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eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 10/21/2010

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  • eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 10/21/2010

    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
    Web: [25]www.armenianchurch-ed.net
    Links:
    25. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net


    TOP STORY October
    21, 2010

    _Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross on Sunday_

    On Sunday, October 24, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of the
    Discovery of the Holy Cross. The feast day marks the fourth-century
    `discovery' of the actual cross of the Crucifixion by Queen Helena, mother
    of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

    At the advanced age of 80, this pious Christian woman made a pilgrimage to
    the Holy Land to identify places where Christ had walked, some 300 years
    earlier. There, after years of prayer and good works, Helena was witness to
    a miracle: at the foot of Golgotha-the hill where Christ was
    crucified-workers under her sponsorship unearthed three wooden crosses.

    But which one was the true Cross of Christ? In an ingenious solution, the
    workers brought the body of a recently-deceased man to the site. Placing him
    on the first two crosses produced no result. But when he was placed on the
    third, the body stirred to life. This, Helena concluded, must be the True
    Cross-still surging with the miraculous, life-giving power of Christ's
    Resurrection.

    The cross is a source of great pride for Armenians as a _khachagir_-or
    "cross-bearing"-nation. Over the centuries, Armenians have borne Christ's
    cross with faith, hope and love. What was once an instrument of torture and
    death would become for Christians the symbol of salvation, and victory over
    death. [4]Click here to read more about the significance of the cross.
    Links:
    4. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/feasts/the-holy-cross/about-the-exaltation-of-the-cross


    _Sub-deacons to be Ordained in Framingham, MA _

    On Sunday, October 24, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
    of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), will visit the Church of the
    Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, where he will preside over the
    celebration of the Divine Liturgy and ordain two sub-deacons.

    The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Vard Gyozalian, a
    priest from Holy Etchmiadzin who is completing a pastoral internship at Holy
    Translators Church under the guidance of the parish pastor, the Rev. Fr.
    Krikor Sabounjian.

    At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian will ordain
    Daniel Hyde and Ara Bablouzian to the sub-diaconate. A fellowship hour will
    follow services. [5]Click here to visit the parish website.
    Links:
    5. http://www.holytranslators.org


    Scripture of the Week

    Wis 14:1-8
    Is 33:22-34:1
    1 Cor 1:18-24
    Mt 24:27-36

    Prayer of the week

    By the holy cross let us beseech the Lord, that through it He may deliver us
    from our sins and save us by the grace of His mercy. Almighty Lord, our God,
    save us and have mercy on us. Amen.

    Upcoming Saints & Feasts

    _24 October:_ Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

    _31 October:_ Eighth Sunday after the Exaltation

    CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

    A new tramway connects Tatev Monastery with the Yerevan-Goris highway.

    _Tramway Provides New Access to Tatev Monastery _

    After a year of construction, the new Tatev Monastery aerial tramway
    officially opened in Armenia last week. His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
    Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, took part in the opening-day
    ceremony on Saturday, October 16, and offered a prayer of thanksgiving on
    the occasion.

    Known as the `Wings of Tatev,' the tramway stretches 3.5 miles. It connects
    the Goris-Yerevan highway with the 9th-century Tatev Monastery in Syunik
    (the word `Tatev' means `to give wings').

    One of the projects main supporters was Ruben Vardanian of Russia, a
    benefactor of Holy Etchmiadzin who also serves on the Supreme Spiritual
    Council.

    Also taking part in last week's ceremony was Armenian President Serzh
    Sargsyan and other government officials. Click to read more about the
    [6]ceremony and the [7]tramway project.
    Links:
    6. http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1666&y10&m=9&d=18&lng=en
    7. https://tatev.am/project

    DIOCESAN NEWS

    _Eastern Diocese's "Matching Challenge" Now Underway
    _
    The success of last year's Annual Appeal Matching Challenge was a tribute to
    the confidence and enthusiasm of our people, who supported their Diocese in
    record numbers.

    This year, we're hoping that lightning will strike again!

    For our 2010 Diocesan Appeal, a generous donor has issued another =80=9CMatching
    Contribution Initiative.' Once again, the idea is to raise funds to help our
    Diocese meet its budgetary goals. But we also want to _inspire people across
    our Diocese_ to show their support of the Armenian Church.

