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Crossroads E-Newsletter - August 20, 2009

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  • Crossroads E-Newsletter - August 20, 2009

    August 20, 2009


    NORTH AMERICAN PRELATES MEET IN MONTREAL

    The three North American Prelates, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
    (Eastern U.S.); Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian (Western U.S.); and
    Archbishop Khajag Hagopian (Canada), have been meeting in Montreal
    yesterday and today to discuss general issues that are of concern to
    the three prelacies, including religious, administrative, economic,
    and organizational issues, as well as preparing reports on issues that
    will be presented in November during a meeting of the three North
    American prelacies with the Central Religious and Lay Councils in
    Antelias, Lebanon. Photo: Archbishops Oshagan, Khajag, and Moushegh
    during their meeting yesterday.


    BISHOPS IN MONTREAL
    As noted above, the three North American Prelates are in
    Montreal. Coincidentally four other bishops were in Montreal creating
    this great photo opportunity. Photo left to right: Bishop Anoushavan
    Tanielian, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
    Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Archbishop
    Moushegh Mardirossian, and Bishop Papken Tcharian.


    BIBLE TRANSLATION CONTINUES

    While in Montreal the Bible translation team (Archbishop Oshagan,
    Archbishop Khajag, and Bishop Anoushavan) continued its Bible
    translation project.
    SEMINAR CONCLUDES IN BIKFAYA

    The third ecumenical formation seminar successfully concluded last
    week at Sourp Asdvadzadzin Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon. The program
    included presentations, plenary discussions, and round tables on the
    Armenian Church, its history, liturgy, feasts and rituals, as well as
    inter-church and inter-religious relations. Participants reflected on
    the overall theme of the seminar, "Who is my friend?" during daily
    morning Bible studies.

    Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Director of the Office of Ecumenical
    Relations, and Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian, the Moderator of the
    committee, invited the participants to assess their experiences. After
    expressing their thanks for this opportunity to learn about the church
    and ecumenism, they asked the committee to organize such events more
    often to deepen their understanding of the church and its traditions,
    the ecumenical movement, and the nature of inter-religious dialogue in
    general and Christian-Muslim dialogue in particular. They requested
    that thematic seminars be organized on a rotating basis in the
    dioceses in different regions. They also suggested that the committee
    strengthen the work on a diocesan level.

    In his concluding remarks, His Holiness Aram I expressed his
    appreciation of the contribution of the participants, and he said that
    living in a diaspora situation, the Armenian Church is in touch with
    different religions and cultures. These interactions must be taken
    seriously by our church in its ecumenical and inter-religious
    engagement. His Holiness reaffirmed the ecumenical commitment of the
    Armenian Church and reminded the participants that relations,
    collaboration and reflection constitute the interrelated dimensions of
    ecumenical vision and action.
    NOW IS THE TIME TO FINALIZE YOUR PLANS FOR 2009 PRELACY LINKED IN WEEKEND

    In his sermon delivered during the Feast of the Assumption, His
    Holiness Aram I said this about our youth: "On this day of the Feast
    of the Assumption of the Theotokos, I pray to her to intercede with
    her Son on behalf of our youth. We declared 2009 as the Year of the
    Youth to remind ourselves that youth are both our present and future,
    and therefore, we should listen and respond to them. Today, our youth
    are facing many problems. We should enable them to discover the
    spiritual foundations of our church, the ethical values arising from
    the teaching of our church, and the cultural traditions shaped by our
    Armenian roots."


    With the words of His Holiness in mind, the 2009 Prelacy LINKED IN
    weekend for young adults will take place September 25-27, at the Holy
    Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts, as part of
    the ongoing Year of the Youth activities. Here in the northeast it
    seems that summer just started this week, when we finally experienced
    real summer weather. But, truth be told, Labor Day is looming ahead,
    so make your plans now for this inspiring LINKED IN weekend of
    September 25-27..

