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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: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
September 11, 2008
WE PAUSE TO REMEMBER..
Today, Thursday, September 11, is the seventh anniversary of the
terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. We pause to
remember the thousands who perished and their families who continue to mourn
the loss of their loved ones. We give thanks for the thousands who survived,
exiting the World Trade Center before the collapse of the towers that
defined the New York skyline. And let us also remember and pray for the many
workers at Ground Zero who today are seriously ill as a result of their
recovery efforts.
VICAR PARTICIPATES IN SEPTEMBER 11 COMMEMORATION
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will participate in the
World Trade Center Floating Lanterns Ceremony this evening on the shores of
the Hudson River. The annual commemoration is sponsored by the Interfaith
Center of New York, New York Disaster Interfaith Services, and the New York
Buddhist Temple.
CATHOLICOS ARAM AND EASTERN PRELACY EXPRESS CONDOLENCES
TO ARMENIAN DIOCESES IN IRAN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, sent a
letter of condolence to Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese
of Tehran following the tragic death of 16 Iranian Armenian pilgrims
in a bus accident in eastern Turkey near the Iranian border. Many others
were injured. The crash took place near the town of Dogubayazit in the
province of Agri. The Armenian tourists had completed a week visiting
historical Armenian sites in eastern Turkey. According to reports, the bus
driver lost control of the bus, crashing off the road. Bishop Nishan
Topouzian, the Prelate of the Iranian Azerbaijan diocese, went to the crash
site with Iranian regional government officials to assist
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, sent condolences to Bishop Nishan on behalf of
the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan who is enroute to New York from Lebanon.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
The Prelacy's Religious and Executive Councils will convene their
monthly meetings tomorrow and Saturday, September 12 and 13, at the Prelacy
offices in New York.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL VISIT TROY, NEW YORK
On Sunday, September 14, Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy at Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York. He will be assisted by the
pastor, Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian. The Prelate will also preside over the
parish's 50th anniversary celebration and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy's affiliation with the Holy See of Cilicia, at a dinner following
the church services. Jack Mardoian, Esq., chairman of the Prelacy's
Executive Council will accompany the Prelate. See calendar of events for
more details.
VICAR GENERAL WILL TRAVEL TO CLEVELAND
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Cross Church, Cleveland, Ohio, this Sunday, September 14.
LINKED IN: A WEEKEND WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS
Are you looking for a way to connect with friends and with your church?
Would you like to learn more about your Armenian spiritual heritage?
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, a workshop for students and professionals (ages 18
to 35) will take place September 26 to 28, at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox
Retreat Center in Charlton, Massachusetts. Along with lectures and
workshops, Linked In will feature small group discussions, Bible study, and
an intimate Sunday-morning Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Prelacy's newest
clergyman, Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian.
For more details click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/linkedin.htm.
Direct your questions via email to [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: The registration form is now on the web page. Don't delay. Send
in your form right away as space is limited. Click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/LinkediNRegForm.pd f.
ANNIVERSARY BANQUET SET FOR OCTOBER 25
The dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of
the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the 50th
anniversary of the Prelacy's affiliation with the Great House of Cilicia
will be marked with a gala banquet on Saturday, October 25, at the Marriott
at Glenpointe in Teaneck New Jersey. An exhibit about the history of the
Prelacy and a DVD film, "A Journey of Faith" will be on display during the
cocktail hour.
CATHOLICOS ARAM MEETS WITH SYRIAN PRESIDENT;
MEETS WITH PATRIARCHS HAZIM AND ZAKKA
His Holiness Aram I met with the President of Syria, Basher Al-Assad, in
the Presidential Palace in Damascus this week. The Pontiff and the President
met for more than an hour discussing issues related to the Armenian
community of Syria, the bilateral relations between Syria and Lebanon, the
Middle East peace process, and interfaith dialogue.