    The donor has agreed to contribute up to $100,000-_matching
    dollar-for-dollar every contribution received by the Diocese this fall!_

    Our success depends on donations large and small, from people who want to
    seize this opportunity to _double the impact_ of their contributions to the
    Armenian Church of America.

    Whether you're one of the Diocese's much-appreciated longtime donors, or
    someone who's been looking for the right time to give, _you won't want to
    let this opportunity slip away!_
    [8]
    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW.
    Links:
    8. https://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/get-involved/donate-now

    Members of the Diocesan Council at their Oct. 21 meeting.

    _Diocesan Council
    _
    Members of the Diocesan Council met on Thursday, October 21, for their
    monthly meeting to discuss Diocesan business.

    Chief among the topics under discussion was the Diocesan theme of
    Vocations-which the Diocese will continue to promote throughout its local
    parishes in 2011, with a focus on lay ministries. The results of the past
    year's Vocations-related activities (which have revolved around the role of
    the priesthood) will be compiled by the Council as a resource for all
    Diocesan parishes.

    The Council members also heard reports on the activities of the Diocesan
    program and finance departments, and devoted attention to this year's Annual
    Appeal, now ongoing throughout the Eastern Diocese (see the item above for
    details).


    Abp. Barsamian (second from left), Rabbi Schneier (second from right), and
    other dignitaries at an Appeal of Conscience Foundation event.

    _Welcoming New President of UN General Assembly_

    On Wednesday, October 20, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
    attended a luncheon at the Minskoff Cultural Center in Manhattan, at the
    invitation of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of
    Conscience Foundation. The gathering of religious leaders met to welcome His
    Excellency Joseph Deiss, the former Foreign Minister of Switzerland, who is
    serving as president of the 65th session of the United Nations General
    Assembly.

    Archbishop Barsamian, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Church, and
    Bishop Mark Sisk of the Episcopal Church were among the religious leaders
    representing the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths at the
    luncheon. During a collegial conversation and Q-&-A session with Dr. Deiss,
    attendees suggested ways to deepen the partnership between religious leaders
    and the UN, and discussed ways they could promote peace and understanding
    among different peoples, nations, and religions.

    Archbishop Barsamian is a long-serving vice president of the Appeal of
    Conscience Foundation.


    _St. Nersess Seminary Board Elects New Members __ _

    Members of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary Board of Directors met at the
    seminary on Saturday, October 16. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
    Primate and board president, presided over the meeting.

    Five new members were elected to the board. The Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian,
    Nicole Vartanian, and Hagop Kouyoumjian were elected for full six-year
    terms. Karen Dilimentian and the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian were elected to
    serve for two-years.

    Board members also reviewed operations of St. Nersess Seminary with its
    dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Finidkyan, and approved the 2011 budget. They
    expressed their satisfaction with recent programs at the seminary. [9]Click
    here to visit the seminary's website.
    Links:
    9. http://www.stnersess.edu

    _New England Clergy Meet with Primate in Watertown, MA _

    On Monday, October 18, New England area clergy met with Archbishop Khajag
    Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, at St. James Church of Watertown, MA, to
    discuss Sunday School programs and other parish-level and Diocesan
    activities.

    Clergy spoke about the participation of Sunday School students in the Divine
    Liturgy and the preparation of Sunday School teachers, the training and
    requirements for new altar servers, and the new ACYOA partnership with the
    Fund for Armenian Relief, which will help young people become more involved
    in Armenia-related projects. Also in discussion was the Diocese's theme of
    `Vocations: The Call to Serve,' and plans to focus next year's theme on lay
    ministries.


    Margaret Ajemian Ahnert with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

    _FAR Announces Ajemian Ahnert Scholars _

    The Fund for Armenian Relief announced this week the selection of its first
    five Margaret Ajemian Ahnert Scholars-young journalism students who will be
    able to continue their academic studies thanks to the generous scholarship
    program.

    Margaret Ajemian Ahnert established the scholarship fund in memory of her
    mother, Ester Ajemian, in July 2010. The scholarship supports and empowers
    aspiring female journalists by providing them with an opportunity to receive
    the education and training they need to pursue careers in the media. The
    fund, administered by FAR, provides full tuition and monthly stipends to
    female graduate students in Armenia.