    Under the general theme of "Know Your Church," presentations will be
    made by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Archpriest Rev. Fr. Antranig
    Baljian, Professor Michael Papazian, and Yeretzgin Margaret
    Stepanian. The weekend gathering will also feature prayer services,
    meditations, bible studies, and panel discussion.

    For more information and registration form click here
    ( http://e2ma.net/go/2319650044/2107361/78507656/248 82/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/linkedin09. htm ).


    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN ARMENIA

    The Prelacy's Executive Director, Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, will be in
    Armenia next week where he will confer with the staff of the Prelacy
    office, The St. Nerses the Great Charitable Organization. The Prelacy
    continues its various programs in Armenia, including the highly
    successful orphan sponsorship program, aid to orphanages, and aid to
    families. Visits to oversee the work of the Yerevan office are made
    during the year by the Executive Director and by the Prelate,
    Archbishop Oshagan.

    While in Armenia, Dr. Ghougassian will attend the conference for the
    heads of Armenian libraries and library collections which will take
    place next week. The conference will convene under the auspices of His
    Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
    Armenians, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and is being
    coordinated by the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). The Prelacy's
    Hovsep and Suzanne Hagopian Library, on the third floor of the Prelacy
    office building in Manhattan, contains a rich collection of more than
    13,000 volumes.

    MORE IMPRESSIONS FOR DATEV

    We have received two more impressions written by 2009 Datev attendees,
    which we are pleased to share with you:

    I have been involved with Datev, even longer than I have been involved
    with Sunday school and church choir. As a Post Graduate Student, the
    classes are more advanced than the first four levels. The classes were
    illuminating and gave us an opportunity to think more about the Bible,
    church history, and the church fathers. For one week all the
    Datevatsis are united into a family that prays, eats, worships, and
    learns together. That's why anticipation builds every year when Datev
    comes around, we all can't wait to be together and see each other.
    Ani Yaghmourian (Post Graduate)

    In the beginning, I was a little nervous about going to Datev. I
    thought I wasn't going to know anyone, but when I got there it felt
    like I knew everyone for a long time. I also met new friends from
    different states. I had a good time. It felt like God was
    everywhere. Whoever is there feels like they're in the presence of
    God. I learned a lot about Armenian language, religion, culture,
    hymns, and the Bible. When I came back, my father asked me, "Did you
    like it?" I answered, "Yes, but now I have to wait 51 weeks."
    Unfortunately it is only one week.
    Celina Bozoian (1st year student)

    DAILY BIBLE READINGS

    Bible readings for today, Thursday, August 20, are: Proverbs
    11:30-12:4; Zechariah 2:10-13; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; Luke 1:39-56.

    What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple
    of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and walk among
    them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore
    come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and
    touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be your
    father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord
    Almighty."

    Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
    every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the
    fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1)

    For listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
    (http://www.armenianprelacy.org/DBR2009-8.pdf ).


    BLESSING OF THE GRAPES IN OUR PARISHES

    Last Sunday was the Feast of the Assumption and the Blessing of the
    Grapes. Many of our parishes perform the Blessing of Grapes ceremony
    outside in the open air. Here are two more photographs.

    Photo: Bishop Anoushavan, Archbishop Oshagan, and Rev. Fr. Bedros
    Shetilian last Sunday during the Blessing of the Grapes ceremony at
    Holy Cross Armenian Church, Troy, New York.

    Photo: Rev. Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian and deacons during the Blessing of
    Grapes of Sts. Vartanantz, Providence, Rhode Island, at the parish's
    picnic which took place at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts.





    CATHEDRAL PASTOR AND PARISHIONERS HELP KEEP THE TRADITION FOR
    RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK HOME FOR AGED

    Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator's Cathedral in
    New York, and 27 of his parishioners visited the Armenian Home for the
    Aged in Flushing, New York, on August 19.

