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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/
March 4, 2010
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PASSES RESOLUTION
The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Armenian Genocide
Resolution this afternoon by a vote of 23 to 22.
BBC News was one of the first news outlets to post the news as
its top story. The BBC web site features the following:
A US congressional panel has described the killing of
Armenians by Turkish forces during World War I as genocide, despite
White House objections.
The resolution was narrowly approved by the House Foreign
Affairs Committee. The administration had warned the panel that the
vote would harm reconciliation talks between Turkey and Armenia. It is
unclear whether the non-binding resolution will now go forward to the
full House but it is fiercely opposed by Turkey, a key ally of the US.
It was approved by 23 votes to 22 by the committee. In 2007, a
similar resolution passed the committee stage, but was shelved before
a House vote after pressure from the George W. Bush administration.
Turkey had warned of consequences for US-Turkey ties if the
latest resolution was passed.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL TRAVEL TO NORTH ANDOVER
This Sunday, March 7, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to North Andover,
Massachusetts, where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at
St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley. Following the Liturgy, His
Eminence will lead the dedication of Khatchkar (stone cross) in memory
of their late pastor, Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian who passed away last
year on March 12, 2009.
PUBLIC FORUM THIS SUNDAY
A public forum, sponsored by the NY-NJ ARF committees, on
Armeno-Turkish Relations: Pitfalls and Possibilities, will take place
this Sunday, March 7 beginning at 4:30 pm, at the New York Hilton
Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas (at 53rd Street), New York
City. The forum will feature: John Evans, former U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia; Ken Hachikian, chairman ANCA; Richard Hovannisian, AEF Chair
in Modern Armenian History, UCLA; and Dennis Papazian, Emeritus
Professor of History, University of Michigan, Dearborn. Admission is
free. For information: 718-651-1530 or 201-945-0011.
PRELACY LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES
The third weekly Lenten program, in a series of six, took place last
night at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New York City, a faith-shaping
program that included worship, an educational component, and meal
fellowship (from 7:30-9:30 pm), under the auspices of Archbishop
Oshagan.
Last night, the topic was Armenian Women as Mothers and Wives,
and it was presented by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Der Hayr focused on
the witness and martyrdom of Shoushanig, a fifth century saint, the
daughter of St. Vartan. Recounting Shoushanigs life, Der Hayr showed
how, despite all her difficulties and hardships, she remained
steadfast and faithful to Christ until death. A lively discussion
ensued.
Afterwards, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan talked about the
special intercessions that we are making this year during the
HusgoomAsdvadzadzin (Mary, the Mother of God), called Mayr Soorp (Holy
Mother). His Eminence expounded on the different elements of the
intercession, such as peace, love and justice in the world, church
unity, and the weather and the environment. And he said, In our church
worship and communal prayers, we see Christian patterns of living and
being, things that today have become movements.
Next Wednesday, March 10, the lecture will focus on
MaryParadigm of Discipleship and Holiness and will be presented by
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG),
and St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild. For more information
please contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or the
cathedral at 212-689-5880.
VICAR LECTURES AT SEMINARY
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, lectured at the General Theological
Seminary in New York on Tuesday, March 2. The title of his lecture was
Spirituality in the Armenian Churchs Hymns and Prayers.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
The Prelacys Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow and
Saturday at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 26th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 21,
at 2 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and
Seventh Avenue, New York City, featuring Tanya Gabrielian, piano; and
Natalie Aroyan, soprano.
Natalie Aroyan, soprano, participated in the 2009 American
Institute of Musical Studies vocal program in Graz, Austria. Her
achievements at Graz included winning First Place and the Audience
Vote at the prestigious Meistersinger Vocal Competition, in which she
performed under the direction of Edoardo Muller. In 2008 at the Sydney
Conservatorium of Music, she performed the role of Rosalinde in
Matthew Barclays production of Strauss Die Fledermaus, conducted by
Imre Pallo. She is currently a professional studies student at Mannes
College The New School for Music.
