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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/
June 16, 2011
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DOCUMENTARY TONIGHT ON PUBLIC BROADCASTING
A program on the Armenian Genocide will air on PBS this evening, June
16, at 8 pm (WLIW, Channel 21 in the New York area). Check your local
daily listings to confirm time as there have been conflicting
announcements. WLIWs web page describes this program as An in-depth
look at the largely untold story of the death of nearly one million
Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turks during World War I. The
documentary by Andrew Goldberg was originally shown several years ago.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Religious and Executive
Councils joint meeting Friday and Saturday, June 17-18 at the Prelacy
headquarters in New York City.
VICAR ATTENDS RECEPTION FOR CONGRESSMAN
Bishop Anoushavan attended a fundraising reception for Congressman
Eliot Engel of New York, last weekend, organized by the Armenian
National Committee of America. The event took place in Piermont, New
York, at Cornettas Restaurant and Marina. Bishop Anoushavan is with
the Congressman and ANCA members and friends.
CELEBRATION FOR GRADUATES IN MARYLAND
The Pastor and Board of Trustees of Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, hosted a graduation celebration for the class of 2011. High
school, college, and Hamasdegh Armenian School graduates and their
families were invited to attend this festive occasion. Rev. Fr. Sarkis
Aktavoukian congratulated the graduates and wished them success in
their future endeavors. Irene Abrahamian presented the graduates with
gifts on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The graduates were given the
opportunity to speak about their experience and future goals and
aspirations.
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian with the graduates.
The graduates gather around the cake.
SCHOOL YEAR CONCLUDES IN PROVIDENCE
Sts. Vartanantz Church Mourad Armenian School of Providence, Rhode
Island, concluded the school year with its annual year-end Hantes at
Hope Highlands School in Cranston. The program included singing,
recitation, and dance performances by the 65 students. The Hantes was
dedicated to the Year of the Armenian Child. Three students won the
essay contest sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society. The five
graduates participated in the Divine Liturgy reading from the Gospel
in Armenian, recited the Nicene Creed, and gave the Kiss-of-Peace, and
performing ushering duties. During the next school year the graduates
are given the opportunity to serve the Armenian school as assistant
teachers, sing in the choir, and serve on the altar.
The 2011 graduates with pastor, principal and teacher, left to right,
Mrs. Anahid Kibarian, principal; Mrs. Maggie Nalbandian, upper
classroom teacher; Shahane Manoukyan, Shant Eghian, Aram Zobian,
Mgrditch Arslanian, Harout Tashian, Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian,
pastor; and Hagop Khatchadourian, school committee chairman.
The graduates participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Some of the students of the Mourad Armenian School in a presentation.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.
The summer program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). Early bird registration ends this Sunday, May 15. For
information and registration, contact the AREC office by telephone at
212-689-7810, by email at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]), or click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010052/24882/goto:http://armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/datev-institute
) or join us on our Facebook (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010053/24882/goto:http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Gregory-of-Datev-Institute/105187422899322
) page.
ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE WILL MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA
CELEBRATION
The St. Gregory of Datev Institute turns 25 this year. For the past
twenty-five years the Prelacy has provided a much needed
Christian-based program for youth ages 13 to 18. The Institute is
organized by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC),
under the directorship of His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General.
On Saturday, July 9, Datevatsis, past and present, will come together
to celebrate the silver anniversary of Datev with a banquet at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. The committee
is comprised of Datevatsis and is co-chaired by Dr. Arsen Mekaelian
and Dr. George Berberian.
The success of this program can be seen by the service Datevatsis who
have attended the four-year program now provide to the Church. They
serve as Sunday School teachers, choir members, board of trustee
members, altar servers, and some have aspired for ordination to the
priesthood.
For information regarding the banquet or for reservations, contact the
Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]), or visit the Datev webpage (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010054/24882/goto:http://armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/datev-institute
) or Facebook (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010055/24882/goto:http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Gregory-of-Datev-Institute/105187422899322
).