The Syrian president praised the Catholicos' role in the ecumenical and
interfaith spheres. President Al-Assad promised to visit the St. Karasnits
Mangants Church in Aleppo in the presence of His Holiness. Also attending
the meeting were: Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of
Aleppo; Mr. Tsolag Tutelian, member of the Central Committee; Sounboul
Sounboulian, Armenian deputy in the Syrian Parliament; Daron Avedissian,
chairman of the Lay Council of the Diocese of Aleppo; Mesrob Shirinian, the
Catholicosate of Cilicia's representative in Damascus; and Father Mesrob
Sarkissian, staff bearer.
During his visit to Damascus, Catholicos Aram met with the spiritual
heads of the Greek Orthodox Church, Patriarch Hazim IV, and the Syrian
Orthodox Church, Patriarch Zakka I.
OUTREACH ONLINE
The September 2008 issue of Outreach (Volume 30, Number 1) is at the
printers and will be mailed next week. For a sneak preview click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/OutreachSept2008.p df.
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City is
continuing. Archbishop Oshagan is a frequent on-site visitor to monitor the
progress. The Prelate reports that right now there is dust everywhere, but
he can already see that when it is completed it is going to be beautiful!
Until the interior renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy is being
offered every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Street, Woodside, New York.
WLIW TO BROADCAST ARMENIAN FILMS
Next Wednesday, September 17, at 8 pm, PBS station WLIW (Channel 21 in
New York metro area) will re-broadcast two films: "The Armenian Genocide"
followed by "The Armenian Americans." The director of the films, Andrew
Goldberg will be in the studio. The New York Times described "The Armenian
Genocide" film as "powerful" and a fitting honor for "the victims of the
Armenian genocide and also pays tribute to dissidents in Turkey who are
brave enough to speak out despite government censorship."
DATEVIK HOVANESIAN AT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
This Tuesday, September 15, Jazz at Lincoln Center presents the Datevik
Hovanesian Quintet. For information 212-259-5858.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, September 11, are: 2 Corinthians
9:19-10:6; Mark 9:13-26.
I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-I
who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am
away!-I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to
oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed,
we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human
standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they
have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every
proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every
thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience
when your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, September 14, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the five
Tabernacle (Daghavar) Feasts commemorated by the Armenian Church.
This holiday is a general celebration of the Cross and is commemorated
by all of Christendom. Most churches celebrate it on September 14; the
Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday closest to the 14th. This year
it happens that Sunday is the 14th of September.
The Cross, once a means of death for criminals, gradually became the
dominant symbol of the Christian world and an object of reverence and
worship. There are four feasts of the Holy Cross in the Armenian liturgical
calendar, with the Exaltation being the most important. The other three are
Apparation of the Cross; Holy Cross of Varak; and Discovery of the Cross.
The ceremony begins with the decoration of the Cross with sweet basil
(rehan), symbolizing the "living cross." After the Bible readings, the
officiating priest lefts the Cross and makes the sign of the cross with it,
and blesses the four corners of the world (Andastan) and asks the Almighty
to grant peace and prosperity to the people of the world.
The Khachverats ceremony was prepared by Catholicos Sahag Dzoraporetsi
(677-703). He is also the composer of the hymn sung on this occasion. As
with other Tabernacle Feasts, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is preceded
by a period of Fasting (Monday to Friday), and followed by a Memorial Day
(Monday).
There are many Armenian churches named Holy Cross (Sourp Khatch). Within
the Eastern Prelacy, we have four: Washington, DC; Ocala, Florida; Troy, New
York; Cleveland, Ohio. Perhaps the most famous is the Church of the Holy
Cross on the island of Akhtamar on Lake Van, built in the tenth century.
Names commemorated this Sunday include: Khatchadour, Khatchig,
Khatcheres, Rehan, Khatchkhatoun, Khachouhi, Khachperouhi, Khosrov,
Khosrovanoush, Khosrovitoukhd.
MEDITATION ON THE CROSS
What is the meaning of the Cross? Is it a symbol or the reality of how
much God loves us? If we ask the question whether God loves us or not, all
we have to do is look at Christ on the Cross. Can there be a greater
expression of God's unconditional love for all of us than the fact that
Christ gave His life on the reality of the Cross for our redemption. If we
have to think about that at any length then perhaps it is a time to examine
our Christianity.