    A media specialist, Ms. Ahnert has worked as a television producer and a
    teacher before publishing her first book `The Knock at the Door: A Journey
    Through the Darkness of the Armenian Genocide.' [10]Click here to read more
    about the scholarship program.
    Links:
    10. http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=570bec15b4d23ff71f939238a&id=1c8c9c42bb&e=773fb 7d06a


    _Diocese Searches for Executive Director_

    The Eastern Diocese is searching for candidates for the position of
    Executive Director.

    Based in New York City, the Executive Director will be responsible for the
    management of the administrative and operational functions at the Diocese,
    in accordance with the policies established by the Primate and the Diocesan
    Council. Responsibilities will encompass the areas of finance,
    administration, development, communications, education, and facilities
    management.

    [11]Click here to view a complete job description and list of
    qualifications. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
    [12][email protected].
    Links:
    11. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/eastern-diocese/employment
    12. mailto:[email protected]

    PARISH NEWS

    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordained acolytes at Sts. Vartanantz Church last
    Sunday.

    _Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, Welcomes Primate, Marks Women's
    Guild Centennial_

    Parishioners at Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, Mass., gathered on
    Sunday, October 17, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment
    of the local Women's Guild-an organization that was instrumental in the
    building of the parish's first house of worship in the early part of the
    20th century.

    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
    of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained four
    parishioners to the rank of acolyte: Peter Martin Bogosian, Richard Hagob
    Sarkisian, Samuel John Balian, and Jeremy Albert Oldham.

    Following the ordinations, Archbishop Barsamian met with the parish Sunday
    and Armenian School students. Addressing them in the sanctuary, he wished
    them a productive academic year and expressed his gratitude to the teachers
    who help ensure the success and growth of the two schools.

    The afternoon continued with a festive banquet honoring the 26 women who
    founded the parish's Women's Guild in 1910. Parishioners revisited the
    history of the organization's establishment and reflected on the many
    contributions of the Women's Guild to Sts. Vartanantz Church.

    The day concluded with a parish leadership meeting. Click to [13]read more
    and to [14]view photos.
    Links:
    13. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/sts-vartanantz-church-of-chelmsford-ma-celebrates-womens-guild-centennial
    14. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Sts-Vartanantz-Armenian-Church/14298320_9Jbnu#1057844896_6URa8

    From left: Gregory Abrahamian, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, and Fr. Kapriel
    Mouradjian, with the Abrahamian family.

    _Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, Launches Anniversary Celebration_

    On Saturday, October 16, the Church of the Holy Resurrection launched the
    celebration of the parish's 70th year in New Britain, CT. The weekend also
    marked the 30th anniversary of the consecration of the current sanctuary.

    Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian visited the Holy Resurrection Church on the
    occasion, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy there on Sunday, October 17. He
    was assisted by the parish priest, the Rev.Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian.

    Following services, parishioners gathered for a banquet in Abrahamian
    Auditorium. The community honored Peter Bagdigian Jr, John Maljanian, Harry
    Azarigian, and Stephan Der Margosian for their many decades of faithful
    service.
    Also recognized was Gregory Abrahamian, a resident of New Britain who has
    worked as the city's engineer. Archbishop Gizirian presented Mr. Abrahamian
    with the Eastern Diocese's `St. Vartan Award' on behalf of Diocesan Primate,
    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.


    Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, Armenian Studies coordinator at the Eastern
    Diocese, gave a talk at St. Leon Church this week.

    _Women's Guild of St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, Hosts Talk on Armenian
    Proverbs _

    After the successful conclusion of their three-day food festival, the
    Women's Guild of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, hosted Gilda Buchakjian
    Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian Studies at the Eastern Diocese's
    Department of Youth and Education, on Tuesday, October 19.

    Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian's talk centered on Armenian proverbs and
    traditional sayings with a focus on their provenance-the traditional
    lifestyle and folklore that promoted these expressions. The interactive
    presentation included active participation from the women in attendance. The
    lecture was enhanced by a visual presentation of original illustrations by
    Linda Ganjian.