Tanya Gabrielian, was described as a pianist of powerful
physical and imaginative muscle, by The Times of London. She was
awarded first prize at the 2004 Scottish International Piano
Competition and the 2003 Aram Khachaturian International Piano
Competition. Ms. Gabrielian has performed with several major
orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New London
Sinfonia, and the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. She toured Scotland
with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. She is currently an
artists diploma student at The Juilliard School.
For tickets ($30) contact the Carnegie box office at
212-247-7800 or the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
ARSHILE GORKY STAMP WILL BE ISSUED NEXT THURSDAY
On Thursday, March 11, the U.S. Postal Service will issue an Arshile
Gorky postage stamp. Gorkys 1944 painting The Liver in a Cocks Comb,
will be the first of a series of stamps being issued on March 11 by
the Postal Service honoring abstract expressionists.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for
youth ages 13-18, is scheduled to take place at the St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 25-JUuly 4,
2010. The program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information contact the AREC office at
212-689-7810, [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org).
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA
On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
Eastern Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute is organizing a
pilgrimage to Syria and Lebanon, from August 2 to August 16. Watch for
details in a special edition of Crossroads.
CATHOLICOS ARAM CONCLUDES
VISIT TO INDIA
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
concluded his five-day visit to India. During his visit, His Holiness
met on several occasions with His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus
I, Catholicos of the East and Malankara, of the Indian Orthodox
Church, and the members of the Holy Synod of the first Christian
Church on the sub-continent. He also met with the representatives of
the Syrian Orthodox Catholicos, Archbishops and Heads of the Roman
Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant churches, ecumenical
representatives, former staff members of the World Council of Churches
and government officials.
Upon his departure from India, Catholicos Aram described the
Indian Orthodox Church with its leadership and people as an example of
what it meant to be the church in the multi-religious society of
India. He noted that observing the way churches are living and working
together teaches us about local ecumenism, being minorities in a
largely Hindu society, and relating with other faiths shows how
dialogue and enculturation take shape.
NEW BOOK REVIEWED IN NY TIMES
Yesterdays edition of the New York Times featured a review of a new
book, Rebel Land: Unraveling the Riddle of History in a Turkish Town,
by Christopher de Bellaigue. The headline of the review, which was by
Dwight Garner, said: A Look at the Snarled Past of Armenians and
Turks. To read the review click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/8057822584/2622336/92149634/2 4882/goto:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/books/ 03garner.html?ref=books
).
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for today, Thursday, March 4, are Isaiah 45:17-26;
Ephesians 3:14-4:13
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom
every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that,
according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be
strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being
rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to
comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to
accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever
and ever. Amen.
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life
worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility
and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to
the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one
God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of
Christs gift. Therefore it is said, When he ascended on high he made
captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people. (When it
says, He ascended, what does it mean but that he had also descended
into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one
who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all
things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the
saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of
Christ. (Ephesians 3:14-4:13)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/8057822584/2622336/92149635/2 4882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/pr elacy/PDF/2010dbr-3.pdf
).
SAINTS HONORED THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday, March 6, the Armenian Church remembers and honors the
following four saints:
St. John, Patriarch of Jerusalem , succeeded St. Cyril as
Patriarch of Jerusalem (386-417). He grew up with the monks at the
monastery of Nitria (Egypt) where he learned about Christianity and
the teachings of Origen. He was noted for his keen intellect and is
said to have delivered inspiring and eloquent sermons.
Hovhan Odznetsi (St. John of Otzoon) was catholicos from 717 to
728, which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended
Armenians from forced conversion and was successful in securing the
right of worship for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in
receiving tax-exempt status for the church. He received the title of
philosopher and was educated in the Hellenic school of thought. He was
highly admired and respected.
Hovhan Vorodnetsi (St. John of Orotni) was born in
1315. Following his ordination he served at the monasteries of
Kailitzor and Datev. He dedicated most of his efforts toward the
preservation of the orthodox faith, and against the attempt to merge
the Armenian Church with the Latin Church. He wrote commentaries on
the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul.