As you worship this week take a moment to look at the icon of the
crucifixion of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Contemplate and think about
the fact that the very Cross that He died upon for us became the reality of
the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and of goodness over
evil. This is the essence of what we believe as Orthodox Christians.
St. Paul wrote to the Romans, "If God is for us who can be against us?"
The Cross is the reality that God is our greatest advocate. If we truly
believe God is with us, then we can be assured that whatever life may bring,
God will be there to help and guide us. Remember the sacrifice Christ made
for us. If we seek the definition of love, let us look at Christ upon the
Cross and ask: Am I worth dying for?
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, Pastor
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.
September 14-50th anniversary of Holy Cross Armenian Church, Troy, New York,
and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy. Badarak will be celebrated by
Archbishop Oshagan, assisted by Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian. Dinner will
follow at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 126 Campbell Avenue, Troy. $50 per
person; $20 for children 12 and under. For information: 518-283-3515.
September 19-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island,
present "Remembering the Good Old Days. 8 pm, Aramian Auditorium. For
tickets and information 401-434-4467.
September 20-Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference with Executive Council,
Pastors, Boards of Trustees and Delegates to the National Representative
Assembly, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Hosted by St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Pa.
September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet.
September 21-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, a wonderful,
old-fashioned picnic on the church grounds. Good food, music and supervised
activities for children.
September 22-13th annual St. Stephen's School/ACEC Golf Tournament,
Framingham Country Club, Framingham, MA. For information, Astor Guzelian,
781-326-5764.
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 5-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Requiem Service for
benefactor Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian.
October 5-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lecture by His Grace
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
October 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lecture by Rev. Fr.
Nareg Terterian.
October 12-St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, New York, Annual
Book Fair, dedicated to the Holy Translators in celebrating of the Cultural
Month. Immediately after the Badarak at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue, Woodside, New York. For information, 212-689-5880.
October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.
October 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lecture by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian.
October 19-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, first Connecticut
performance of "Hello Ellis Island," at Silas Deane Middle School, 551 Silas
Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut. Program starts at 3 pm; reception
follows. Advance reservation desired. Adults $25; Students $10; Children
under 12 $5. Tickets at door $30. For information: 860-229-8322.
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.
October 31, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 1-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Harvest Dinner Dance.
For information: 718-352-3848.
November 2-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, 83rd
anniversary banquet at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington,
Connecticut. Reception 1 pm, dinner at 2 pm. For information: 860-229-8322.
November 7 & 8-Annual bazaar, St. Stephen's Armenian Church, 10 am to 9 pm,
at the ACED, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Massachusetts. Dinners and gourmet
delicacies, arts and crafts, games and activities for children. For
information, 617-924-7562.
November 8-Mid-West Regional Conference with Executive Council, Pastors,
Boards of Trustees, and Delegates to the National Representative Assembly,
9:30 to 4:30 pm, hosted by All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois.
November 8 & 9-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, largest
Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday 12 noon to 10 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 8
pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and
kufta dinners. Live Armenian music. For information: 401-434-4467.
November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.
November 15-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Bazaar and Food
Festival by Ladies Guild.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.
November 23-William Saroyan Centennial Celebration, co-sponsored by the
Anthropology/Armenian Museum at Queens College and the AGBU, 3 pm at Lefrak
Concert Hall, Queens College, Flushing, New York. Archbishop Oshagan will
participate. The program includes readings and a play by Saroyan. Also
special performance by the Aaron Copeland School of Music students of the
music of composer Arno Babadjanian. For information: 718-428-5650.
February 7-50th anniversary celebration of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Dinner Dance at Rockleigh Country Club.
March 8-Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City,
sponsored by Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild.
March 28-ARS Centennial Gala Banquet, Yale Club, New York City.
MAY 7-9-National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted by All
Saints Armenian Apostolic Church, Glenview, Illinois. Clergy Conference
begins May 6.
JUNE 29 - JULY 5-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute, St. Mary of
Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
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: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
September 11, 2008
WE PAUSE TO REMEMBER..