ECUMENICAL BIBLE STUDY GROUP PLANTS TREE
During the World Council of Churches recent International Ecumenical
Peace Convocation that took place in Kingston, Jamaica, the fifty
Bible Study groups planted trees as a symbolic gesture of
participation in the Green Environment Project. More than 1,000
delegates from 100 countries, convened on the sprawling campus of the
University of West Indies. The theme of the convocation was Glory to
God and peace on earth. The resolutions from the convocation will help
set the tone and agenda for the WCCs General Assembly that will
convene in Busan, Korea in 2013.
Delegates on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia were Archbishop
Nareg Alemezian, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Archdeacon Mark Shirin,
and Seta Margossian-Khedeshian, representing the Middle East Council
of Churches.
Members of a Bible Study Group, led by Bishop Anoushavan, plant a tree
during the WCC International Peace Convocation in Kingston, Jamaica.
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, June 19, First Sunday after Pentecost, are:
1 Kings 18:29-46; 2 Kings 2:1-15; James 5:16-20; Luke 4:25-30.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another,
so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and
effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently
that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not
rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and
the earth yielded its harvest.
My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth
and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings
back a sinner from wandering will save the sinners soul from death and
will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:16-20)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010056/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PDF/2011dbr-06.pdf
).
ST. NERSES THE GREAT
This Saturday, June 18, the Armenian Church remembers Catholicos
Nerses the Great. He was the father of Catholicos Sahak I. His
succeeded two Catholicoi whose reigns were unexceptional, and the
people were eager to return to the line of their beloved Gregory the
Illuminator. Nerses was a student of St. Basil of Caesarea, one of
three great Cappadocian Fathers. Nerses pontificate was the beginning
of a new era. He brought the church closer in service to the people,
rather than to royals and nobles. He convened the Council of Ashtishat
that resulted in numerous laws on issues related to marriage, worship,
and customs. He built many schools, hospitals, and monasteries. He
dispatched monks to preach the Gospel throughout the country. His bold
actions resulted in great displeasure by the royal family, and in 373
he was reportedly poisoned by the king. His accomplishments for the
spiritual and social well-being of the common people earned him the
gratitude of the ent!
ire nation and the honorific Great.
REMEMBRANCE OF THE PROPHET ELIJAH
This Sunday, June 19, the Armenian Church celebrates Elijah, the
Messianic prophet of the Old Testament recorded in 1 and 2
Kings. Elijah was the greatest prophet in the Old Testament and
therefore his feast day falls on a Sunday. He appeared along with
Moses at the Transfiguration as the prophet of life and the new
covenant; Moses was representative of the old covenant. The Armenian
Church (like all the Eastern churches) holds him in the highest
esteem. Most importantly, Elijah did not experience death, but was
taken to heaven, like the Holy Mother of God. He is mentioned in the
Armenian hymn Ee Verin, sung during the Requiem Service.
Receive us in Jerusalem above, in the dwellings of the angels, in
Eden, the paradise where Enoch and Elijah live worthily resplendent in
dove-like purity and in old age. O merciful Lord, have mercy upon the
souls of ours who have fallen asleep.
>From the Armenian hymn Ee Verin Yerousaghem (Receive us in Jerusalem
above), sung during the Requiem Service.
SAINTS HRIPSIME AND GAYANE AND THEIR COMPANIONS
This Monday and Tuesday, June 20 and 21, the Armenian Church
commemorates the virgin saints Hripsime and Gayane and their
companions. Thirty-three nuns, led by Gayane, left Rome and sought
refuge in Armenia hoping to escape the Roman Emperor who desired one
of the nuns, the beautiful Hripsime. In Armenia King Drtad became
captivated by Hripsimes beauty and sought to wed her. She
refused. Enraged, the king had Hripsime (and the other nuns)
imprisoned and tortured to death.
When Gregory was released from his imprisonment in the deep pit (khor
virab) he built chapels over the relics of the nuns, which Catholicos
Sahag Bartev later renovated. During the 7th century churches were
built over both sites. The church dedicated to Saint Hripsime, built
by Catholicos Gomidas, is considered to be an architectural
masterpiece and was a great influence on the future course of Armenian
architecture. Catholicos Gomidas also wrote a sharagan (hymn) in their
memorythe famous Antsink Nviryalk (Dedicated Beings).
The two churches, as well as a third (Shoghokat) are in the city of
Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), not far from the complex of buildings that
comprise the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, which UNESCO recognizes as a
World Heritage site.