Krikor Datevatzi (St. Gregory of Datev), born in 1346 in the
province of
Vayotz Tsor, is perhaps the best known of the three. He was a student
of John of Orotni and a great defender of the character of the
Armenian Church. He was a brilliant scholar; he knew Latin fluently
and had studied the Greek philosophers extensively. He is regarded to
be the greatest teacher of the Armenian Church. His most famous work
is the Book of Questions (Kirk Hartsmants), which examines questions
of faith. He is also credited with setting a high standard for
preaching. He is often referred to as the second Gregory the
Illuminator.
SUNDAY OF THE STEWARD
This Sunday, March 7, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the Sunday of the
Steward (Tntesi Kiraki). The reading on this day is from the Gospel
of Luke (chapter 16, verses 1 to 8), which relates the parable of The
Unrighteous Steward. This parable is about a rich man and his
steward. The steward was one who looked out for his own personal
benefit and through his cunning arrangements he made deals with those
who were in debt to his master. Jesus used this parable not to condone
the behavior of the steward but rather as an illustration of qualities
that have a necessary place in the life of true disciples. Since we
are stewards of the world, we are accountable to our Lord for the
talents we have and the things that have been entrusted to our care.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching
tool. His parables were common stories, usually short and always
interesting. Generally, the stories were used to convey important
moral and ethical messages. Some of the parables were simple and easy
to comprehend. Others were complex and more challenging.
MEDIAN DAY OF LENT
Next Wednesday, March 10, is the median day of Lent (Meechink). It is
the 24th day of Lent and it occurs on the Wednesday of the fourth week
of Lent. Although it does not have any specific religious
significance, this mid-point day has been traditionally marked as a
special day, and occasion for celebration with fellowship, friendship
an d the sharing of a table of Lenten foods.
THE SUNRISE (AREVAKAL) SERVICE
During Lent the Armenian Sunrise service (Arevakal) takes a prominent
place. Traditionally this service would take place on Wednesday and
Friday mornings during Lent. Here in the United States and elsewhere,
it is performed on Sundays immediately after the closed-altar liturgy.
Although the Church takes on a mournful appearance during
Lent, the Sunrise service is quite joyous with its main theme being
light, which is our God, Christ the Lord. Indeed, the word light
(looys) appears more than any other word throughout the service,
whereas the word darkness (khavar) is used just once. The upbeat music
of the hymns and the positive lyrics make this one of the most
pleasant and uplifting services in the Armenian Church. It makes you
want to sing for joy unto the Lord.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 5 Annual Lenten Dinner by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, following Lenten Service. All are
invited. Donation: $10 per person.
March 7 Mid-Lent Luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, at 1 pm. Admission $25 (adults); $10
(children). For information: 212-689-5880.
March 7 Mid-Lent luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, following Badarak. Enjoy a variety of homemade
Lenten food. Presentation by Lynn T. Cetin, MD, Technology and our
Youth and the Importance of the Family dinner.
March 7 General Membership meetings of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 7 Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Blvd., Ridgefield, New Jersey.
March 7 Annual Membership Meeting, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis Ave.,
Waukegan, Illinois.
March 10 Fourth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. St. Mary, Paradigm of Discipleship and
Holiness, presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church (NY).
March 13 International Food Festival and Auction hosted by the
Armenian Relief Society at Hovnanian School, New Milford, New Jersey,
at 5 pm. Food booths of various nations. Silent auction and Tricky
Tray. For information Lucy Keomurjian, 201-567-3318 or
[email protected]
(mailto:lucine [email protected]).
March 13 NY Hamazkayin Literary Committee presents Historical Review
of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Recognition during Soghomon
Tehlirians Trial in 1921, lecture (in English) by Stephan N. Simonian,
MD, 8:05 pm at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City. Admission $5.
March 14 Ladies Guild annual Lenten Luncheon following church
services, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 14 Annual membership meeting, St. Stephens Church, New
Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, in Kework Hall immediately after
services.
March 16 The New York Society Library presents Nora Armani and David
Bakamjian in a journey through the spirit of Armenia, 6:30 pm at the
New York Society Library, 53 East 79th Street, New York City. For
information and registration: www.nysoclib.org/events (
http://e2ma.net/go/8057822584/2622336/92149636/2 4882/goto:http://www.nysoclib.org/events
) or 212-288-6900 Ext. 230
March 17 Fifth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Church, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Charity Workers, presented by
Mrs. Valentine Berberian.
