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/
November 17, 2011
ANNUAL TELETHON OF ARMENIA FUND USA: A GIFT OF WATER; A GIFT OF LIFE
The Annual Thanksgiving Telethon of Armenia Fund USA will raise funds
to establish new water sources to homes in Karabakh. In support of
this initiative, Archbishop Oshagan has directed all Prelacy parishes
to circulate special offering plates last Sunday and again this
Sunday, November 20, in support of this endeavor. His Eminence also
encouraged everyone to participate in the Thanksgiving Day telethon
next Thursday, November 24.
The town of Karmir Shuka in Karabakh, famous for its winery, has only
one spigot where the towns 1,050 residents get their water. Armenia
Fund USA and the government of Karabakh are co-financing
for the development of new water sources, which will have its own
reservoir and filtration system and eventually connect to the existing
water network, which is also being updated. Then the pipeline will be
extended to reach every household, making this one-spigot town a thing
of the past.
Armenia Fund USA was founded in 1992 as the first of Hayastan
All-Armenian Funds 22 international affiliates. The Fund focuses on
building sustainable infrastructure in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh,
through the development of roads, schools, medical facilities, and
utilities. Additionally, the Fund invests in humanitarian programs in
education, training, and healthcare.
Donations can be made during the Thanksgiving Day Telethon. Donations
may also be sent directly to the Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New
York, NY 10016. Checks should be payable to Armenian Apostolic Church
of America. Please indicate ArmeniaFund USA in the memo area.
For a complete telethon schedule go to www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org. (
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590581/24882/goto:http://www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org
)
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ARMENIA FUND DINNER TONIGHT
Archbishop Oshagan will join a select number of guests at a dinner
tonight hosted by the Armenia Fund USA in honor of His Excellency Bako
Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic, and His Eminence
Archbishop Pargev Martirosian, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh, who
are currently in the United States. Current development initiatives by
Armenia Fund USA will be presented.
ARTSAKH PRESIDENT AND PRIMATE WILL VISIT PRELACY TOMORROW
President Bako Sahakyan, President of Nagorno Karabagh, and Archbishop
Pargev Martirosian, Primate of Artsakh, will visit the Prelacy office
tomorrow afternoon, Friday, November 18, where Archbishop Oshagan will
welcome them and host a luncheon for the honored guests and a select
number of community leaders.
VISIT TO LEBANESE CONSUL IN NEW YORK
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar, together with Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral, and Dr. Vazgen
Ghougassian, Executive Director of the Prelacy, paid a courtesy visit
to the Consul General of Lebanon, Antoine Azzam, yesterday. During the
visit they discussed the practical application of recent initiatives
made by Lebanon to allow all of its citizens, even those living
outside of Lebanon, participate in the upcoming elections. The Consul
General said that contact has been made with the various religious
communities encouraging them to disseminate information and encourage
the submission of applications which may lead to the facilitation for
voting by all citizens.
From left to right: Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director of
Prelacy; H.E. Antoine Azzam, Consul General of Lebanon; Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy; Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral.
SOORP KHATCH CHURCH MARKS 47TH ANNIVERSARY
Last weekend Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, celebrated its
47th anniversary. On Saturday, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan
presided over the parishs anniversary banquet, and on Sunday he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.
Archbishop Oshagan and Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp
Khatch Church, with members of the choir and altar servers following
the Divine Liturgy last Sunday. The parish commemorated its 47th
anniversary.
BLESSING OF CHANDELIERS IN NEW JERSEY
Two new crystal chandeliers were blessed and illuminated last Sunday
at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, presided over the Divine Liturgy
which was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor. The Vicar
delivered the sermon and following the Divine Liturgy and Requiem
Service presided over the blessing of the newly-installed
chandeliers. The new chandeliers, which join one that was installed
several years ago, were donated by Mrs. Jeanette Der Ghazarian in
memory of her husband, Boghos Der Ghazarian, and Mr. Zohrab
Stamboulian in memory of all deceased members of the Stamboulian
family.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, conducts the blessing of the chandeliers
with the assistance of Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, and altar servers at
Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey.