ECUMENICAL MEETINGS IN GENEVA
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of
Cilicia, participated in three World Council of Churches meetings in
Geneva last week. He met with the staff preparing for an upcoming
regional meeting on the Christian Presence in the Middle East:
Challenges and Hopes, that will be hosted by the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in November in Antelias. Archbishop Nareg also attended a
meeting of the Steering Group of the Secretaries of Christian
Communions, and invited them to convene their annual meeting in 2012
at the Catholicosate. Finally, Archbishop Nareg chaired the meeting of
the Joint Commission between the World Council of Churches and the
Secretaries of Christian Communions where they discussed the next WCC
Assembly which will take place in 2013, and the forthcoming meeting of
the Global Ecumenical Christian Forum.
(
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010057/24882/goto:http://armenianeducation.blogspot.com/
)
FROM THE BOOKSTORE.
The latest in the Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces series:
ARMENIAN KARS AND ANI
Edited by Richard G. Hovannisian
This is the tenth in the Armenian History and Culture Series of
Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces based on conferences at the
University of California, Los Angeles. The papers presented by 15
scholars at the conference4 are included, as well as an introductory
essay by the editor, The Legacy of Kars and Ani. The 430-page volume
includes many maps, photographs, and illustrations. Many of the other
volumes in this series are also available at the Prelacy Bookstore.
430 pages, soft cover, $35.00 plus shipping and handling.
To order this book or for information about any other book contact the
Prelacy Bookstore by email ([email protected]
(mailto:[email protected])) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
(
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010058/24882/goto:http://bookstore.armenianprelacy.org/bookstore/books.htm
)
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Remember your Dad. Sunday is Fathers Day.
Summer officially begins Tuesday, June 21 at 1:16 pm (EST).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 16Second Annual Cigar Night & Dinner in memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kassabian, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Featuring hors doeuvres with cold seafood buffet at 6
pm, followed by Filet Mignon & Stuffed Lobster dinner at 7:30
pm. Premium Cigars and Top Shelf Complimentary Bar. Donation: $100 per
person. For information/reservations contact church office
978-685-5038.
June 16Menss Club of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
1st annual Cigar Night. Cocktails 6 pm; steak dinner 7:30 pm. $100 per
person. Contact Peter Chipolone 201-344-3448 or Mark Alashaian
201-394-2270.
June 23Armenian-American Night, Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre,
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. Free concert under the stars
featuring Kevork Artinian & Friends, Shnorhali Choir of the Armenian
Church of the Holy Martyrs, Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of New
York. For information: 516-761-0042 or 516-572-0355.
June 25Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Wines of the
World Tasting. Join us for food, fun, and fabulous wines, 8 pm,
Mahwah, NJ, $50 per person. Contact Lynn Mahlebjian 201-440-3018 or
church office 201-943-2950.
June 26St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, Annual Madagh at Johnson
Park, Hwy 38, Racine. Blessing of the Madagh at 11 am with church
services conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian. Following
services all attendees may feast on traditional and authentic Armenian
foods including shish kebob, pastries, etc. Live Armenian music and
annual raffle.
July 11-July 22St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Sixth Annual
Summer Camp, 10 am to 3 pm. American heritage, religion, music, arts &
crafts, Armenian dance, trips. Space is limited; apply now. Camper
ages: 5-15, $325; CIT ages: 16-18, $225. Fees include daily meals and
snacks. Minimal fee for field trips. Installment payments welcome. For
information contact church office: 718-224-2275.
July 14-17The Armenian Relief Society 91st Eastern Regional
Conventionl Meetings, banquet and dance at the Hilton Providence, 21
Atwells Ave., Providence. Banquet Saturday, July 16; cocktail hour
6:30 pm; dinner 7:00 pm, $50. Music by Leon Janikian, Ken Kalajian,
Robert Raphaelian and Jason Naroian. For information: Joyce Yeremian,
401-354-8770. Reservations for banquet with check can be mailed to
ARS, 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909.
August 1St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 12th
Golf Tournament. For details contact Gerry at 508-234-8763, or Hagop
at 508-473-7695.
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 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.