March 21 Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New
York City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie
Aroyan, soprano. Tickets $30. Carnegie box office 212-247-7800 or
Prelacy office 212-689-7810.
March 21 St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presentation by
Heather Govern, who will speak on saving money, saving energy, and
saving the planet, at 1 pm following Badarak. Admission is free.
March 24 Sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Christian
Educators Today, by Yeretzgin Joanna Baghsarian.
March 26 New York Hamazkayin Literary Committee presents, We are not
Ermeni: The Hamshen Armenians, lecturer Avedis Hadjian, 8:05 pm at the
Armenian Center, Woodside, New York.
March 27 New England Regional Conference for pastors, boards of
trustees, and delegates, hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 10 am to 4 pm.
April 11 ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway,
Bayside, New York, 4 pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under
12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
April 17 St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts,
presents jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm,
church hall. $35 per person. Contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
781-209-1915. Reservations only.
April 17 Ladies Guild New England Regional Seminar hosted
Sts. Vartanantz Church (Providence) Ladies Guild and the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 9 am. Guest speaker: Shakay
Kizirian. Topic: Survival (A Womans Story). For information: Joyce
Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 or [email protected].
April 18 ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to
benefit Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th
Street, Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins
1 pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
April 18 Health Expo 2010, To Your Health, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65
234th St., Douglaston, New York. Free tests, counseling, information
on medical conditions, mini-lectures on current health issues. For
information: Dr. Arthur Kubikian 718-786-3842.
April 24 Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, organized by the Eastern Prelacy with the participation of
community organizations, 7 pm at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York
City. Keynote speaker: Professor Peter Balakian.
May 10 Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
May 13 to 16 National Representative Assembly hosted by St.
Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
May 13-14 NALG Annual Conference in conjunction with the NRA, Crowne
Plaza, LaGuardia Airport Hotel. For information Mary Derderian,
781-762-4253, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
June 25-July 4 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13 to 18, at St. Mary of Providence Center,
Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 17 A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
August 22 Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
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])
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/
March 4, 2010
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PASSES RESOLUTION
The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Armenian Genocide
Resolution this afternoon by a vote of 23 to 22.
BBC News was one of the first news outlets to post the news as
its top story. The BBC web site features the following:
A US congressional panel has described the killing of
Armenians by Turkish forces during World War I as genocide, despite
White House objections.
The resolution was narrowly approved by the House Foreign
Affairs Committee. The administration had warned the panel that the
vote would harm reconciliation talks between Turkey and Armenia. It is
unclear whether the non-binding resolution will now go forward to the
full House but it is fiercely opposed by Turkey, a key ally of the US.
It was approved by 23 votes to 22 by the committee. In 2007, a
similar resolution passed the committee stage, but was shelved before
a House vote after pressure from the George W. Bush administration.
Turkey had warned of consequences for US-Turkey ties if the
latest resolution was passed.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL TRAVEL TO NORTH ANDOVER
This Sunday, March 7, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to North Andover,
Massachusetts, where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at
St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley. Following the Liturgy, His
Eminence will lead the dedication of Khatchkar (stone cross) in memory
of their late pastor, Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian who passed away last
year on March 12, 2009.
PUBLIC FORUM THIS SUNDAY
A public forum, sponsored by the NY-NJ ARF committees, on
Armeno-Turkish Relations: Pitfalls and Possibilities, will take place
this Sunday, March 7 beginning at 4:30 pm, at the New York Hilton
Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas (at 53rd Street), New York
City. The forum will feature: John Evans, former U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia; Ken Hachikian, chairman ANCA; Richard Hovannisian, AEF Chair
in Modern Armenian History, UCLA; and Dennis Papazian, Emeritus
Professor of History, University of Michigan, Dearborn. Admission is
free. For information: 718-651-1530 or 201-945-0011.
PRELACY LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES
The third weekly Lenten program, in a series of six, took place last
night at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New York City, a faith-shaping
program that included worship, an educational component, and meal
fellowship (from 7:30-9:30 pm), under the auspices of Archbishop
Oshagan.
