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September 24, 2009
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN AND ARMENIAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT TURKEY-ARMENIA PROTOCOLS
Yesterday, September 23, Archbishop Oshagan and other representatives
of the Armenian American leadership went to the Armenian Embassy in
Washington, DC, and met with Ambassador Tatoul Markarian to express
their concerns on the Turkey-Armenia protocols.
The delegation was comprised of representatives from the Eastern and
Western Prelacies of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; the
Eparchy of the United States and Canada of the Armenian Catholic
Church; the Armenian Missionary Association of America; the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation; the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association; the Armenian Relief Society; the Armenian Youth
Federation, and the Homenetmen.
The delegation gave Ambassador Markarian a letter highlighting the
fact that the protocols have created serious concern and frustration
among the Armenian community in the United States, as in all other
Diasporan communities. The letter rejected the idea of negotiating
over historical matters and stressed that the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide is a precondition to any negotiation. It also noted
that recognizing borders and territorial integrity means renouncing
our struggle for justice.
ST. ILLUMINATOR'S CATHEDRAL REOPENS WITH WEEKEND SERVICES
It was a glorious weekend for the New York-New Jersey community as
St. Illuminator's Cathedral reopened with impressive services last
weekend. Founded in 1915, St. Illuminator's is the first Armenian
Cathedral in the United States and has a rich history of service.
Saturday evening, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
reconsecrated the Cathedral's altar, as well as two new icons. Clergy
attending and participating in the services included: His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy; Archpriest Fr. Mioushegh
Der Kalousdian, Pastor Emeritus of the Cathedral; retired Archpriest
Fr. Arshag Daghlian from North Andover, Massachusetts; Rev. Fr.
Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
The Cathedral has been undergoing extensive renovations for more than
one year. The sanctuary is completed except for some finishing
touches. Work on the renovated hall and offices is continuing and
eventually a completely redesigned front entrance will be added.
In his message on Saturday His Eminence praised the Cathedral's
community for their dedication to this truly massive project. He
expressed thanks to the donors
who made the renovation possible and the members of the building
committee who facilitated and guided the renovation, encountering many
unexpected "surprises" along the way which added to the time and
expense of the renovation. He noted how it was the Cathedral that
helped the survivors after 1915 as they arrived year after year in a
new land with no possessions or resources except the will to start
over again. During the Second World War the Cathedral saw many of her
sons and daughters leave to fight foreign tyranny and when the war
ended once again the Cathedral opened her arms to welcome Armenian
refugees from communist countries who were saved by the American
National Committee for Homeless Armenians (ANCHA). The Cathedral
became the first place of welcome in the new world.
On Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon to an overflow crowd of parishioners and
friends. His Eminence spoke about the significance of the Mayr
Yegheghezi (Mother Church). The Cathedral, he said, has been a
faithful and doting mother to us. She has nurtured our wounds at the
time of distress and has shared our happiness in our moments of
joy. He recalled how the Mayr Yegheghetzi kept the Christian faith
vibrant in the lives of her children, and the national dream alive,
including the symbols of statehood like the tricolored flag. He
warmly welcomed the presence of His Excellency Garen Nazarian, the
newly appointed ambassador of Armenia to the United Nations, wishing
him success in his important post.
His Eminence read an encyclical from Catholicos Aram I granting
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian the honor of wearing the Pectoral Cross
which the Prelate presented to him.
Immediately after the Liturgy, Requiem Services were held for His
Holiness Karekin I, on the tenth anniversary of his passing, and for
the past prelates and the priests who served the Cathedral.
Madagh was offered in the newly renovated hall in thanksgiving of this
joyous and momentous occasion. His Eminence presented the highest
Prelacy award, "The Eagle of the Prelacy," to Mr. Setrag Agonian,
chairman of the building committee, for his extraordinary service to
the Cathedral and community. Note: A detailed press release and
photographs, as well as video clips will be on the Prelacy's web page
next week.
PRELATE WILL PRESIDE OVER 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Massachusetts this weekend where on
Saturday he will preside over the 75th anniversary celebration of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Springfield/Indian Orchard. The
anniversary celebration will take place at the Country Club of
Wilbraham.