    The St. Leon Church Women's Guild is chaired by Rita Oscherician. Following
    Tuesday's talk, Mrs. Oscherician described the organization's members as
    `women of integrity and dedication, who are always ready to help others, and
    usually without recognition.'

    `They are a pleasure to work with,' she added, =80=9Cand I feel truly blessed to
    be amongst women that make a difference in the life of our parish and others
    on a regular basis.'

    Members of Women's Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of
    Binghamton, NY, with parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian.

    _Women's Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton, NY, Honors
    Two Longstanding Members _

    On Sunday, October 10, the Women's Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator
    Church of Binghamton, NY, celebrated its annual Guild Day.

    During a dinner following services, the organization honored two
    longstanding members: Grace Baradet and Rose Ketchoyian.

    Charlotte Sevazlian, the corresponding secretary of the Women's Guild
    Central Council and the council's liaison to the Binghamton chapter,
    presented the honorees with certificates issued by Diocesan Primate,
    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

    Charlotte Sevazlian also shared with attendees updates from the Women's
    Guild Central Council. [15]Click here to read more.
    Links:
    15. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Binghamton_Guild_Day.pdf


    _Binghamton, NY, Parish Hosts Antranig Dance Ensemble_

    St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton, NY, hosted the Antranig
    Dance Ensemble on Saturday, September 25. The performance, held at
    Binghamton High School, drew more than 160 people.

    The Antranig Dance Ensemble has been performing in Binghamton at the
    invitation of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church for the past four years.
    The group prepared a new show for last month's performance.

    The ensemble was established in 1969 under the auspices of the Armenian
    General Benevolent Union. Today it is comprised of about 30 dancers.


    _Upcoming Parish Festivals and Gatherings _

    _St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ_
    St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host its fall bazaar and food
    festival on Saturday, October 23, from 12 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 24,
    from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy shish kebab, doner, yalanchee, boreg, and other
    Armenian delicacies.

    The event will also feature vendor booths, face painting, carnival rides, DJ
    music, and other activities. The Akh'Tamar Dance Ensemble of St. Thomas
    Church will perform on Saturday; the AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble will
    perform on Sunday.

    For more information, call the church at (201) 567-5446, or [16]click here
    to visit the parish website.
    Links:
    16. http://www.stthomasarmenianchurch.com

    _Church of Our Saviour | Worcester, MA_
    The Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, will host an Armenian festival
    on Friday, October 22, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 24, from 12 to
    5 p.m.
    The event will be held in the church's cultural center at 34 Boynton Street
    in Worcester.

    It will feature an Armenian Country Store, a raffle, and activities for
    children. Enjoy traditional Armenian food and pastries. [17]Click here to
    view a flyer. For more information, call the church office at (508)
    756-2931.
    Links:
    17. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/pdf/FallFestival.pdf

    _St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY_
    On Sunday, October 24, St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will celebrate
    the 111th anniversary of the establishment of the parish.

    A celebratory luncheon and program will follow services in the church's
    Gdanian Auditorium. The parish will officially welcome back the Rev. Fr.
    Stepanos Doudoukjian and his family. Fr. Doudoukjian has returned to serve
    as the parish's pastor after working as the director of Youth and Vocations
    at St. Nersess Seminary.

    Reservations for the luncheon are required and must be made by contacting
    the church office at (518) 274-3673. [18]Click here to visit the parish
    website for more information.
    Links:
    18. http://stpeterarmenianchurch.com/page7.html

    _St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ_
    St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host a Beefsteak Dinner and Dance on
    Saturday, October 23, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The event will feature DJ
    music by Time Machine Entertainment.

    For more information, call Linda Capizzi at (201) 836-0513, or Margaret
    Ajamian at (201) 847-0950.

    _St. Mesrob Church | Racine, WI_
    The Sunday School of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI-the first Sunday School
    established in the Eastern Diocese-will mark its 75th anniversary on Sunday,
    October 24. A luncheon and program will follow services.