Last night, the topic was Armenian Women as Mothers and Wives,
and it was presented by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Der Hayr focused on
the witness and martyrdom of Shoushanig, a fifth century saint, the
daughter of St. Vartan. Recounting Shoushanigs life, Der Hayr showed
how, despite all her difficulties and hardships, she remained
steadfast and faithful to Christ until death. A lively discussion
ensued.
Afterwards, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan talked about the
special intercessions that we are making this year during the
HusgoomAsdvadzadzin (Mary, the Mother of God), called Mayr Soorp (Holy
Mother). His Eminence expounded on the different elements of the
intercession, such as peace, love and justice in the world, church
unity, and the weather and the environment. And he said, In our church
worship and communal prayers, we see Christian patterns of living and
being, things that today have become movements.
Next Wednesday, March 10, the lecture will focus on
MaryParadigm of Discipleship and Holiness and will be presented by
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG),
and St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild. For more information
please contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or the
cathedral at 212-689-5880.
VICAR LECTURES AT SEMINARY
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, lectured at the General Theological
Seminary in New York on Tuesday, March 2. The title of his lecture was
Spirituality in the Armenian Churchs Hymns and Prayers.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
The Prelacys Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow and
Saturday at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 26th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 21,
at 2 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and
Seventh Avenue, New York City, featuring Tanya Gabrielian, piano; and
Natalie Aroyan, soprano.
Natalie Aroyan, soprano, participated in the 2009 American
Institute of Musical Studies vocal program in Graz, Austria. Her
achievements at Graz included winning First Place and the Audience
Vote at the prestigious Meistersinger Vocal Competition, in which she
performed under the direction of Edoardo Muller. In 2008 at the Sydney
Conservatorium of Music, she performed the role of Rosalinde in
Matthew Barclays production of Strauss Die Fledermaus, conducted by
Imre Pallo. She is currently a professional studies student at Mannes
College The New School for Music.
Tanya Gabrielian, was described as a pianist of powerful
physical and imaginative muscle, by The Times of London. She was
awarded first prize at the 2004 Scottish International Piano
Competition and the 2003 Aram Khachaturian International Piano
Competition. Ms. Gabrielian has performed with several major
orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New London
Sinfonia, and the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. She toured Scotland
with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. She is currently an
artists diploma student at The Juilliard School.
For tickets ($30) contact the Carnegie box office at
212-247-7800 or the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
ARSHILE GORKY STAMP WILL BE ISSUED NEXT THURSDAY
On Thursday, March 11, the U.S. Postal Service will issue an Arshile
Gorky postage stamp. Gorkys 1944 painting The Liver in a Cocks Comb,
will be the first of a series of stamps being issued on March 11 by
the Postal Service honoring abstract expressionists.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for
youth ages 13-18, is scheduled to take place at the St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 25-JUuly 4,
2010. The program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information contact the AREC office at
212-689-7810, [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org).
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA
On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
Eastern Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute is organizing a
pilgrimage to Syria and Lebanon, from August 2 to August 16. Watch for
details in a special edition of Crossroads.
CATHOLICOS ARAM CONCLUDES
VISIT TO INDIA
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
concluded his five-day visit to India. During his visit, His Holiness
met on several occasions with His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus
I, Catholicos of the East and Malankara, of the Indian Orthodox
Church, and the members of the Holy Synod of the first Christian
Church on the sub-continent. He also met with the representatives of
the Syrian Orthodox Catholicos, Archbishops and Heads of the Roman
Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant churches, ecumenical
representatives, former staff members of the World Council of Churches
and government officials.
Upon his departure from India, Catholicos Aram described the
Indian Orthodox Church with its leadership and people as an example of
what it meant to be the church in the multi-religious society of
India. He noted that observing the way churches are living and working
together teaches us about local ecumenism, being minorities in a
largely Hindu society, and relating with other faiths shows how
dialogue and enculturation take shape.
NEW BOOK REVIEWED IN NY TIMES
Yesterdays edition of the New York Times featured a review of a new
book, Rebel Land: Unraveling the Riddle of History in a Turkish Town,
by Christopher de Bellaigue. The headline of the review, which was by
Dwight Garner, said: A Look at the Snarled Past of Armenians and
Turks. To read the review click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/8057822584/2622336/92149634/2 4882/goto:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/books/ 03garner.html?ref=books
).