Today, Thursday, September 11, is the seventh anniversary of the
terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. We pause to
remember the thousands who perished and their families who continue to mourn
the loss of their loved ones. We give thanks for the thousands who survived,
exiting the World Trade Center before the collapse of the towers that
defined the New York skyline. And let us also remember and pray for the many
workers at Ground Zero who today are seriously ill as a result of their
recovery efforts.
VICAR PARTICIPATES IN SEPTEMBER 11 COMMEMORATION
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will participate in the
World Trade Center Floating Lanterns Ceremony this evening on the shores of
the Hudson River. The annual commemoration is sponsored by the Interfaith
Center of New York, New York Disaster Interfaith Services, and the New York
Buddhist Temple.
CATHOLICOS ARAM AND EASTERN PRELACY EXPRESS CONDOLENCES
TO ARMENIAN DIOCESES IN IRAN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, sent a
letter of condolence to Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese
of Tehran following the tragic death of 16 Iranian Armenian pilgrims
in a bus accident in eastern Turkey near the Iranian border. Many others
were injured. The crash took place near the town of Dogubayazit in the
province of Agri. The Armenian tourists had completed a week visiting
historical Armenian sites in eastern Turkey. According to reports, the bus
driver lost control of the bus, crashing off the road. Bishop Nishan
Topouzian, the Prelate of the Iranian Azerbaijan diocese, went to the crash
site with Iranian regional government officials to assist
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, sent condolences to Bishop Nishan on behalf of
the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan who is enroute to New York from Lebanon.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
The Prelacy's Religious and Executive Councils will convene their
monthly meetings tomorrow and Saturday, September 12 and 13, at the Prelacy
offices in New York.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL VISIT TROY, NEW YORK
On Sunday, September 14, Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy at Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York. He will be assisted by the
pastor, Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian. The Prelate will also preside over the
parish's 50th anniversary celebration and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy's affiliation with the Holy See of Cilicia, at a dinner following
the church services. Jack Mardoian, Esq., chairman of the Prelacy's
Executive Council will accompany the Prelate. See calendar of events for
more details.
VICAR GENERAL WILL TRAVEL TO CLEVELAND
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Cross Church, Cleveland, Ohio, this Sunday, September 14.
LINKED IN: A WEEKEND WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS
Are you looking for a way to connect with friends and with your church?
Would you like to learn more about your Armenian spiritual heritage?
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, a workshop for students and professionals (ages 18
to 35) will take place September 26 to 28, at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox
Retreat Center in Charlton, Massachusetts. Along with lectures and
workshops, Linked In will feature small group discussions, Bible study, and
an intimate Sunday-morning Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Prelacy's newest
clergyman, Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian.
For more details click http://www.armenianprelacy.org/linkedin.htm.
Direct your questions via email to [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: The registration form is now on the web page. Don't delay. Send
in your form right away as space is limited. Click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/LinkediNRegForm.pd f.
ANNIVERSARY BANQUET SET FOR OCTOBER 25
The dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of
the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the 50th
anniversary of the Prelacy's affiliation with the Great House of Cilicia
will be marked with a gala banquet on Saturday, October 25, at the Marriott
at Glenpointe in Teaneck New Jersey. An exhibit about the history of the
Prelacy and a DVD film, "A Journey of Faith" will be on display during the
cocktail hour.
CATHOLICOS ARAM MEETS WITH SYRIAN PRESIDENT;
MEETS WITH PATRIARCHS HAZIM AND ZAKKA
His Holiness Aram I met with the President of Syria, Basher Al-Assad, in
the Presidential Palace in Damascus this week. The Pontiff and the President
met for more than an hour discussing issues related to the Armenian
community of Syria, the bilateral relations between Syria and Lebanon, the
Middle East peace process, and interfaith dialogue.
