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PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
August 12, 2010
PRELATE IS OVERSEAS
Archbishop Oshagan left for Lebanon this week where he will confer
with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia. Thereafter, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Armenia where
he will represent the Holy See of Cilicia in Holy Etchmiadzin as a
member of committees concerning the ongoing dialogue between the Holy
See of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia; the discussion on
church rituals and rites; and preparation for the General Assembly of
all Bishops of the Armenian Church which will convene in Etchmiadzin
next year.
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA NEARS CONCLUSION
The pilgrimage to Lebanon and Syria, which was organized by the
Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute, is nearing its final
days. The pilgrims will return this Monday, August 16, eager (we hope)
to share their impressions and photos.
DATEV IMPRESSIONS.
We continue with three more impressions from students who attended the
2010 St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute. To read the full press
release, student impressions, and view photographs click here.
Datev is an indescribable experience every year. We are all sent here
to learn many valuable lessons, develop and rekindle great
friendships, and to be with God in a much more personal, yet communal
way. Its truly a blessing to feel the refreshment that the week at
Datev brings, and to go back to our lives, feeling rejuvenated and
guided by God. It always seems as if the short time we spend together
is never enough, but the experience of being a part of Datev is
something for which I will be forever grateful.
Arpi Shetilian, PostGrad
Datev is a place where you get to learn about the Armenian Church and
history while being in a fun environment with other Armenian
Christians. We also had Armenian history classes and Bible studies,
and other fun activities, like the picnic and the Talent Show, so our
days werent filled with just classes. Datev is a great opportunity to
learn about our Church and to make lifelong friends.
Vrej Agopian, 2nd Year
My experience at Datev has been beyond brilliant. The activities, the
friendships and the classes that teach so much in just a week, combine
to make Datev so inspiring. Every time I come home from Datev, I feel
like a totally different person.
Nazelie Doghramadjian, 2nd Year
LINKED IN WEEKEND IN OCTOBER
The Prelacys annual LinkedIn gathering is a popular educational and
social weekend for young professionals and college students. Beginning
Friday evening and continuing to Sunday,
the weekend provides education through informative and
thought-provoking lectures, spiritual enrichment through Bible
studies, meditations, and liturgical services, and bonding with peers
through discussion groups and fellowship hours.
This years gathering will take place October 8-10 at the Holy
Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts. The general
theme for 2010 is The Multi-Dimensional Aspects of Relationships.
For details about the weekend program and registration form
click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/8531052317/3012875/97394731/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/linked-in
).
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of
the Holy Mother of God, are: Song of Songs 4:9-15; 8:14; Isaiah
7:10-16; Galatians 3:29-4:7; Luke 2:1-7. Lections for blessing of
grapes: Proverbs 3:9-10; Isaiah 65:8-10; Hebrews 6:16-7:7; John
15:1-8,
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all
the world should be registered. This was the first registration and
was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own
towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee to Judea, because he was descended from the house and family
of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged
and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came
for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son
and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here
(
http://e2ma.net/go/8531052317/3012875/97394732/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/index.php/liturgical-calendar/daily-bible-reading
).
FEAST OF THE SHOGHAKAT OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Saturday, August 14 is the Feast of the Shoghakat of Holy
Etchmiadzin, which always takes place on the Saturday prior to the
Feast of the Assumption. The title of this feast, Shoghakat, refers to
the vision of St. Gregory and the rays of light when God chose the
site for the Mother Cathedral. This feast is celebrated on Assumption
because the Cathedral in Etchmiadzin is named in honor of the Holy
Mother, although through the years it became known as Etchmiadzin and
Shoghakat referred to the three other nearby churches built by Gregory
the Illuminator.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
This Sunday, August 15, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
the Assumption (Verapokoum) of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing
of the Grapes. Although in modern Armenian the word verapokoum means
change again, in classical Armenian it means transport up. According
to tradition, when Mary, the mother of Christ, died she was buried by
the apostles. Bartholomew, who was not present at her funeral, wished
to visit her grave. When the gravestone was lifted they were surprised
to find that the body had disappeared. It was believed that Christ had
come and taken his mother to the Heavenly Kingdom. Based on this
event, the Church Fathers established the Feast of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the five tabernacle feast
days in the Armenian Churchs liturgical calendar. The feast is
preceded by a week (five days) of fasting and followed by a memorial
day.