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for today, Thursday, March 4, are Isaiah 45:17-26;
Ephesians 3:14-4:13
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom
every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that,
according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be
strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being
rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to
comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to
accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever
and ever. Amen.
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life
worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility
and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to
the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one
God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of
Christs gift. Therefore it is said, When he ascended on high he made
captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people. (When it
says, He ascended, what does it mean but that he had also descended
into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one
who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all
things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the
saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of
Christ. (Ephesians 3:14-4:13)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/8057822584/2622336/92149635/2 4882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/pr elacy/PDF/2010dbr-3.pdf
).
SAINTS HONORED THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday, March 6, the Armenian Church remembers and honors the
following four saints:
St. John, Patriarch of Jerusalem , succeeded St. Cyril as
Patriarch of Jerusalem (386-417). He grew up with the monks at the
monastery of Nitria (Egypt) where he learned about Christianity and
the teachings of Origen. He was noted for his keen intellect and is
said to have delivered inspiring and eloquent sermons.
Hovhan Odznetsi (St. John of Otzoon) was catholicos from 717 to
728, which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended
Armenians from forced conversion and was successful in securing the
right of worship for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in
receiving tax-exempt status for the church. He received the title of
philosopher and was educated in the Hellenic school of thought. He was
highly admired and respected.
Hovhan Vorodnetsi (St. John of Orotni) was born in
1315. Following his ordination he served at the monasteries of
Kailitzor and Datev. He dedicated most of his efforts toward the
preservation of the orthodox faith, and against the attempt to merge
the Armenian Church with the Latin Church. He wrote commentaries on
the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul.
Krikor Datevatzi (St. Gregory of Datev), born in 1346 in the
province of
Vayotz Tsor, is perhaps the best known of the three. He was a student
of John of Orotni and a great defender of the character of the
Armenian Church. He was a brilliant scholar; he knew Latin fluently
and had studied the Greek philosophers extensively. He is regarded to
be the greatest teacher of the Armenian Church. His most famous work
is the Book of Questions (Kirk Hartsmants), which examines questions
of faith. He is also credited with setting a high standard for
preaching. He is often referred to as the second Gregory the
Illuminator.
SUNDAY OF THE STEWARD
This Sunday, March 7, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the Sunday of the
Steward (Tntesi Kiraki). The reading on this day is from the Gospel
of Luke (chapter 16, verses 1 to 8), which relates the parable of The
Unrighteous Steward. This parable is about a rich man and his
steward. The steward was one who looked out for his own personal
benefit and through his cunning arrangements he made deals with those
who were in debt to his master. Jesus used this parable not to condone
the behavior of the steward but rather as an illustration of qualities
that have a necessary place in the life of true disciples. Since we
are stewards of the world, we are accountable to our Lord for the
talents we have and the things that have been entrusted to our care.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching
tool. His parables were common stories, usually short and always
interesting. Generally, the stories were used to convey important
moral and ethical messages. Some of the parables were simple and easy
to comprehend. Others were complex and more challenging.
MEDIAN DAY OF LENT
Next Wednesday, March 10, is the median day of Lent (Meechink). It is
the 24th day of Lent and it occurs on the Wednesday of the fourth week
of Lent. Although it does not have any specific religious
significance, this mid-point day has been traditionally marked as a
special day, and occasion for celebration with fellowship, friendship
an d the sharing of a table of Lenten foods.
THE SUNRISE (AREVAKAL) SERVICE
During Lent the Armenian Sunrise service (Arevakal) takes a prominent
place. Traditionally this service would take place on Wednesday and
Friday mornings during Lent. Here in the United States and elsewhere,
it is performed on Sundays immediately after the closed-altar liturgy.
