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Crossroads E-Newsletter - July 21, 2011

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  • Crossroads E-Newsletter - July 21, 2011

    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/



    July 21, 2011



    AMENDMENT PASSES, 43 TO 1, FOR RETURN OF CHURCHES

    The House Foreign Affairs Committee overwhelmingly (43 to 1) adopted
    the Berman-
    Cicilline Amendment yesterday, calling on Turkey to return Christian
    churches and to end its repression of its Christian minority. The sole
    dissenter to the bipartisan vote was Representative Ron Paul (R-TX).

    Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy,
    attended the proceedings along with other clergy, to offer support for
    passage of the legislation. After the vote, Bishop Anoushavan said,
    As spiritual shepherds of the Armenian faithful, proud stewards of our
    ancient heritage, and devoted servants in the cause of realizing our
    shared national aspirations, we welcome todays vote as a principled
    stand for religious freedom and a just demand for the rightful return
    of Christian churches throughout the biblical lands of present-day
    Turkey.

    Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee
    of America praised the outcome calling it a powerful victory for
    religious freedom, and a step toward the rightful return of the
    thousands of Christian churches and holy sites stolen by Turkey
    through genocide.

    The ANCA reports that thousands of telephone calls to members of
    congress were made by Armenian Americans throughout the United States
    following repeated calls for action from the ANCA and other
    organizations, and from the Eastern and Western Prelacies. The measure
    also received broad-based support from the Greek and Assyrian American
    communities. Many community members watched the proceedings live
    through the ANCA website.

    Clergy attending were Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, representing
    Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian,
    Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian,
    Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, and Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan.




    The clergy at the proceedings in Washington DC.

    Bishop Anoushavan speaking with Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), a
    senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of the
    Congressional Armenian Caucus. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of
    Soorp Khatch Church in Washington, is next to Bishop Anoushavan.

    Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Aktavoukian with Representative Gus
    Bilirakis (R-FL).

    CAMP IN ARMENIA CONCLUDES

    The summer camp program for more than 30 youngsters enrolled in the
    Prelacys Orphan Sponsorship program came to a successful
    conclusion. The camp was under the directorship of Archpriest Fr. Aram
    Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville,
    Massachusetts. The campers enjoyed many summer recreational activities
    combined with religious instruction and liturgical services, and field
    trips.




    Enjoying the water and beach at Lake Sevan.

    The campers say a prayer at Sevanavank.

    Campers enjoy the elevated scenery at the Tsaghkadzor ski liftthe
    first such trip for most of them.

    ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM



    The St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute completed another successful
    program. Details about the program and the 25th anniversary
    celebrations will be featured next week.

    To view more photos click here (
    http://e2ma.net/go/10557947126/3789350/107986853/24882/goto:http://armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/datev-institute/photo-gallery
    ).

    To read the 25th anniversary booklet click here (
    http://e2ma.net/go/10557947126/3789350/107986854/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/images/datev25yearbook.pdf
    ).

    VICAR AT ARS CONVENTION




    Bishop Anoushavan represented His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan at the
    opening session and the banquet of the Armenian Relief Societys
    (Eastern U.S.) annual convention, which took place in Providence,
    Rhode Island.

    ST. SARKIS SUMMER CAMP CONCLUDES TOMORROW

    The 6th annual summer camp program of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
    New York, will conclude tomorrow with a talent show which will be
    attended by parents and parishioners. Sixty-three campers had a week
    full of education, fellowship and fun. Arts and crafts, Armenian music
    and dance, sports and religious education were taught everyday from 10
    a.m. to 3 p.m. The campers were taken to Sheridan Lanes in Mineola for
    bowling and the Bay Terrace Movie Theatre to see The Zoo Keeper.
    Another highlight of the program was the group discussion that the
    senior participants had with the pastor, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, and
    the prayers that they wrote and shared with one another (see below for
    two examples). St. Sarkis Church thanks Mr. and Mrs. Antranig and
    Marion Boudakian for their continuous support of the summer camp
    program.



    Prayer by Alex Minassian, age 15:

    In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

    God Almighty,

    Bless my heart,

    for my religion and I will not be torn apart.

    Protect my family and me on this Holy day.

    Let our souls, and health be here to stay.

    You are our unquestioned ruler, fearful and strong

    and we know you will do no wrong.

    Thank you God for all of your gifts. Amen.