The Syrian president praised the Catholicos' role in the ecumenical and
interfaith spheres. President Al-Assad promised to visit the St. Karasnits
Mangants Church in Aleppo in the presence of His Holiness. Also attending
the meeting were: Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of
Aleppo; Mr. Tsolag Tutelian, member of the Central Committee; Sounboul
Sounboulian, Armenian deputy in the Syrian Parliament; Daron Avedissian,
chairman of the Lay Council of the Diocese of Aleppo; Mesrob Shirinian, the
Catholicosate of Cilicia's representative in Damascus; and Father Mesrob
Sarkissian, staff bearer.
During his visit to Damascus, Catholicos Aram met with the spiritual
heads of the Greek Orthodox Church, Patriarch Hazim IV, and the Syrian
Orthodox Church, Patriarch Zakka I.
OUTREACH ONLINE
The September 2008 issue of Outreach (Volume 30, Number 1) is at the
printers and will be mailed next week. For a sneak preview click
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/OutreachSept2008.p df.
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City is
continuing. Archbishop Oshagan is a frequent on-site visitor to monitor the
progress. The Prelate reports that right now there is dust everywhere, but
he can already see that when it is completed it is going to be beautiful!
Until the interior renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy is being
offered every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Street, Woodside, New York.
WLIW TO BROADCAST ARMENIAN FILMS
Next Wednesday, September 17, at 8 pm, PBS station WLIW (Channel 21 in
New York metro area) will re-broadcast two films: "The Armenian Genocide"
followed by "The Armenian Americans." The director of the films, Andrew
Goldberg will be in the studio. The New York Times described "The Armenian
Genocide" film as "powerful" and a fitting honor for "the victims of the
Armenian genocide and also pays tribute to dissidents in Turkey who are
brave enough to speak out despite government censorship."
DATEVIK HOVANESIAN AT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
This Tuesday, September 15, Jazz at Lincoln Center presents the Datevik
Hovanesian Quintet. For information 212-259-5858.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, September 11, are: 2 Corinthians
9:19-10:6; Mark 9:13-26.
I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-I
who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am
away!-I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to
oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed,
we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human
standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they
have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every
proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every
thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience
when your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, September 14, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the five
Tabernacle (Daghavar) Feasts commemorated by the Armenian Church.
This holiday is a general celebration of the Cross and is commemorated
by all of Christendom. Most churches celebrate it on September 14; the
Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday closest to the 14th. This year
it happens that Sunday is the 14th of September.
The Cross, once a means of death for criminals, gradually became the
dominant symbol of the Christian world and an object of reverence and
worship. There are four feasts of the Holy Cross in the Armenian liturgical
calendar, with the Exaltation being the most important. The other three are
Apparation of the Cross; Holy Cross of Varak; and Discovery of the Cross.
The ceremony begins with the decoration of the Cross with sweet basil
(rehan), symbolizing the "living cross." After the Bible readings, the
officiating priest lefts the Cross and makes the sign of the cross with it,
and blesses the four corners of the world (Andastan) and asks the Almighty
to grant peace and prosperity to the people of the world.
The Khachverats ceremony was prepared by Catholicos Sahag Dzoraporetsi
(677-703). He is also the composer of the hymn sung on this occasion. As
with other Tabernacle Feasts, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is preceded
by a period of Fasting (Monday to Friday), and followed by a Memorial Day
(Monday).
There are many Armenian churches named Holy Cross (Sourp Khatch). Within
the Eastern Prelacy, we have four: Washington, DC; Ocala, Florida; Troy, New
York; Cleveland, Ohio. Perhaps the most famous is the Church of the Holy
Cross on the island of Akhtamar on Lake Van, built in the tenth century.
Names commemorated this Sunday include: Khatchadour, Khatchig,
Khatcheres, Rehan, Khatchkhatoun, Khachouhi, Khachperouhi, Khosrov,
Khosrovanoush, Khosrovitoukhd.
MEDITATION ON THE CROSS
What is the meaning of the Cross? Is it a symbol or the reality of how
much God loves us? If we ask the question whether God loves us or not, all
we have to do is look at Christ on the Cross. Can there be a greater
expression of God's unconditional love for all of us than the fact that
Christ gave His life on the reality of the Cross for our redemption. If we
have to think about that at any length then perhaps it is a time to examine
our Christianity.