Because Bartholomew was very fond of the Holy Mother, the
apostle John gave him a image of her (which she had given to John).
Bartholomew took this image with him to Armenia to Darbnots Kar in the
province of Antsev, Vaspourakan (Western Armenia) where a convent of
nuns, Hagyatz Vank (Monastery of the Spirits) was built and where the
icon was kept. Most images of Bartholomew show him holding this icon.
The concept of the Virgin Marys Assumption is an old one as
seen in sacred prose and poetry dedicated to the Holy Mother.
However, it did not become a basic doctrine of the church until the
ninth century and it was in the twelfth century that the feast was
called The Assumption.
The Feast of the Assumption is the name day for those named
Mariam, Maro, Mary, Mari, Mayrenie, Maroush, Serpouhi, Takouhi,
Lousig, Arpine, Arpenig, Markarid, Nazig, Azniv, Arousiag, Verzhin,
and Arshalouys.
BLESSING OF THE GRAPES
The Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the Feast of the Assumption,
although there is no connection between the two. Similar to other
holidays, it coincides with a pagan era festival, which the Church
Fathers incorporated into the liturgical calendar. The hymn Park
SourpKhatchesi (Glory to Your Sacred Cross) is sung; Biblical passages
are recited, followed by a prayer composed by Catholicos Nerses
Shnorhali specifically for this occasion. After the prayer, the grapes
are blessed three times with the words Orhnestsee Bahbanestsee and
then the blessed grapes are distributed to the faithful, many of whom
have refrained from eating grapes until this blessing takes place.
Certainly we can say that the Blessing of the Grapes is a
celebration of the fruitfulness of the earth. Grapes are one of the
oldest cultivated plants in the world. According to biblical history,
Noah planted a vineyard immediately after disembarking from the Ark
(Genesis, chapter 9) in Nakhichevan. And, of course, the wine of the
Divine Liturgy comes from grapes.
Bless, O Lord, the grape plants and vineyards from which these grapes
are taken and presented to the holy church, and make them bountiful
and fruitful; let them be like good and fertile land, protect the
vineyards from all kinds of misfortune and destruction which come from
above because of our sins, from hail, from cold, from hot winds, and
from destructive insects, so that we may enjoy that which You have
created in this world for our enjoyment and for Your glory, and grant
that we may be worthy to eat and drink with You from the bounty of
Your most fruitful vine at the table of Your Fathers Kingdom,
according to the just promise which You made, to the honor and glory
of Your coexisting Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the most Holy
Spirit to whom is due glory, power, and honor, now and forever. Amen.
(From the prayer written by Nerses Shnorhali for the Blessing of the
Grapes)
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, August 16, is Memorial Day (Merelotz). In accordance with the
tradition of the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five
tabernacle feasts (Daghavars) is designated as a Memorial Day, a day
of remembrance of the dead. Traditionally, on Merelotz Divine Liturgy
is celebrated with requiem service for all souls and for those
specifically requested. Following the service the clergy and faithful
would go to the cemeteries where the graves were individually
blessed. This tradition is maintained in some areas overseas, but here
in the United States the blessing of graves was generally done on the
American national Memorial Day in May. Certainly it is not the same
now, but we vividly recall how hundreds, if not thousands, of
Armenians would gather at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Flushing, New York,
where large numbers of Armenians are buried. We children skipped
together amongst the graves stopping to read the tombstones in both
Armenian and English. Th!
e air was filled with the smell of incense. Adults sought out friends
and relatives, and all of the clergy from the area churches were there
going from grave to grave all day long performing grave blessings.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 13The Preservation and Teaching of Western Armenian in Armenia,
a report by Hagop Balian, editor in chief of Pakine Periodical from
Paris, on the recently convened forum in Armenia, sponsored by the
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York, at
the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, NY, 8:35 pm.