    Prayer by Ariana Kazanjian, Age 11:

    Dear God,

    You are the light in our eyes,

    Leading us to take the right path in life.

    We thank you for creating each and every one of us

    with different minds, souls, and eyes.

    We are so grateful for the families and the warm loving shelters you
    provided us.

    You are my father and my heart.


    BIBLE READING

    Bible readings for Sunday, July 24, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, (Eve
    of the Fast of Transfiguration) are: Isaiah 3: 1-11; Romans 11:13-24;
    Matthew 14:13-21.

    Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a
    deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed
    him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd;
    and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was
    evening, the disciples came to him and said, This is a deserted place,
    and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go
    into the villages and buy food for themselves. Jesus said to them,
    They need not go away; you give them something to eat. They replied,
    We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish. And he said, Bring
    them here to me. Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the
    grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to
    heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the
    disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and
    were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces,
    twelve baskets full. And tho!
    se who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and
    children. (Matthew 14:13-21)

    For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
    http://e2ma.net/go/10557947126/3789350/107986855/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PDF/2011dbr-07.pdf
    ).

    ELISHA THE PROPHET

    Today, Thursday, July 21, we remember St. Elisha the Prophet, whose
    life and works are recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. Elisha, whose name means
    God is Salvation, was a disciple of the Prophet Elijah, who at Gods
    command anointed Elisha to be his successor much like Jesus later did
    in calling his disciples in Galilee.

    Elisha performed miracles, healing the sick and reviving the dead. His
    message to his followers was that they should return to traditional
    religious practices and acknowledge Gods sovereignty over all aspects
    of life. When he healed the sick it was to demonstrate Gods power over
    life and death; when he helped in battle, it was to demonstrate Gods
    power over nations.

    TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND SAINT PAUL, THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE

    This Saturday, July 23, the Armenian Church commemorates the twelve
    apostles of Christ and Saint Paul, who is considered to be the
    thirteenth apostle.

    Jesus selected twelve apostles to carry on His work and instructed
    them to preach and to baptize converts all over the world
    (Mt. 28:19-20). He gave the title apostle to the twelve (Luke 6:13;
    Mark 3:14). The word apostle derives from the Greek word apostellein
    (arakyal in Armenian). The apostles dedicated their lives to spreading
    the Word and fulfilling the sacred mission entrusted to them. Their
    mission was not just to transmit the message, but to put it into
    practice.

    Paul was initially an enemy of Christians and persecuted them. He had
    a vision on the road to Damascus and became a fervent Christian
    convert and was subsequently responsible in large measure for the
    rapid spread of the new religion. Most of the New Testament (aside
    from the four Gospels) is from the writings of Paul.

    The Armenian Church has its roots in the apostolic ministry and
    succession (Thaddeus and Bartholomew) and is therefore known as
    apostolic, (arakelagan). The apostles and their immediate successors
    (including the Armenian Church) defended the Orthodox faith and kept
    it pure.

    PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF TRANSFIGURATION

    This Sunday, July 24, the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, is the
    Paregentan of the Fast of the Transfigurationthe five-day (Monday to
    Friday) period of fasting prior to the Feast of the Transfiguration
    (Aylagerboutyan / Vartavar), which is next Sunday, July 31.

    FROM THE BOOKSTORE.

    AGHTAMAR: A Jewel of Medieval Armenian Architecture
    Compiled by Ara Sarafian and Osman Koker
    This bilingual (English-Turkish) book presents Armenian scholarship on
    the tenth century church of the Holy Cross (Sourp Khatch) on the
    island of Aghtamar in Lake Van. The main text is by Stepan
    Mnatsakanian (1917-1994), originally published in Armenian in 1983 and
    in English in 1986. The book includes architectural drawings of the
    reliefs that depict biblical and secular themes carved on the faade of
    the church. Color photographs taken in 2010 show the church as it is
    today after the recent renovation.
    168 pages, soft cover, $30.00 plus shipping & handling.

    To order this book or for information contact the Prelacy Bookstore by
    email ([email protected] (mailto:[email protected]))
    or by telephone (212-689-7810).


    (
    http://e2ma.net/go/10557947126/3789350/107986856/24882/goto:http://bookstore.armenianprelacy.org/
    )

    A CORRECTION

    In the notice about the funeral services for Michael Topalian in last
    weeks Crossroads, we gave an incorrect name for his immediate
    survivor, his wife Dorothy Topalian. We again extend our sincere
    condolences to his wife, his children, grandchildren, and his brother
    Mourad. May he rest in peace.