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])
From: A. Papazian
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
June 16, 2011
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DOCUMENTARY TONIGHT ON PUBLIC BROADCASTING
A program on the Armenian Genocide will air on PBS this evening, June
16, at 8 pm (WLIW, Channel 21 in the New York area). Check your local
daily listings to confirm time as there have been conflicting
announcements. WLIWs web page describes this program as An in-depth
look at the largely untold story of the death of nearly one million
Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turks during World War I. The
documentary by Andrew Goldberg was originally shown several years ago.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Religious and Executive
Councils joint meeting Friday and Saturday, June 17-18 at the Prelacy
headquarters in New York City.
VICAR ATTENDS RECEPTION FOR CONGRESSMAN
Bishop Anoushavan attended a fundraising reception for Congressman
Eliot Engel of New York, last weekend, organized by the Armenian
National Committee of America. The event took place in Piermont, New
York, at Cornettas Restaurant and Marina. Bishop Anoushavan is with
the Congressman and ANCA members and friends.
CELEBRATION FOR GRADUATES IN MARYLAND
The Pastor and Board of Trustees of Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, hosted a graduation celebration for the class of 2011. High
school, college, and Hamasdegh Armenian School graduates and their
families were invited to attend this festive occasion. Rev. Fr. Sarkis
Aktavoukian congratulated the graduates and wished them success in
their future endeavors. Irene Abrahamian presented the graduates with
gifts on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The graduates were given the
opportunity to speak about their experience and future goals and
aspirations.
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian with the graduates.
The graduates gather around the cake.
SCHOOL YEAR CONCLUDES IN PROVIDENCE
Sts. Vartanantz Church Mourad Armenian School of Providence, Rhode
Island, concluded the school year with its annual year-end Hantes at
Hope Highlands School in Cranston. The program included singing,
recitation, and dance performances by the 65 students. The Hantes was
dedicated to the Year of the Armenian Child. Three students won the
essay contest sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society. The five
graduates participated in the Divine Liturgy reading from the Gospel
in Armenian, recited the Nicene Creed, and gave the Kiss-of-Peace, and
performing ushering duties. During the next school year the graduates
are given the opportunity to serve the Armenian school as assistant
teachers, sing in the choir, and serve on the altar.
The 2011 graduates with pastor, principal and teacher, left to right,
Mrs. Anahid Kibarian, principal; Mrs. Maggie Nalbandian, upper
classroom teacher; Shahane Manoukyan, Shant Eghian, Aram Zobian,
Mgrditch Arslanian, Harout Tashian, Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian,
pastor; and Hagop Khatchadourian, school committee chairman.
The graduates participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Some of the students of the Mourad Armenian School in a presentation.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.
The summer program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). Early bird registration ends this Sunday, May 15. For
information and registration, contact the AREC office by telephone at
212-689-7810, by email at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]), or click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010052/24882/goto:http://armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/datev-institute
) or join us on our Facebook (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010053/24882/goto:http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Gregory-of-Datev-Institute/105187422899322
) page.
ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE WILL MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA
CELEBRATION
The St. Gregory of Datev Institute turns 25 this year. For the past
twenty-five years the Prelacy has provided a much needed
Christian-based program for youth ages 13 to 18. The Institute is
organized by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC),
under the directorship of His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General.
On Saturday, July 9, Datevatsis, past and present, will come together
to celebrate the silver anniversary of Datev with a banquet at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. The committee
is comprised of Datevatsis and is co-chaired by Dr. Arsen Mekaelian
and Dr. George Berberian.
The success of this program can be seen by the service Datevatsis who
have attended the four-year program now provide to the Church. They
serve as Sunday School teachers, choir members, board of trustee
members, altar servers, and some have aspired for ordination to the
priesthood.
For information regarding the banquet or for reservations, contact the
Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]), or visit the Datev webpage (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010054/24882/goto:http://armenianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/arec/datev-institute
) or Facebook (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010055/24882/goto:http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Gregory-of-Datev-Institute/105187422899322
).