On Sunday His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon at St. Gregory Church.
LINKED IN THIS WEEKEND
The 2009 Prelacy LINKED IN weekend will begin this Friday, September
25, and continue Saturday and Sunday. More than forty young adults
will gather at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts, as part of the ongoing Year of the Youth activities.
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 discussions.
CLERGY MEDITATIONAL RETREAT
For the second year the clergy of the Prelacy will join in a
Meditational Retreat starting Sunday evening, September 27 to
Wednesday, September 30. The retreat will follow the Linked In
weekend for young adults at the same location, Holy Virgin Mary
Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts. Archbishop Oshagan
will preside over the gathering.
MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE THIS SATURDAY
The Midwest regional conferences for pastors, boards of trustees, and
NRA delegates will take place this Saturday, September 26. The
conference is being hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
The full day conference, under the presidency of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, will include presentations on the following: Board
of Trustees Guidelines by Stephen Hagopian; panel discussion on
spiritual awakening, led by V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian; panel
discussion on administrative questions, led by John Daghlian; panel
discussion on Armenian education, led by Dr. Mary M. Olson, and a
presentation about the role of the Prelacy by Raffi Ourlian.
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Michigan on Friday at which time he
will meet with the board of trustees of the Dearborn parish of St.
Sarkis.
MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER
The Mid-Atlantic regional conference will be hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 10.
GUROIAN KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ST. VLADIMIR'S SEMINARY OCTOBER 3
Vigen Guroian, professor of Religious Studies in Orthodox Christianity
at the University of Virginia is the keynote speaker at St. Vladimir's
Seminary on Saturday, October 3. Dr. Guroian is participating in the
Seminary's Orthodox Education Day 2009 which is devoted to "God's
green earth: Ecology and Theology." Dr. Guroian will speak at 1 pm on
the topic "Ecological blessings from the Garden." He has written two
books on this subject, Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening
and The Fragrance of God, both of which are available at the Prelacy's
bookstore.
St. Vladimir's is located at 575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, New York
10707-1659.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, September 24, are: Wisdom 10:9-12;
Malachi 2:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-7; John 10:11-16.
Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as
well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the
elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge,
exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God
would have you do it--not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it
over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the
chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never
fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the
authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with
humility in your dealings with one another, for "God opposes the
proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God, so that he way exalt you in due
time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter
5:1-7)
For listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/2424753721/2203754/82752536/2 4882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/pr elacy/PDF/dbr2009-9.pdf
).
ST. GEORGE THE COMMANDER
This Saturday, September 26, the Armenian Church commemorates
St. George the Commander. Although we do not have much information
about him, St. George remains a popular hero among all Christians. He
is considered to be the patron saint of soldiers and boy scouts. As in
so many instances, the Armenians have given St. George an Armenian
national character. The name George (Kevork) became popular beginning
in the 5th century.
HOLY CROSS OF VARAK
This Sunday, September 27, we commemorate the Holy Cross of Varak, a
feast unique to the Armenian Church. The Hripsimiantz Virgins, after
coming to Armenia, lived near Mount Varak. Hripsime always carried a
small wooden cross believed to have been made from a piece of the true
cross. On day, in order to escape persecution, she sought refuge on
the mountain where she hid the cross among the rocks before fleeing to
Vagharshapat. According to tradition, in the year 653, a hermit named
Todik found Hripsime's hidden cross. He followed a brilliant light
that illuminated the mountain and guided him inside the church to the
altar where he found the cross. The light shone for twelve days. In
memory of this event, Catholicos Nerses established the Feast of the
Cross of Varak. He also wrote the beautiful hymn, "By the Sign of Your
All Powerful Holy Cross," (Nshanav Amenahaght Khatchit).
GORKY RETROSPECTIVE AT PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM
The Philadelphia Museum of Art will present a major traveling
retrospective celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Arshile
Gorky (1904-1948). The first comprehensive survey of the work of this
artist in nearly three decades, Arshile Gorky: A Retrospective will
premier at the Museum on October 21 and continue there until January
10, 2010. The exhibition will then travel to the Tate Modern, London
(Spring 2010) and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (Summer
2010).