Although the Church takes on a mournful appearance during
Lent, the Sunrise service is quite joyous with its main theme being
light, which is our God, Christ the Lord. Indeed, the word light
(looys) appears more than any other word throughout the service,
whereas the word darkness (khavar) is used just once. The upbeat music
of the hymns and the positive lyrics make this one of the most
pleasant and uplifting services in the Armenian Church. It makes you
want to sing for joy unto the Lord.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 5 Annual Lenten Dinner by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, following Lenten Service. All are
invited. Donation: $10 per person.
March 7 Mid-Lent Luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, at 1 pm. Admission $25 (adults); $10
(children). For information: 212-689-5880.
March 7 Mid-Lent luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, following Badarak. Enjoy a variety of homemade
Lenten food. Presentation by Lynn T. Cetin, MD, Technology and our
Youth and the Importance of the Family dinner.
March 7 General Membership meetings of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 7 Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Blvd., Ridgefield, New Jersey.
March 7 Annual Membership Meeting, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis Ave.,
Waukegan, Illinois.
March 10 Fourth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. St. Mary, Paradigm of Discipleship and
Holiness, presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church (NY).
March 13 International Food Festival and Auction hosted by the
Armenian Relief Society at Hovnanian School, New Milford, New Jersey,
at 5 pm. Food booths of various nations. Silent auction and Tricky
Tray. For information Lucy Keomurjian, 201-567-3318 or
[email protected]
(mailto:lucine [email protected]).
March 13 NY Hamazkayin Literary Committee presents Historical Review
of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Recognition during Soghomon
Tehlirians Trial in 1921, lecture (in English) by Stephan N. Simonian,
MD, 8:05 pm at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City. Admission $5.
March 14 Ladies Guild annual Lenten Luncheon following church
services, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 14 Annual membership meeting, St. Stephens Church, New
Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, in Kework Hall immediately after
services.
March 16 The New York Society Library presents Nora Armani and David
Bakamjian in a journey through the spirit of Armenia, 6:30 pm at the
New York Society Library, 53 East 79th Street, New York City. For
information and registration: www.nysoclib.org/events (
http://e2ma.net/go/8057822584/2622336/92149636/2 4882/goto:http://www.nysoclib.org/events
) or 212-288-6900 Ext. 230
March 17 Fifth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Church, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Charity Workers, presented by
Mrs. Valentine Berberian.
March 21 Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New
York City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie
Aroyan, soprano. Tickets $30. Carnegie box office 212-247-7800 or
Prelacy office 212-689-7810.
March 21 St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presentation by
Heather Govern, who will speak on saving money, saving energy, and
saving the planet, at 1 pm following Badarak. Admission is free.
March 24 Sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Christian
Educators Today, by Yeretzgin Joanna Baghsarian.
March 26 New York Hamazkayin Literary Committee presents, We are not
Ermeni: The Hamshen Armenians, lecturer Avedis Hadjian, 8:05 pm at the
Armenian Center, Woodside, New York.
March 27 New England Regional Conference for pastors, boards of
trustees, and delegates, hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 10 am to 4 pm.
April 11 ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway,
Bayside, New York, 4 pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under
12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
April 17 St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts,
presents jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm,
church hall. $35 per person. Contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
781-209-1915. Reservations only.
April 17 Ladies Guild New England Regional Seminar hosted
Sts. Vartanantz Church (Providence) Ladies Guild and the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 9 am. Guest speaker: Shakay
Kizirian. Topic: Survival (A Womans Story). For information: Joyce
Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 or [email protected].
April 18 ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to
benefit Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th
Street, Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins
1 pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
April 18 Health Expo 2010, To Your Health, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65
234th St., Douglaston, New York. Free tests, counseling, information
on medical conditions, mini-lectures on current health issues. For
information: Dr. Arthur Kubikian 718-786-3842.
April 24 Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, organized by the Eastern Prelacy with the participation of
community organizations, 7 pm at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York
City. Keynote speaker: Professor Peter Balakian.
May 10 Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
May 13 to 16 National Representative Assembly hosted by St.
Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
May 13-14 NALG Annual Conference in conjunction with the NRA, Crowne
Plaza, LaGuardia Airport Hotel. For information Mary Derderian,
781-762-4253, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
June 25-July 4 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13 to 18, at St. Mary of Providence Center,
Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 17 A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
August 22 Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
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])