Tweet
January 7, 2010
CHRISTMAS SERVICES ATTRACT
THE FAITHFUL
All of our parishes within the Eastern Prelacy have reported
exceptionally large turnout of the faithful for Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day services on January 5 and 6.
The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy
and delivered the sermon at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New
York. His Eminence also officiated over the Blessing of the Water
service that followed the Liturgy.
The Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, delivered the sermon and officiated over the Blessing of the
Water service at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
PRELATES CHRISTMAS
HOME BLESSING AND RECEPTION
The Prelacys Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall was filled to capacity
at the Prelates annual Christmas Reception yesterday
evening. Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan welcomed the many
friends who came to express their Christmas and New Year greetings.
The traditional Home Blessing was conducted by Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral with the participation
of area clergy including Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian,
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian.
The Armenian tradition of home blessing has unfortunately
diminished in recent years. Not too long ago it was considered
essential to have homes blessed during the Christmas and Easter holy
days. During the ceremony the priest blesses bread, water, and saltall
considered to be essential to life. It is customary to burn incense,
echoing the words of the psalmist, Let my prayer be counted as incense
before you, (Psalm 141). The priest usually places a wafer (nushkhar)
with the bread, water, and salt.
Oh Christ our God, guardian and hope of all your faithful,
protect and keep in peace your people under the protection of your
holy and venerable cross; and especially this family, their home, the
bread, the salt and the water. Save them O Lord from visible and
invisible enemies and make them worthy to glorify you with the Father
and the Holy Spirit, now and always, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Benediction from the Armenian Blessing of Homes ceremony)
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian performs the traditional Home Blessing
ceremony.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob and Setrak Agonian present a cross to Archbishop
Oshagan in appreciation of his dedicated service to the Cathedral
renovation project.
Archbishop Oshagan with Ambassador and Mrs. Garen Nazarian (right) and
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gulbenkian.
TODAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
Today, January 7, is Memorial Day. In the tradition of the Armenian
Church the day following each of the five major feasts (Nativity,
Easter, Transfiguration, Assumption, Holy Cross) is a memorial day,
when the faithful go to the cemetery to have the graves of their loved
ones blessed.
NEW KITCHEN DEDICATED AT CATHEDRAL
The new kitchen at St. Illuminators Cathedral was dedicated
yesterday, Wednesday, January 6, following
Christmas and Epiphany services. The newly-located and renovated
kitchen was sponsored by the Cathedrals Ladies Guild, Mr. &
Mrs. Vartan Geudelekian, Mrs. Makrouhi Kaladjian, and Mr. and
Mrs. Avedis Hadjian.
The Cathedral underwent a total renovation that took more than
one year. The final phase of the renovationthe entrance and foyeris
expected to be completed this year.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO BOSTON
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Massachusetts this weekend where on
Sunday he will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon
at St. Stephens Church, Watertown.
VICAR ATTENDS ECUMENICAL EVENT
Bishop Anoushaan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, and Ecumenical
Officer of North America for the Holy See of Cilicia, attended a
Christmas and New Year celebration hosted by the Council of the Indian
Orthodox Church in Bellerose, New York, on Sunday, January 3. Bishop
Anoushavan conveyed greetings on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan to His
Grace Bishop Zacharia Mar Nichollovos.
PROF. TANER AKCAM LECTURES IN LEBANON
Professor Taner Akcam, author of A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide
and the Question of Turkish Responsibility, is visiting the
Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, and other areas in Lebanon.
Four years ago, when His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, was invited to deliver lectures at the College
of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University in Minnesota, Dr. Akcam
expressed the desire to visit the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The
Turkish historian lectured at the Catholicosate on January 4, and is
scheduled to lecture tomorrow, January 8, at the Punik Auditorium in
Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, January 7, the second day of
Nativity, are: Acts 6:8-8:2; John 12:24-26.
Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the
earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who
hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever
serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be
also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. (John 12:24-26)
For listing of this weeks Bible readings click here (
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PD F/2010dbr-1.pdf
).
FEAST OF THE NAMING OF OUR LORD
Next Wednesday, January 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the
naming of our Lord Jesus Christ in accordance with the Hebrew
custom. The commemoration of this event (see Matthew 1:20-23; Luke
1:30-32; Luke 2:21) comes seven days after the Feast of Theophany,
which is the eighth day of the octave of Theophany. This event of the
naming and circumcision of our Lord resulted in the tradition for
newborn children of Christians to be baptized eight days after birtha
tradition that is rarely followed in modern times.
ANNUAL GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
The annual clergy gathering on the occasion of the Feast of
St. Ghevont and Priests, will take place at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, February 8-11. The
Feast of Ghevontiantz is celebrated each year preceding the Vartanantz
Feast.
For the agenda of the clergy conference (in Armenian) click
here (
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PD F/2010ghevontyantzprogram.pdf
).
BALAKIAN AND EGOYAN TO PARTICIPATE IN SYMPOSIUM
Peter Balakian and Atom Egoyan will be featured at a symposium titled
Imagination and Catastrophe: The Aftermath of Genocide, at the Center
for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th Street, New York, this Sunday, January
10. The symposium will include filmmakers, writers, and musicians who
will explore the complexity of creating art that deals with genocide
and its aftermath. The artists and critics will discuss how the
imagination wrestles with historically catastrophic events. The event
begins at 11 a.m. For tickets ($20): www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 31Saint Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York, and special
requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian. Luncheon
and special cultural program following church services. Donation $25.
For reservations: 718-224-2275.
February 6St. Stephens (Watertown, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild, Mardi
Gras celebration, 7 pm at church hallo. Costumes optional; masks a
must. For information: Mary Derderian, [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
February 8-10Annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, hosted by
St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
February 28 and March 7General Membership meetings of Soorp
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 21Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie Aroyan,
soprano.
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
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])
CHRISTMAS SERVICES ATTRACT
THE FAITHFUL
All of our parishes within the Eastern Prelacy have reported
exceptionally large turnout of the faithful for Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day services on January 5 and 6.
The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy
and delivered the sermon at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New
York. His Eminence also officiated over the Blessing of the Water
service that followed the Liturgy.
The Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, delivered the sermon and officiated over the Blessing of the
Water service at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
PRELATES CHRISTMAS
HOME BLESSING AND RECEPTION
The Prelacys Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall was filled to capacity
at the Prelates annual Christmas Reception yesterday
evening. Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan welcomed the many
friends who came to express their Christmas and New Year greetings.
The traditional Home Blessing was conducted by Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral with the participation
of area clergy including Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian,
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian.
The Armenian tradition of home blessing has unfortunately
diminished in recent years. Not too long ago it was considered
essential to have homes blessed during the Christmas and Easter holy
days. During the ceremony the priest blesses bread, water, and saltall
considered to be essential to life. It is customary to burn incense,
echoing the words of the psalmist, Let my prayer be counted as incense
before you, (Psalm 141). The priest usually places a wafer (nushkhar)
with the bread, water, and salt.
Oh Christ our God, guardian and hope of all your faithful,
protect and keep in peace your people under the protection of your
holy and venerable cross; and especially this family, their home, the
bread, the salt and the water. Save them O Lord from visible and
invisible enemies and make them worthy to glorify you with the Father
and the Holy Spirit, now and always, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Benediction from the Armenian Blessing of Homes ceremony)
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian performs the traditional Home Blessing
ceremony.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob and Setrak Agonian present a cross to Archbishop
Oshagan in appreciation of his dedicated service to the Cathedral
renovation project.
Archbishop Oshagan with Ambassador and Mrs. Garen Nazarian (right) and
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gulbenkian.
TODAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
Today, January 7, is Memorial Day. In the tradition of the Armenian
Church the day following each of the five major feasts (Nativity,
Easter, Transfiguration, Assumption, Holy Cross) is a memorial day,
when the faithful go to the cemetery to have the graves of their loved
ones blessed.
NEW KITCHEN DEDICATED AT CATHEDRAL
The new kitchen at St. Illuminators Cathedral was dedicated
yesterday, Wednesday, January 6, following
Christmas and Epiphany services. The newly-located and renovated
kitchen was sponsored by the Cathedrals Ladies Guild, Mr. &
Mrs. Vartan Geudelekian, Mrs. Makrouhi Kaladjian, and Mr. and
Mrs. Avedis Hadjian.
The Cathedral underwent a total renovation that took more than
one year. The final phase of the renovationthe entrance and foyeris
expected to be completed this year.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO BOSTON
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Massachusetts this weekend where on
Sunday he will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon
at St. Stephens Church, Watertown.
VICAR ATTENDS ECUMENICAL EVENT
Bishop Anoushaan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, and Ecumenical
Officer of North America for the Holy See of Cilicia, attended a
Christmas and New Year celebration hosted by the Council of the Indian
Orthodox Church in Bellerose, New York, on Sunday, January 3. Bishop
Anoushavan conveyed greetings on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan to His
Grace Bishop Zacharia Mar Nichollovos.
PROF. TANER AKCAM LECTURES IN LEBANON
Professor Taner Akcam, author of A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide
and the Question of Turkish Responsibility, is visiting the
Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, and other areas in Lebanon.
Four years ago, when His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, was invited to deliver lectures at the College
of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University in Minnesota, Dr. Akcam
expressed the desire to visit the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The
Turkish historian lectured at the Catholicosate on January 4, and is
scheduled to lecture tomorrow, January 8, at the Punik Auditorium in
Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, January 7, the second day of
Nativity, are: Acts 6:8-8:2; John 12:24-26.
Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the
earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who
hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever
serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be
also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. (John 12:24-26)
For listing of this weeks Bible readings click here (
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PD F/2010dbr-1.pdf
).
FEAST OF THE NAMING OF OUR LORD
Next Wednesday, January 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the
naming of our Lord Jesus Christ in accordance with the Hebrew
custom. The commemoration of this event (see Matthew 1:20-23; Luke
1:30-32; Luke 2:21) comes seven days after the Feast of Theophany,
which is the eighth day of the octave of Theophany. This event of the
naming and circumcision of our Lord resulted in the tradition for
newborn children of Christians to be baptized eight days after birtha
tradition that is rarely followed in modern times.
ANNUAL GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
The annual clergy gathering on the occasion of the Feast of
St. Ghevont and Priests, will take place at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, February 8-11. The
Feast of Ghevontiantz is celebrated each year preceding the Vartanantz
Feast.
For the agenda of the clergy conference (in Armenian) click
here (
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PD F/2010ghevontyantzprogram.pdf
).
BALAKIAN AND EGOYAN TO PARTICIPATE IN SYMPOSIUM
Peter Balakian and Atom Egoyan will be featured at a symposium titled
Imagination and Catastrophe: The Aftermath of Genocide, at the Center
for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th Street, New York, this Sunday, January
10. The symposium will include filmmakers, writers, and musicians who
will explore the complexity of creating art that deals with genocide
and its aftermath. The artists and critics will discuss how the
imagination wrestles with historically catastrophic events. The event
begins at 11 a.m. For tickets ($20): www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 31Saint Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York, and special
requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian. Luncheon
and special cultural program following church services. Donation $25.
For reservations: 718-224-2275.
February 6St. Stephens (Watertown, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild, Mardi
Gras celebration, 7 pm at church hallo. Costumes optional; masks a
must. For information: Mary Derderian, [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
February 8-10Annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, hosted by
St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
February 28 and March 7General Membership meetings of Soorp
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 21Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie Aroyan,
soprano.
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
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])