    ST. ILLUMINATORS SCHOOL SEEKS TEACHER

    St. Illuminators Armenian Day School in Woodside, New York, is seeking
    an Armenian teacher with the potential to become the schools
    principal. Strong educational background for both English and Armenian
    is required. Competitive salary plus benefits. Resumes may be sent by
    email to [email protected]
    (mailto:[email protected]).


    (
    http://e2ma.net/go/10557947126/3789350/107986857/24882/goto:http://armenianeducation.blogspot.com/
    )

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    August 1St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 12th
    Golf Tournament. For details contact Gerry at 508-234-8763, or Hagop
    at 508-473-7695.

    August 7Annual picnic of St. Stephens Church, Watertown,
    Massachusetts, at Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts, 12 noon to
    5 pm. For information: 617-924-7562 or at www.soorpstepanos.org (
    http://e2ma.net/go/10557947126/3789350/107986858/24882/goto:http://www.soorpstepanos.org
    ).

    August 7Annual Shish-Kebob Picnic and Grape Blessing, St. Paul Church,
    645 South Lewis Ave., Waukegan, Illinois, 12 noon to 4 pm. Armenian
    dinners and pastries available. For information: 847-244-4573
    (church) or 847-445-7934 (Arda).

    August 13-14Annual Armenian Fest and Blessing of the Grapes, at All
    Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois. Join us for a fun-filled
    day and enjoy our delicious food, music, backgammon tournament,
    childrens activities, and more. Admission free. For information
    847-998-1989.

    August 14Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Divine Liturgy,
    Blessing of the Grapes, and Indoor Picnic in John Pashalian Hall,
    presented by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York
    City. Various dishes of your choice for purchase. For information
    212-689-5880.

    August 14Annual picnic and Blessing of the Grapes at Holy Trinity
    Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. Join us for a
    fun-filled day and enjoy our delicious food, music by DJ Shaheen,
    backgammon tournament, childrens activities, and more. Admission is
    free. For information [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
    or 508-852-2414.

    August 14Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
    Annual Picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, 12 noon to 6
    pm, under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Divine
    Liturgy will be celebrated in the Hye Hope Pavilion (lower camp) at 11
    am. Free pony rides for children 2-4 pm, and the Bouncing
    Bubble. Delicious shish, losh and chicken kebab and Armenian pastries
    available all day. Live music provided by Michael Gregian and
    Ensemble. Madagh and Blessing of the Grapes at 4 pm with the New
    England clergy participating. All welcome. For information:
    401-831-6399.

    August 17Prayer Day dedicated to the Holy Mother of God (Soorp
    Asdvadzadzin) and Blessing of the Grapes, officiated by
    Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, at the Armenian Home for Aged, 137-31 45th
    Avenue, Flushing, New York 11355. The Service, which will begin at 11
    a.m., is open to the public.

    August 21St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
    presents the greatest picnic in New England. Presided by His Eminence
    Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, with participation of clergy
    from the New England area. All invited.

    August 28St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Picnic on
    church grounds following church services. Delicious Shish and Luleh
    Kebob (and more); music by DJ Shant. Special KidZone with all kinds of
    fun activities; sports for youth; tavloo tournament. For information:
    718-224-2275.

    September 11Annual picnic of St. Stephens Church, New
    Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, at the Quartette Club grounds, Wooster
    Street, New Britain, beginning at noon. All invited to enjoy Armenian
    food, delicacies, music and hospitality. Admission is free.

    September 11Picnic-Festival, sponsored by St. Gregory Church and
    St. Michael Parish on Main Street in North Andover Town Center
    (Massachusetts), 1 to 6 pm. Main Street in front of both parishes will
    be closed to traffic. Delicious Armenian and American cuisine;
    Armenian and American music; games and activities; plenty of free
    parking. For information: 978-685-5038 (St. Gregory) or 978-686-4050
    (St. Michael).

    September 16Annual Golf Tournament, All Saints Armenian Church,
    Glenview, Illinois. For details contact Hagop Soulakian, 847-858-7685.

    October 23Student Festival in celebration of the Year of the Armenian
    Child. Details will follow.

    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])

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