Photo: Agony, 1947, Oil on canvas, The Museum of Modern Art, New
York; A. Conger Goodyear Fund. Copyright 2009 Estate of Arshile Gorky / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 26--Mid-West Regional Conference for Pastors, Boards of
Trustees, and NRA delegates at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
September 25-26-27--Prelacy Linked In, gathering of the youth. For
details click here ( http://e2ma.net/go/2424753721/2203754/82752534/248 82/goto:http://linkedin.armenianprelacy.org/ ).
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 10--Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Pastors, Boards of
Trustees, and NRA delegates at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
October 11--84th anniversary banquet of St. Stephen's Church, New
Britain/Hartford, Connecticut at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington, Connecticut, at 12:30 pm. For information contact the
church office at 860-229-8322.
October 15-18--Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Food Festival
and Bazaar.
October 16-17--Annual Fall Fair Bazaar, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 8 pm.
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--"On the Road," by Levon Shant, presented The Theater Group
of Hamazkayin, New York, directed by Dr. Herand Markarian. Sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society Mayr Chapter, this performance is a benefit for
St. Illuminator's Armenian Day School. Performance begins at 8:35 pm at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York. For tickets ($25)
contact Sonia at 718-961-9550 or Alice at 516-676-6167.
November 6-7--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Food
Festival.
November 6-7--St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 53rd
annual bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at the ACEC, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown. Delicious lamb, losh and chicken kebab, kheyma, kufta and yalanchi. Meals
served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Armenian pastries, gourmet foods, arts & crafts, auction, raffles, and more.
November 7--Christmas Holiday Craft Fair, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 4 pm.
November 7 & 8--Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
largest Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday from 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday 12 noon to 8 pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket, 60 Rhodes Place (off Broad
Street), Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and kufta dinners, pastry, raffles and more. Performance by the Armenian school dance group. Live Armenian
music * dancing. For information, 401-831-6399.
November 14--Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 45th anniversary
celebration.
November 20-21--Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Fest 2009, Friday, November 20, 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, November 21, 10 am to 5 pm. Armenian delicacies and dinners. For information
508-852-2414.
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:[email protected])
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN AND ARMENIAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT TURKEY-ARMENIA PROTOCOLS
Yesterday, September 23, Archbishop Oshagan and other representatives
of the Armenian American leadership went to the Armenian Embassy in
Washington, DC, and met with Ambassador Tatoul Markarian to express
their concerns on the Turkey-Armenia protocols.
The delegation was comprised of representatives from the Eastern and
Western Prelacies of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; the
Eparchy of the United States and Canada of the Armenian Catholic
Church; the Armenian Missionary Association of America; the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation; the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association; the Armenian Relief Society; the Armenian Youth
Federation, and the Homenetmen.
The delegation gave Ambassador Markarian a letter highlighting the
fact that the protocols have created serious concern and frustration
among the Armenian community in the United States, as in all other
Diasporan communities. The letter rejected the idea of negotiating
over historical matters and stressed that the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide is a precondition to any negotiation. It also noted
that recognizing borders and territorial integrity means renouncing
our struggle for justice.
ST. ILLUMINATOR'S CATHEDRAL REOPENS WITH WEEKEND SERVICES
It was a glorious weekend for the New York-New Jersey community as
St. Illuminator's Cathedral reopened with impressive services last
weekend. Founded in 1915, St. Illuminator's is the first Armenian
Cathedral in the United States and has a rich history of service.
Saturday evening, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
reconsecrated the Cathedral's altar, as well as two new icons. Clergy
attending and participating in the services included: His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy; Archpriest Fr. Mioushegh
Der Kalousdian, Pastor Emeritus of the Cathedral; retired Archpriest
Fr. Arshag Daghlian from North Andover, Massachusetts; Rev. Fr.
Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
The Cathedral has been undergoing extensive renovations for more than
one year. The sanctuary is completed except for some finishing
touches. Work on the renovated hall and offices is continuing and
eventually a completely redesigned front entrance will be added.