As you worship this week take a moment to look at the icon of the
crucifixion of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Contemplate and think about
the fact that the very Cross that He died upon for us became the reality of
the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and of goodness over
evil. This is the essence of what we believe as Orthodox Christians.
St. Paul wrote to the Romans, "If God is for us who can be against us?"
The Cross is the reality that God is our greatest advocate. If we truly
believe God is with us, then we can be assured that whatever life may bring,
God will be there to help and guide us. Remember the sacrifice Christ made
for us. If we seek the definition of love, let us look at Christ upon the
Cross and ask: Am I worth dying for?
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, Pastor
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.
September 14-50th anniversary of Holy Cross Armenian Church, Troy, New York,
and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy. Badarak will be celebrated by
Archbishop Oshagan, assisted by Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian. Dinner will
follow at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 126 Campbell Avenue, Troy. $50 per
person; $20 for children 12 and under. For information: 518-283-3515.
September 19-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island,
present "Remembering the Good Old Days. 8 pm, Aramian Auditorium. For
tickets and information 401-434-4467.
September 20-Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference with Executive Council,
Pastors, Boards of Trustees and Delegates to the National Representative
Assembly, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Hosted by St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Pa.
September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet.
September 21-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, a wonderful,
old-fashioned picnic on the church grounds. Good food, music and supervised
activities for children.
September 22-13th annual St. Stephen's School/ACEC Golf Tournament,
Framingham Country Club, Framingham, MA. For information, Astor Guzelian,
781-326-5764.
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 5-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Requiem Service for
benefactor Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian.
October 5-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lecture by His Grace
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
October 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lecture by Rev. Fr.
Nareg Terterian.
October 12-St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, New York, Annual
Book Fair, dedicated to the Holy Translators in celebrating of the Cultural
Month. Immediately after the Badarak at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue, Woodside, New York. For information, 212-689-5880.
October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.
October 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lecture by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian.
October 19-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, first Connecticut
performance of "Hello Ellis Island," at Silas Deane Middle School, 551 Silas
Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut. Program starts at 3 pm; reception
follows. Advance reservation desired. Adults $25; Students $10; Children
under 12 $5. Tickets at door $30. For information: 860-229-8322.
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.
October 31, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 1-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Harvest Dinner Dance.
For information: 718-352-3848.
November 2-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, 83rd
anniversary banquet at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington,
Connecticut. Reception 1 pm, dinner at 2 pm. For information: 860-229-8322.
November 7 & 8-Annual bazaar, St. Stephen's Armenian Church, 10 am to 9 pm,
at the ACED, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Massachusetts. Dinners and gourmet
delicacies, arts and crafts, games and activities for children. For
information, 617-924-7562.
November 8-Mid-West Regional Conference with Executive Council, Pastors,
Boards of Trustees, and Delegates to the National Representative Assembly,
9:30 to 4:30 pm, hosted by All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois.
November 8 & 9-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, largest
Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday 12 noon to 10 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 8
pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and
kufta dinners. Live Armenian music. For information: 401-434-4467.
November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.
November 15-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Bazaar and Food
Festival by Ladies Guild.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.
November 23-William Saroyan Centennial Celebration, co-sponsored by the
Anthropology/Armenian Museum at Queens College and the AGBU, 3 pm at Lefrak
Concert Hall, Queens College, Flushing, New York. Archbishop Oshagan will
participate. The program includes readings and a play by Saroyan. Also
special performance by the Aaron Copeland School of Music students of the
music of composer Arno Babadjanian. For information: 718-428-5650.
February 7-50th anniversary celebration of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Dinner Dance at Rockleigh Country Club.
March 8-Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City,
sponsored by Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild.
March 28-ARS Centennial Gala Banquet, Yale Club, New York City.
MAY 7-9-National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted by All
Saints Armenian Apostolic Church, Glenview, Illinois. Clergy Conference
begins May 6.
JUNE 29 - JULY 5-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute, St. Mary of
Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.