August 14-15Armenian Fest/Grape Blessing, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, 1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, Illinois.
August 15Badarak and annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts (12 noon to 5
pm). For information: 617-924-7562.
August 15Annual picnic and blessing of grapes, Holy Trinity Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.
August 15Luncheon hosted by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, on the occasion of the
Assumption of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing of the
Grapes. For information: 212-689-5880.
August 15Annual picnic and blessing of grapes, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at Dunkerhood Park, Pavillion D, Paramus, New
Jersey. In case of rain, head to Sts. Vartanantz Church hall.
August 15St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church,
Granite City, Illinois, Annual Blessing of Grapes Picnic, St. Gregory
Community Center, 12 noon to 4 pm. Blessing of Grapes begins at 2 pm.
August 15Armenian American Night at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre,
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. Free concert under the stars,
featuring Zareh Kasbarian, Nora Armani, Ruthann Turekian, Yeraz Dance
Ensemble and more. Bring your chairs, enjoy the program. Information:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
August 15St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Feast of the
Assumption of St. Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Blessing of grapes and
Madagh (Herisa). Celebrant V. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Sarkissian, member of
the Brotherhood of the Great House of Cilicia. Morning service at 10
am; Divine Liturgy at 10:45 am; Blessing of Grapes and Madagh
following Badarak.
August 22Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts. Beginning at 12 noon on the church grounds, following
church services at 10 am. Delicious Armenian food and homemade baked
goods. Live Armenian music by the John Berberian Ensemble. Dance
performance by Siroun Dancers. Traditional Blessing of Grapes
officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, with participation of
New England clergy.
August 22Lecture at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, Our Wild Queens. Representative of the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation will speak about local
wildlife and lead hands-on family activities. Free admission, 1 pm
following church services.
August 29Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, New York,
Blessing of Grapes picnic from 12 noon to 4 pm, on the church grou8nds
at 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York 12180.
September 122nd Annual Picnic-Festival in North Andover,
Massachusetts, jointly sponsored by St. Gregory Armenian Church and
St. Michael Parish, 12 noon to 6 pm. Main Street in front of both
parishes will be closed to traffic. Featuring traditional delicious
Armenian and American picnic food. American and Armenian music, games
and activities.
September 12St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, grand
opening of the newly built Founders Hall. Archbishop Oshagan will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the luncheon.
September 176th Annual Golf Outing, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, Illinois. For information: Armen Kholamian (847) 323-5452;
Hagop Soulakian (847) 858-7685; Sevon Torosian (847) 722-3289.
September 19Annual picnic of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
on the church grounds. A relaxing, exciting, joyful, old fashioned
picnic. Good food, best shish kebob, entertainment by FJ-Erevan,
KidZone, special supervised activities for children starting at 1 pm.
September 20St. Stephens Armenian School/ACEC 15TH Annual Golf Outing
at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf, lunch, dinner and
contests. For information: Astor at (781) 326-5764.
September 26Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, 70th anniversary of the church and Rev. Fr. Gomidas
Baghsarians elevation to Archpriest, and 10th anniversary of service
to Sts. Vartanantz. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and preside over the celebratory banquet at Crowne Plaza,
Warwick, Rhode Island. For information: Ramon Zorabedian,
401-884-6626.
September 27Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 7th Annual Golf Outing at Sterling National Country
Club, Sterling, Massachusetts. $140 per person includes golf, cart,
breakfast, dinner and prizes. For information: Kap Kaprielian,
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 508-872-9629.
October 350th anniversary celebration of Nareg Saturday Armenian
School of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, under the
auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and presided by His Grace
Bishop Anoushavan.
October 8-10The Eastern Prelacys Linked In workshop weekend for young
adults at Holy Virgin Marys Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts.