In his message on Saturday His Eminence praised the Cathedral's
community for their dedication to this truly massive project. He
expressed thanks to the donors
who made the renovation possible and the members of the building
committee who facilitated and guided the renovation, encountering many
unexpected "surprises" along the way which added to the time and
expense of the renovation. He noted how it was the Cathedral that
helped the survivors after 1915 as they arrived year after year in a
new land with no possessions or resources except the will to start
over again. During the Second World War the Cathedral saw many of her
sons and daughters leave to fight foreign tyranny and when the war
ended once again the Cathedral opened her arms to welcome Armenian
refugees from communist countries who were saved by the American
National Committee for Homeless Armenians (ANCHA). The Cathedral
became the first place of welcome in the new world.
On Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon to an overflow crowd of parishioners and
friends. His Eminence spoke about the significance of the Mayr
Yegheghezi (Mother Church). The Cathedral, he said, has been a
faithful and doting mother to us. She has nurtured our wounds at the
time of distress and has shared our happiness in our moments of
joy. He recalled how the Mayr Yegheghetzi kept the Christian faith
vibrant in the lives of her children, and the national dream alive,
including the symbols of statehood like the tricolored flag. He
warmly welcomed the presence of His Excellency Garen Nazarian, the
newly appointed ambassador of Armenia to the United Nations, wishing
him success in his important post.
His Eminence read an encyclical from Catholicos Aram I granting
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian the honor of wearing the Pectoral Cross
which the Prelate presented to him.
Immediately after the Liturgy, Requiem Services were held for His
Holiness Karekin I, on the tenth anniversary of his passing, and for
the past prelates and the priests who served the Cathedral.
Madagh was offered in the newly renovated hall in thanksgiving of this
joyous and momentous occasion. His Eminence presented the highest
Prelacy award, "The Eagle of the Prelacy," to Mr. Setrag Agonian,
chairman of the building committee, for his extraordinary service to
the Cathedral and community. Note: A detailed press release and
photographs, as well as video clips will be on the Prelacy's web page
next week.
PRELATE WILL PRESIDE OVER 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Massachusetts this weekend where on
Saturday he will preside over the 75th anniversary celebration of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Springfield/Indian Orchard. The
anniversary celebration will take place at the Country Club of
Wilbraham.
On Sunday His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon at St. Gregory Church.
LINKED IN THIS WEEKEND
The 2009 Prelacy LINKED IN weekend will begin this Friday, September
25, and continue Saturday and Sunday. More than forty young adults
will gather at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts, as part of the ongoing Year of the Youth activities.
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 discussions.
CLERGY MEDITATIONAL RETREAT
For the second year the clergy of the Prelacy will join in a
Meditational Retreat starting Sunday evening, September 27 to
Wednesday, September 30. The retreat will follow the Linked In
weekend for young adults at the same location, Holy Virgin Mary
Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts. Archbishop Oshagan
will preside over the gathering.
MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE THIS SATURDAY
The Midwest regional conferences for pastors, boards of trustees, and
NRA delegates will take place this Saturday, September 26. The
conference is being hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
The full day conference, under the presidency of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, will include presentations on the following: Board
of Trustees Guidelines by Stephen Hagopian; panel discussion on
spiritual awakening, led by V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian; panel
discussion on administrative questions, led by John Daghlian; panel
discussion on Armenian education, led by Dr. Mary M. Olson, and a
presentation about the role of the Prelacy by Raffi Ourlian.
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Michigan on Friday at which time he
will meet with the board of trustees of the Dearborn parish of St.
Sarkis.
MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER
The Mid-Atlantic regional conference will be hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 10.
GUROIAN KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ST. VLADIMIR'S SEMINARY OCTOBER 3
Vigen Guroian, professor of Religious Studies in Orthodox Christianity
at the University of Virginia is the keynote speaker at St. Vladimir's
Seminary on Saturday, October 3. Dr. Guroian is participating in the
Seminary's Orthodox Education Day 2009 which is devoted to "God's
green earth: Ecology and Theology." Dr. Guroian will speak at 1 pm on
the topic "Ecological blessings from the Garden." He has written two
books on this subject, Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening
and The Fragrance of God, both of which are available at the Prelacy's
bookstore.
St. Vladimir's is located at 575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, New York
10707-1659.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, September 24, are: Wisdom 10:9-12;
Malachi 2:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-7; John 10:11-16.
Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as
well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the
elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge,
exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God
would have you do it--not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it
over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the
chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never
fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the
authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with
humility in your dealings with one another, for "God opposes the
proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God, so that he way exalt you in due
time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter
5:1-7)
For listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/2424753721/2203754/82752536/2 4882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/pr elacy/PDF/dbr2009-9.pdf
).
ST. GEORGE THE COMMANDER
This Saturday, September 26, the Armenian Church commemorates
St. George the Commander. Although we do not have much information
about him, St. George remains a popular hero among all Christians. He
is considered to be the patron saint of soldiers and boy scouts. As in
so many instances, the Armenians have given St. George an Armenian
national character. The name George (Kevork) became popular beginning
in the 5th century.
HOLY CROSS OF VARAK
This Sunday, September 27, we commemorate the Holy Cross of Varak, a
feast unique to the Armenian Church. The Hripsimiantz Virgins, after
coming to Armenia, lived near Mount Varak. Hripsime always carried a
small wooden cross believed to have been made from a piece of the true
cross. On day, in order to escape persecution, she sought refuge on
the mountain where she hid the cross among the rocks before fleeing to
Vagharshapat. According to tradition, in the year 653, a hermit named
Todik found Hripsime's hidden cross. He followed a brilliant light
that illuminated the mountain and guided him inside the church to the
altar where he found the cross. The light shone for twelve days. In
memory of this event, Catholicos Nerses established the Feast of the
Cross of Varak. He also wrote the beautiful hymn, "By the Sign of Your
All Powerful Holy Cross," (Nshanav Amenahaght Khatchit).
GORKY RETROSPECTIVE AT PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM
The Philadelphia Museum of Art will present a major traveling
retrospective celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Arshile
Gorky (1904-1948). The first comprehensive survey of the work of this
artist in nearly three decades, Arshile Gorky: A Retrospective will
premier at the Museum on October 21 and continue there until January
10, 2010. The exhibition will then travel to the Tate Modern, London
(Spring 2010) and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (Summer
2010).
Photo: Agony, 1947, Oil on canvas, The Museum of Modern Art, New
York; A. Conger Goodyear Fund. Copyright 2009 Estate of Arshile Gorky / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 26--Mid-West Regional Conference for Pastors, Boards of
Trustees, and NRA delegates at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
September 25-26-27--Prelacy Linked In, gathering of the youth. For
details click here ( http://e2ma.net/go/2424753721/2203754/82752534/248 82/goto:http://linkedin.armenianprelacy.org/ ).
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 10--Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Pastors, Boards of
Trustees, and NRA delegates at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
October 11--84th anniversary banquet of St. Stephen's Church, New
Britain/Hartford, Connecticut at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington, Connecticut, at 12:30 pm. For information contact the
church office at 860-229-8322.
October 15-18--Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Food Festival
and Bazaar.
October 16-17--Annual Fall Fair Bazaar, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 8 pm.
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--"On the Road," by Levon Shant, presented The Theater Group
of Hamazkayin, New York, directed by Dr. Herand Markarian. Sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society Mayr Chapter, this performance is a benefit for
St. Illuminator's Armenian Day School. Performance begins at 8:35 pm at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York. For tickets ($25)
contact Sonia at 718-961-9550 or Alice at 516-676-6167.
November 6-7--St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Food
Festival.
November 6-7--St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 53rd
annual bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at the ACEC, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown. Delicious lamb, losh and chicken kebab, kheyma, kufta and yalanchi. Meals
served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Armenian pastries, gourmet foods, arts & crafts, auction, raffles, and more.
November 7--Christmas Holiday Craft Fair, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 4 pm.
November 7 & 8--Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
largest Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday from 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday 12 noon to 8 pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket, 60 Rhodes Place (off Broad
Street), Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and kufta dinners, pastry, raffles and more. Performance by the Armenian school dance group. Live Armenian
music * dancing. For information, 401-831-6399.
November 14--Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 45th anniversary
celebration.
November 20-21--Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Fest 2009, Friday, November 20, 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, November 21, 10 am to 5 pm. Armenian delicacies and dinners. For information
508-852-2414.
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:[email protected])