ECUMENICAL BIBLE STUDY GROUP PLANTS TREE
During the World Council of Churches recent International Ecumenical
Peace Convocation that took place in Kingston, Jamaica, the fifty
Bible Study groups planted trees as a symbolic gesture of
participation in the Green Environment Project. More than 1,000
delegates from 100 countries, convened on the sprawling campus of the
University of West Indies. The theme of the convocation was Glory to
God and peace on earth. The resolutions from the convocation will help
set the tone and agenda for the WCCs General Assembly that will
convene in Busan, Korea in 2013.
Delegates on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia were Archbishop
Nareg Alemezian, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Archdeacon Mark Shirin,
and Seta Margossian-Khedeshian, representing the Middle East Council
of Churches.
Members of a Bible Study Group, led by Bishop Anoushavan, plant a tree
during the WCC International Peace Convocation in Kingston, Jamaica.
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, June 19, First Sunday after Pentecost, are:
1 Kings 18:29-46; 2 Kings 2:1-15; James 5:16-20; Luke 4:25-30.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another,
so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and
effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently
that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not
rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and
the earth yielded its harvest.
My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth
and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings
back a sinner from wandering will save the sinners soul from death and
will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:16-20)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010056/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PDF/2011dbr-06.pdf
).
ST. NERSES THE GREAT
This Saturday, June 18, the Armenian Church remembers Catholicos
Nerses the Great. He was the father of Catholicos Sahak I. His
succeeded two Catholicoi whose reigns were unexceptional, and the
people were eager to return to the line of their beloved Gregory the
Illuminator. Nerses was a student of St. Basil of Caesarea, one of
three great Cappadocian Fathers. Nerses pontificate was the beginning
of a new era. He brought the church closer in service to the people,
rather than to royals and nobles. He convened the Council of Ashtishat
that resulted in numerous laws on issues related to marriage, worship,
and customs. He built many schools, hospitals, and monasteries. He
dispatched monks to preach the Gospel throughout the country. His bold
actions resulted in great displeasure by the royal family, and in 373
he was reportedly poisoned by the king. His accomplishments for the
spiritual and social well-being of the common people earned him the
gratitude of the ent!
ire nation and the honorific Great.
REMEMBRANCE OF THE PROPHET ELIJAH
This Sunday, June 19, the Armenian Church celebrates Elijah, the
Messianic prophet of the Old Testament recorded in 1 and 2
Kings. Elijah was the greatest prophet in the Old Testament and
therefore his feast day falls on a Sunday. He appeared along with
Moses at the Transfiguration as the prophet of life and the new
covenant; Moses was representative of the old covenant. The Armenian
Church (like all the Eastern churches) holds him in the highest
esteem. Most importantly, Elijah did not experience death, but was
taken to heaven, like the Holy Mother of God. He is mentioned in the
Armenian hymn Ee Verin, sung during the Requiem Service.
Receive us in Jerusalem above, in the dwellings of the angels, in
Eden, the paradise where Enoch and Elijah live worthily resplendent in
dove-like purity and in old age. O merciful Lord, have mercy upon the
souls of ours who have fallen asleep.
>From the Armenian hymn Ee Verin Yerousaghem (Receive us in Jerusalem
above), sung during the Requiem Service.
SAINTS HRIPSIME AND GAYANE AND THEIR COMPANIONS
This Monday and Tuesday, June 20 and 21, the Armenian Church
commemorates the virgin saints Hripsime and Gayane and their
companions. Thirty-three nuns, led by Gayane, left Rome and sought
refuge in Armenia hoping to escape the Roman Emperor who desired one
of the nuns, the beautiful Hripsime. In Armenia King Drtad became
captivated by Hripsimes beauty and sought to wed her. She
refused. Enraged, the king had Hripsime (and the other nuns)
imprisoned and tortured to death.
When Gregory was released from his imprisonment in the deep pit (khor
virab) he built chapels over the relics of the nuns, which Catholicos
Sahag Bartev later renovated. During the 7th century churches were
built over both sites. The church dedicated to Saint Hripsime, built
by Catholicos Gomidas, is considered to be an architectural
masterpiece and was a great influence on the future course of Armenian
architecture. Catholicos Gomidas also wrote a sharagan (hymn) in their
memorythe famous Antsink Nviryalk (Dedicated Beings).
The two churches, as well as a third (Shoghokat) are in the city of
Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), not far from the complex of buildings that
comprise the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, which UNESCO recognizes as a
World Heritage site.