November 767th anniversary, All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview,
Illinois.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys 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])
From: A. Papazian
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
August 12, 2010
PRELATE IS OVERSEAS
Archbishop Oshagan left for Lebanon this week where he will confer
with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia. Thereafter, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Armenia where
he will represent the Holy See of Cilicia in Holy Etchmiadzin as a
member of committees concerning the ongoing dialogue between the Holy
See of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia; the discussion on
church rituals and rites; and preparation for the General Assembly of
all Bishops of the Armenian Church which will convene in Etchmiadzin
next year.
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA NEARS CONCLUSION
The pilgrimage to Lebanon and Syria, which was organized by the
Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute, is nearing its final
days. The pilgrims will return this Monday, August 16, eager (we hope)
to share their impressions and photos.
DATEV IMPRESSIONS.
We continue with three more impressions from students who attended the
2010 St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute. To read the full press
release, student impressions, and view photographs click here.
Datev is an indescribable experience every year. We are all sent here
to learn many valuable lessons, develop and rekindle great
friendships, and to be with God in a much more personal, yet communal
way. Its truly a blessing to feel the refreshment that the week at
Datev brings, and to go back to our lives, feeling rejuvenated and
guided by God. It always seems as if the short time we spend together
is never enough, but the experience of being a part of Datev is
something for which I will be forever grateful.
Arpi Shetilian, PostGrad
Datev is a place where you get to learn about the Armenian Church and
history while being in a fun environment with other Armenian
Christians. We also had Armenian history classes and Bible studies,
and other fun activities, like the picnic and the Talent Show, so our
days werent filled with just classes. Datev is a great opportunity to
learn about our Church and to make lifelong friends.
Vrej Agopian, 2nd Year
My experience at Datev has been beyond brilliant. The activities, the
friendships and the classes that teach so much in just a week, combine
to make Datev so inspiring. Every time I come home from Datev, I feel
like a totally different person.
Nazelie Doghramadjian, 2nd Year
LINKED IN WEEKEND IN OCTOBER
The Prelacys annual LinkedIn gathering is a popular educational and
social weekend for young professionals and college students. Beginning
Friday evening and continuing to Sunday,
the weekend provides education through informative and
thought-provoking lectures, spiritual enrichment through Bible
studies, meditations, and liturgical services, and bonding with peers
through discussion groups and fellowship hours.
This years gathering will take place October 8-10 at the Holy
Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts. The general
theme for 2010 is The Multi-Dimensional Aspects of Relationships.
For details about the weekend program and registration form
click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/8531052317/3012875/97394731/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/linked-in
).
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of
the Holy Mother of God, are: Song of Songs 4:9-15; 8:14; Isaiah
7:10-16; Galatians 3:29-4:7; Luke 2:1-7. Lections for blessing of
grapes: Proverbs 3:9-10; Isaiah 65:8-10; Hebrews 6:16-7:7; John
15:1-8,
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all
the world should be registered. This was the first registration and
was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own
towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee to Judea, because he was descended from the house and family
of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged
and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came
for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son
and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here
(
http://e2ma.net/go/8531052317/3012875/97394732/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/index.php/liturgical-calendar/daily-bible-reading
).
FEAST OF THE SHOGHAKAT OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Saturday, August 14 is the Feast of the Shoghakat of Holy
Etchmiadzin, which always takes place on the Saturday prior to the
Feast of the Assumption. The title of this feast, Shoghakat, refers to
the vision of St. Gregory and the rays of light when God chose the
site for the Mother Cathedral. This feast is celebrated on Assumption
because the Cathedral in Etchmiadzin is named in honor of the Holy
Mother, although through the years it became known as Etchmiadzin and
Shoghakat referred to the three other nearby churches built by Gregory
the Illuminator.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
This Sunday, August 15, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
the Assumption (Verapokoum) of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing
of the Grapes. Although in modern Armenian the word verapokoum means
change again, in classical Armenian it means transport up. According
to tradition, when Mary, the mother of Christ, died she was buried by
the apostles. Bartholomew, who was not present at her funeral, wished
to visit her grave. When the gravestone was lifted they were surprised
to find that the body had disappeared. It was believed that Christ had
come and taken his mother to the Heavenly Kingdom. Based on this
event, the Church Fathers established the Feast of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the five tabernacle feast
days in the Armenian Churchs liturgical calendar. The feast is
preceded by a week (five days) of fasting and followed by a memorial
day.