    Rev. Fr. Mesrob performed the Blessing of Grapes ceremony for the
    residents and then blessed each one individually while distributing
    the blessed grapes. Der Hayr presented the Home with a $500 donation
    from the Cathedral, and the parishioners matched the amount.

    Der Mesrob is a familiar face at the Armenian Home; he goes every
    Wednesday and worships and visits with the residents.

    Photo: Der Mesrob blesses the grapes at the Home for Aged in Flushing,
    New York.

    Photo: Cathedral Parishioners liven up the day for the residents.





    CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    September 12--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening of Haigazian
    Armenian School.
    September 13--St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
    Massachusetts, annual picnic on newly renovated church grounds, 158
    Main St., North Andover. Enjoy food, music. Fellowship. For details
    go to
    church's web site (www.Saintgregory.org (
    http://e2ma.net/go/2319650044/2107361/78505457/2 4882/goto:http://www.saintgregory.org/
    )) or call 978-685-5038.
    September 13--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening of Sunday
    School.
    September 13--Annual picnic of St. Stephen's Armenian Church of New
    Britain and Hartford at the Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New
    Britain, Connecticut, beginning at noon, rain or shine. Live
    music. Armenian
    food. Free admission.
    September 19-20--Re-consecration of the altar and the newly renovated
    St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City on Saturday. Episcopal
    Divine Liturgy and Madagh on Sunday.
    September 20--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Lobster Fest. For
    information: 215-482-9200.
    September 20--St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, New York), annual picnic
    on
    the church grounds, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, beginning at 1 pm
    immediately following church services and the blessing of the basil.
    Delicious
    Armenian kebabs, sweets, etc., along with games, music, dancing,
    tavloo, basketball, volleyball, vendors and returning by popular
    demand--"Kid-Z-One," with a host of activities for children. For
    information 718-224-2275.
    September 21--St. Stephen's (Watertown, MA) Armenian School/ACEC 14th
    annual Golf Outing at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf,
    lunch, dinner, and contests. For information contact Astor at
    781-326-5764.
    September 25-26-27--Prelacy Linked In, gathering of the youth. For
    details click here (
    http://e2ma.net/go/2319650044/2107361/78507656/2 4882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/linkedin0 9.htm
    ).
    September 27--75th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard,
    Massachusetts, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Country
    Club of Wilbraham, 859 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham,
    Massachusetts. Special
    performances by Dottie Bengoian and the St. Gregory Sunday School
    children. For information: 413-596-9242.
    September 28--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Golf Outing at
    Talamore
    Country Club, Ambler, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.
    September 28--Holy Trinity Church (Worcester, Massachusetts), 6th
    annual Golf Outing, Sterling National Country Club, Sterling,
    MA. Golf, breakfast, dinner, and prizes, $130 per person. For
    information send email
    to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or telephone
    508-872-9629.
    October 1--Sts. Vartanantz Church (New Jersey), presents 7th annual
    Golf Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. $175
    includes lunch, dinner, golf and contests. Come out and enjoy a great
    day and
    support the church. For information contact Mark, 201-483-3200.
    October 15-18--Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Food Festival
    and Bazaar.
    October 17--National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) annual
    conference at the Prelacy offices in New York City. Details will
    follow.
    October 18--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Intercommunal Cultural
    Celebration at Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham, PA.
    November 1--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Sunday School Halloween
    Party.
    November 6-7--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Food
    Festival.
    November 14--Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 45th anniversary
    celebration.
    November 20, 21, 22--Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey)
    Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. Saturday night dancing with "Onnik
    Dinkjian"; Sunday traditional kavourma dinner.
    December 20--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Sunday School
    Christmas
    Pageant.
    December 31--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Seroonian Community
    Center New Year's Eve celebration.
    December 31--Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), New
    Year's Eve Dinner-Dance. Details to follow.
    Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
    site.
    To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
    add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
    your address book.
    Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
    credit Crossroads as the
    source.
    Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
    their major events to be
    included in the calendar. Send to: [email protected]
    (mailto:info@armenianprel acy.org)
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