ECUMENICAL MEETINGS IN GENEVA
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of
Cilicia, participated in three World Council of Churches meetings in
Geneva last week. He met with the staff preparing for an upcoming
regional meeting on the Christian Presence in the Middle East:
Challenges and Hopes, that will be hosted by the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in November in Antelias. Archbishop Nareg also attended a
meeting of the Steering Group of the Secretaries of Christian
Communions, and invited them to convene their annual meeting in 2012
at the Catholicosate. Finally, Archbishop Nareg chaired the meeting of
the Joint Commission between the World Council of Churches and the
Secretaries of Christian Communions where they discussed the next WCC
Assembly which will take place in 2013, and the forthcoming meeting of
the Global Ecumenical Christian Forum.
(
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010057/24882/goto:http://armenianeducation.blogspot.com/
)
FROM THE BOOKSTORE.
The latest in the Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces series:
ARMENIAN KARS AND ANI
Edited by Richard G. Hovannisian
This is the tenth in the Armenian History and Culture Series of
Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces based on conferences at the
University of California, Los Angeles. The papers presented by 15
scholars at the conference4 are included, as well as an introductory
essay by the editor, The Legacy of Kars and Ani. The 430-page volume
includes many maps, photographs, and illustrations. Many of the other
volumes in this series are also available at the Prelacy Bookstore.
430 pages, soft cover, $35.00 plus shipping and handling.
To order this book or for information about any other book contact the
Prelacy Bookstore by email ([email protected]
(mailto:[email protected])) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
(
http://e2ma.net/go/9460222620/3719264/107010058/24882/goto:http://bookstore.armenianprelacy.org/bookstore/books.htm
)
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Remember your Dad. Sunday is Fathers Day.
Summer officially begins Tuesday, June 21 at 1:16 pm (EST).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 16Second Annual Cigar Night & Dinner in memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kassabian, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Featuring hors doeuvres with cold seafood buffet at 6
pm, followed by Filet Mignon & Stuffed Lobster dinner at 7:30
pm. Premium Cigars and Top Shelf Complimentary Bar. Donation: $100 per
person. For information/reservations contact church office
978-685-5038.
June 16Menss Club of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
1st annual Cigar Night. Cocktails 6 pm; steak dinner 7:30 pm. $100 per
person. Contact Peter Chipolone 201-344-3448 or Mark Alashaian
201-394-2270.
June 23Armenian-American Night, Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre,
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. Free concert under the stars
featuring Kevork Artinian & Friends, Shnorhali Choir of the Armenian
Church of the Holy Martyrs, Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of New
York. For information: 516-761-0042 or 516-572-0355.
June 25Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Wines of the
World Tasting. Join us for food, fun, and fabulous wines, 8 pm,
Mahwah, NJ, $50 per person. Contact Lynn Mahlebjian 201-440-3018 or
church office 201-943-2950.
June 26St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, Annual Madagh at Johnson
Park, Hwy 38, Racine. Blessing of the Madagh at 11 am with church
services conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian. Following
services all attendees may feast on traditional and authentic Armenian
foods including shish kebob, pastries, etc. Live Armenian music and
annual raffle.
July 11-July 22St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Sixth Annual
Summer Camp, 10 am to 3 pm. American heritage, religion, music, arts &
crafts, Armenian dance, trips. Space is limited; apply now. Camper
ages: 5-15, $325; CIT ages: 16-18, $225. Fees include daily meals and
snacks. Minimal fee for field trips. Installment payments welcome. For
information contact church office: 718-224-2275.
July 14-17The Armenian Relief Society 91st Eastern Regional
Conventionl Meetings, banquet and dance at the Hilton Providence, 21
Atwells Ave., Providence. Banquet Saturday, July 16; cocktail hour
6:30 pm; dinner 7:00 pm, $50. Music by Leon Janikian, Ken Kalajian,
Robert Raphaelian and Jason Naroian. For information: Joyce Yeremian,
401-354-8770. Reservations for banquet with check can be mailed to
ARS, 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909.
August 1St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 12th
Golf Tournament. For details contact Gerry at 508-234-8763, or Hagop
at 508-473-7695.
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 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.
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])
From: A. Papazian