Because Bartholomew was very fond of the Holy Mother, the
apostle John gave him a image of her (which she had given to John).
Bartholomew took this image with him to Armenia to Darbnots Kar in the
province of Antsev, Vaspourakan (Western Armenia) where a convent of
nuns, Hagyatz Vank (Monastery of the Spirits) was built and where the
icon was kept. Most images of Bartholomew show him holding this icon.
The concept of the Virgin Marys Assumption is an old one as
seen in sacred prose and poetry dedicated to the Holy Mother.
However, it did not become a basic doctrine of the church until the
ninth century and it was in the twelfth century that the feast was
called The Assumption.
The Feast of the Assumption is the name day for those named
Mariam, Maro, Mary, Mari, Mayrenie, Maroush, Serpouhi, Takouhi,
Lousig, Arpine, Arpenig, Markarid, Nazig, Azniv, Arousiag, Verzhin,
and Arshalouys.
BLESSING OF THE GRAPES
The Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the Feast of the Assumption,
although there is no connection between the two. Similar to other
holidays, it coincides with a pagan era festival, which the Church
Fathers incorporated into the liturgical calendar. The hymn Park
SourpKhatchesi (Glory to Your Sacred Cross) is sung; Biblical passages
are recited, followed by a prayer composed by Catholicos Nerses
Shnorhali specifically for this occasion. After the prayer, the grapes
are blessed three times with the words Orhnestsee Bahbanestsee and
then the blessed grapes are distributed to the faithful, many of whom
have refrained from eating grapes until this blessing takes place.
Certainly we can say that the Blessing of the Grapes is a
celebration of the fruitfulness of the earth. Grapes are one of the
oldest cultivated plants in the world. According to biblical history,
Noah planted a vineyard immediately after disembarking from the Ark
(Genesis, chapter 9) in Nakhichevan. And, of course, the wine of the
Divine Liturgy comes from grapes.
Bless, O Lord, the grape plants and vineyards from which these grapes
are taken and presented to the holy church, and make them bountiful
and fruitful; let them be like good and fertile land, protect the
vineyards from all kinds of misfortune and destruction which come from
above because of our sins, from hail, from cold, from hot winds, and
from destructive insects, so that we may enjoy that which You have
created in this world for our enjoyment and for Your glory, and grant
that we may be worthy to eat and drink with You from the bounty of
Your most fruitful vine at the table of Your Fathers Kingdom,
according to the just promise which You made, to the honor and glory
of Your coexisting Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the most Holy
Spirit to whom is due glory, power, and honor, now and forever. Amen.
(From the prayer written by Nerses Shnorhali for the Blessing of the
Grapes)
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, August 16, is Memorial Day (Merelotz). In accordance with the
tradition of the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five
tabernacle feasts (Daghavars) is designated as a Memorial Day, a day
of remembrance of the dead. Traditionally, on Merelotz Divine Liturgy
is celebrated with requiem service for all souls and for those
specifically requested. Following the service the clergy and faithful
would go to the cemeteries where the graves were individually
blessed. This tradition is maintained in some areas overseas, but here
in the United States the blessing of graves was generally done on the
American national Memorial Day in May. Certainly it is not the same
now, but we vividly recall how hundreds, if not thousands, of
Armenians would gather at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Flushing, New York,
where large numbers of Armenians are buried. We children skipped
together amongst the graves stopping to read the tombstones in both
Armenian and English. Th!
e air was filled with the smell of incense. Adults sought out friends
and relatives, and all of the clergy from the area churches were there
going from grave to grave all day long performing grave blessings.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 13The Preservation and Teaching of Western Armenian in Armenia,
a report by Hagop Balian, editor in chief of Pakine Periodical from
Paris, on the recently convened forum in Armenia, sponsored by the
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York, at
the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, NY, 8:35 pm.
