmenian church.org/> to learn more.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE MOTHER CATHEDRAL OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
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). 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. For more information, click here
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/pdf/muron.p df> or contact Arto Vorperian at
the Diocesan Center at 212-686-0710, x213 or e-mail [email protected]. To view
a video about the Holy Muron, click
<http://www.armenianchurch.net/media/muro n.wmv> here.
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.
_______________________________
Prayer for the Week
It seems like you're not with me, Lord. My soul is full of trouble. Like I'm
in the darkest pit, overwhelmed in the waves of a rocky sea. Living with
indescribable loss. Even my best friend has turned away and I feel repulsive
to everyone, attacked by all. Darkness seems to be my closest friend. Give
me a sign of your goodness, for I know, Lord, that you can help and comfort
me.
More prayers
<http://www.stvartanbookstore.com/index .asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5246&
HS=1 > <http://www.armenianchurch.net/prayer>
Scripture for the Week
Prv 9:1-6
Zec 3:7-4:9
Heb 9:1-10
Jn 10:22-30
Saints & Feasts
5/24: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Deliverance from the pit)
5/25: Feast of the Catholic Church of Holy Etchmiadzin
May God bless and keep you and your family.