    The day's theme will be "Honoring our Past and Preparing our Youth." The
    parish will recognize past superintendents and teachers 65 and older. For
    more information, e-mail [19][email protected].
    Links:
    19. mailto:[email protected]

    _Church of the Holy Ascension | Trumbull, CT_
    The Church of the Holy Ascension of Trumbull, CT, will host a concert on
    Sunday, October 24, at 3 p.m. The event will feature performances by: Dn.
    Vrej Yapoujian, vocalist; Houry Schmeizl, piano; Avetik Topchyan, kemancha;
    and Mari Yapoujian, recitation.

    For more information, call the church at (203) 372-5770.

    _St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY_
    The St. Vartan Cathedral Council is sponsoring a fall gathering at Michael
    Aram's flagship store in Manhattan on Friday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8:30
    p.m.
    Come mingle and meet members of the cathedral community. Meet artist and
    designer Michael Aram and browse his latest collection. Light food and
    refreshments will be served.

    The Michael Aram Flagship Store is located at 136 West 18th Street in
    Manhattan (between 6th and 7th avenues). [20]Click here to view a flyer.
    RSVP is requested but not required. Call Deacon Sebuh at (212) 686-0710,
    ext. 141.
    Links:
    20. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/pdf/MichaelAram.pdf

    EVENTS

    _Panel on Christians in the Middle East at St. John's Univ._

    The Center for Law and Religion at St. John's University will host a panel
    discussion titled "Christians in the Middle East - Contemporary Human Rights
    Concerns," on Thursday, October 21, beginning at 7 p.m.

    Panelists include the Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain; Caroline Labib Doss;
    Michael J.L. La Civita of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association; Rev.
    Frank Marangos of the Greek Archdiocese; and Pierro Tozzi of the Alliance
    Defense Fund.

    They will discuss challenges facing Christians in the Middle East and the
    potential for addressing them through international human rights law. For
    more information, [21]click here.
    Links:
    21. http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/graduate/law/news/events/[email protected]/academics/graduate/law/ev_law_clr_100914.xml?context_date=10/21/2010

    _An Evening with Agop J. Hacikyan to be Held at Diocese_

    The public is invited to attend an evening with Agop J. Hacikyan=80'author of
    `A Summer Without Dawn' and `The Lamppost Diary'-at the Diocesan Center on
    Friday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m.

    The event is being organized by several Armenian organizations in the
    greater New York City area in celebration of Mr. Hacikyan's literary career.
    It will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan
    Center (35th Street and Second Avenue) in Manhattan.

    For more information, [22]click here to view a flyer.
    Links:
    22. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Agop.pdf


    _Zohrab Center to Co-host Guitar Recital Next Month _

    The Diocese's Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, the Armenian
    Students' Association of New York, and the Armenian Network of Greater New
    York will co-host a guitar recital at the Diocesan Center on Friday,
    November 5, at 7 p.m.

    The event will feature Joao Kouoyumdjian on the guitar, and special guests
    Solange Merdinian, soprano; Gohar Vardanyan, guitar; and Joe Arndt, piano.
    They will perform works by Iakovos Kolanian, J.S. Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos,
    Isaac Albeniz, and others.

    Admission is free. A wine and cheese reception will follow the event. For
    more information, contact Taleen Babayan at (212) 686-0710.


    YOUTH NEWS

    _ACYOA Juniors of St. Sahag Church in Minnesota to Take Part in Weekend Retreat
    _
    This weekend, Jennifer Morris, the Youth Outreach coordinator at the Eastern
    Diocese, will travel to St. Paul, MN, to lead the St. Sahag Church ACYOA
    Juniors in an overnight retreat.

    The retreat will begin on Saturday, October 23, with an informational
    meeting for teens and their parents about the ACYOA and Diocesan-wide
    programs. After dinner, the parents will depart and the teens will
    participate in interactive team-building exercises and Bible study as they
    gain skills to develop their newly established ACYOA Juniors chapter.

    The retreat will conclude on Sunday, October 24, with the celebration of the
    Divine Liturgy by the parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan. The
    weekend program marks the first such visit organized by the Diocese's Youth
    Outreach section.

    Click to download a general [23]flyer and a tentative [24]weekend schedule.
    Links:
    23. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/MN_ACYOA_Juniors_Retreat_Flyer_23Oct2010.pdf
    24. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/MN_ACYOA_Juniors_Retreat_What_You_Need_to_Know_23O ct2010.pdf




    From: A. Papazian
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