August 14-15Armenian Fest/Grape Blessing, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, 1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, Illinois.
August 15Badarak and annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts (12 noon to 5
pm). For information: 617-924-7562.
August 15Annual picnic and blessing of grapes, Holy Trinity Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.
August 15Luncheon hosted by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, on the occasion of the
Assumption of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing of the
Grapes. For information: 212-689-5880.
August 15Annual picnic and blessing of grapes, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at Dunkerhood Park, Pavillion D, Paramus, New
Jersey. In case of rain, head to Sts. Vartanantz Church hall.
August 15St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church,
Granite City, Illinois, Annual Blessing of Grapes Picnic, St. Gregory
Community Center, 12 noon to 4 pm. Blessing of Grapes begins at 2 pm.
August 15Armenian American Night at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre,
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. Free concert under the stars,
featuring Zareh Kasbarian, Nora Armani, Ruthann Turekian, Yeraz Dance
Ensemble and more. Bring your chairs, enjoy the program. Information:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
August 15St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Feast of the
Assumption of St. Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Blessing of grapes and
Madagh (Herisa). Celebrant V. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Sarkissian, member of
the Brotherhood of the Great House of Cilicia. Morning service at 10
am; Divine Liturgy at 10:45 am; Blessing of Grapes and Madagh
following Badarak.
August 22Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts. Beginning at 12 noon on the church grounds, following
church services at 10 am. Delicious Armenian food and homemade baked
goods. Live Armenian music by the John Berberian Ensemble. Dance
performance by Siroun Dancers. Traditional Blessing of Grapes
officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, with participation of
New England clergy.
August 22Lecture at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, Our Wild Queens. Representative of the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation will speak about local
wildlife and lead hands-on family activities. Free admission, 1 pm
following church services.
August 29Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, New York,
Blessing of Grapes picnic from 12 noon to 4 pm, on the church grou8nds
at 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York 12180.
September 122nd Annual Picnic-Festival in North Andover,
Massachusetts, jointly sponsored by St. Gregory Armenian Church and
St. Michael Parish, 12 noon to 6 pm. Main Street in front of both
parishes will be closed to traffic. Featuring traditional delicious
Armenian and American picnic food. American and Armenian music, games
and activities.
September 12St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, grand
opening of the newly built Founders Hall. Archbishop Oshagan will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the luncheon.
September 176th Annual Golf Outing, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, Illinois. For information: Armen Kholamian (847) 323-5452;
Hagop Soulakian (847) 858-7685; Sevon Torosian (847) 722-3289.
September 19Annual picnic of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
on the church grounds. A relaxing, exciting, joyful, old fashioned
picnic. Good food, best shish kebob, entertainment by FJ-Erevan,
KidZone, special supervised activities for children starting at 1 pm.
September 20St. Stephens Armenian School/ACEC 15TH Annual Golf Outing
at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf, lunch, dinner and
contests. For information: Astor at (781) 326-5764.
September 26Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, 70th anniversary of the church and Rev. Fr. Gomidas
Baghsarians elevation to Archpriest, and 10th anniversary of service
to Sts. Vartanantz. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and preside over the celebratory banquet at Crowne Plaza,
Warwick, Rhode Island. For information: Ramon Zorabedian,
401-884-6626.
September 27Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 7th Annual Golf Outing at Sterling National Country
Club, Sterling, Massachusetts. $140 per person includes golf, cart,
breakfast, dinner and prizes. For information: Kap Kaprielian,
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 508-872-9629.
October 350th anniversary celebration of Nareg Saturday Armenian
School of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, under the
auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and presided by His Grace
Bishop Anoushavan.
October 8-10The Eastern Prelacys Linked In workshop weekend for young
adults at Holy Virgin Marys Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts.
November 767th anniversary, All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview,
Illinois.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys 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])
From: A. Papazian