The two new crystal chandeliers were lit during the blessing ceremony.
GRANITE CITY PARISH SPONSORS CHAMBER CONCERT
An enthusiastic crowd gathered at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in Granite City, Illinois, on November 6, to enjoy the sounds of
classical music by world class musicians of the St. Louis Symphony
Orchestra. The orchestras Community Partnership program affords local
churches and other non-profit groups a combination of orchestral
musicians at no cost to play chamber music to reach a broader
listening audience.
This concert, sponsored by the churchs Fellowship Club, featured a
string quartet made up of members of the orchestras string section,
was the second of such concerts at St. Gregory. The Fellowship Club
first sponsored one of these concerts on April 20, 2009, which
coincided with the 40-day memorial karasounk for former pastor,
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian.
Highlights of the concert included Mozarts K.157 string quartet and
two Caprices of Paganini played expertly by quartet leader, Manuel
Ramos, a long time member of the Symphonys violin section who has been
on sabbatical, concertizing around the world as a celebration of his
sixtieth birthday, which happened to be the day of this concert. The
ensemble also played Yegmalians Hayr Mer while the Armenian s in
attendance proudly sang along with great emotion.
Perhaps the most exciting portion was the premier of an original work
by the churchs pastor, Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, who along with his
divinity degrees holds a Bachelors degree in musical composition. Der
Stephan offered a completed Scherzo movement of a string quartet he
has been working on. The work is an experiment in coupling Armenian
dance rhythms with modal harmonies traditional and
non-traditional. The fiery works stunning premiere received a standing
ovation.
Following the concert, attendees enjoyed a lovely dessert reception,
during which they congratulated Der Hayr and the performers. Der Hayr
also led them in singing Happy Birthday to Mr. Ramos.
At St. Gregory Church in Granite City, front row (l to r): Virginia
Fusdigian (Fellowship Club Chair), Elizabeth Ramos (Violin II), Ranya
Iqbal (Cello), Laura Reycraft (Viola). Back row (l to r):
Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian (Pastor), Manuel Ramos (Violin I), Maureen
Byrne (St. Louis Symphonys Director of Community Programs).
As reported last week, Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian began his service to
St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, and St. Paul Church, Waukegan,
Illinois. Der Hrant and Yeretzgin Tamar are pictured with members of
the Ladies Guild at St. Hagop Church.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, November 20, Eleventh Sunday of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Eve of the Fast of Advent, are: Isaiah
29:11-20; Phillippians 4:8-24; Luke 11:1-13.
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of
his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his
disciples. He said to them, When you pray, say: Father, Hallowed be
your name. Your kingdome come. Give us each day our daily bread. And
forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to
us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.
And he said to them, Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to
him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;
for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before
him. And he answers from within, Do not bother me; the door has
already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get
up and give you anything. I tell you, even though he will not get up
and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of
his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will
find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who
asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who
knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if
your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if
the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are
evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will
the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those4 who ask him! (Luke
11:1-13)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590582/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PDF/2011dbr-11.pdf
).
(
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590583/24882/goto:http://armenianeducation.blogspot.com/
)
FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
This Saturday, November 19, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast
of All Saints, Old and New, Known and Unknown.
There are 325 named saints who are commemorated by the Armenian
Church. The genesis of the Feast of All Saints comes from the belief
that there are many saints who are unknown. The designation old and
new is not a reference to the Old and New Testaments, but rather
refers to saints who are unknown from the time of our Lord to the
present day. The date of this feast is variable depending on the
season of the Cross. It is celebrated in those years when the season
of the cross is extended one week, depending on the date of Easter.
PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 20, is the Eve (Paregentan) of the Fast of
Advent (Hisnag). This is a week-long fast (Monday to Friday) leading
up to the first Sunday of Advent, which is next Sunday, November
27. Advent is the period that guides us to the birth and baptism of
Christ. It begins fifty days before January 6. Advent is intended to
be a solemn and quiet time for prayer, reflection, and meditation in
preparation for the mystery of the incarnation.
Traditionally the entire fifty-day period of Advent was a period of
fasting. Now there are three week-long fasts during Advent (along with
the regular fasting days of Wednesday and Friday). The three week-long
fasts are known as: The Fast of Advent (Hisnagats Bahk); The Fast of
St. James (Sourp Hagopeh Bahk); and the Fast of the Nativity
(Dznuntyan Bahk).
PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER TO THE TEMPLE
This Monday, November 21, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Presentation of the Holy Mother to the Temple (Undzayoum Sourp
Asdvadzadzini), one of the eight feast days devoted to the Holy Mary
in the Armenian Liturgical calendar. This feast is always commemorated
on November 21 in remembrance of the presentation of the Holy Mother
to the Temple when she was three years old. She remained in the house
of God for twelve years. At a time when education was generally denied
to females, she studied with scholars, under the care of Zachariah,
father of John the Baptist.
NEW FROM THE BOOKSTORE. . .
MUSA DAGH GIRL:
DAUGHTER OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE SURVIVORS
By Virginia Matosian Apelian
An engrossing memoir filled with the personal history of genocide
survivors from Musa Dagh as well as a vivid picture of life in the
United States, written by Virginia Apelian, an energetic and effective
activist who worked with New Jersey state and local leaders and
agencies to advance the Armenian cause.
Soft cover, 538 pages, $26.99 plus shipping and 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/10914638094/4046193/111590584/24882/goto:http://bookstore.armenianprelacy.org/bookstore/books.htm
)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 17Video of the month presented by Anthropology/Armenian
Museum, Queens College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, A Requiem,
(1994), directed by Sergei Paradjanov. Admission is free. For
information: 718-428-5650.
November 18-19Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Fall Food
Festival in the church hall at 635 Grove Ave. Festival opens 4 pm
Saturday, with dinner served from 5 until 8 pm. Saturday at 11 am,
with dinner served from noon until 4 pm. Selections include shish,
chicken, losh kebabs, and kheyma. Baked goods and Country Store
available both days.
November 20Food Festival hosted by ARS Erebouni Chapter of New York,
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1 to 4 pm. Come for the
food; stay for the fun. Homemade food, music, raffles, face painting
and more. Take home goodies for Thanksgiving. For information:
631-922-3414.
November 18-20Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Live entertainment Friday and
Saturday. Children's activities, vendors, homemade Manti, Kufte, Sou
Buereg, Choreg and more. Traditional Kavourma dinner on
Sunday. Extensive mezze and dessert menu for your Thanksgiving table
available for take-out.
November 20St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Dinner in Pashalian Hall, presented by the Ladies Guild, 1 pm, under
auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Delicious traditional
meal, music, dance, raffle and more. For information: 212-689-5880.
December 1Avak luncheon sponsored by St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover Massachusetts, at noon. Speaker, Tom
Vartabedian, Armenians in the Strangest Places. Public invited.
December 3Christmas Bazaar hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, at the Northbridge Middle School, 171
Linwood Ave. Baked goods, gourmet meals, pastries, silent auction,
childrens activities, and much more. Plenty of parking. For
information: 508-234-3677.
December 3Annual Holiday Bake Sale. St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis
Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian
pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Caf. For information
or pre-orders, 847-244-4573.
December 4Ordination of Krikor Esayan to the Diaconate at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.
December 4St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, presents an
informative evening with Armen Aroyan, Travels Through Historic
Armenia, 4 pm in the church hall. For information: 617-924-7562.
December 7Best-selling author Peter Balakian will speak about the
expanded, anniversary edition of his book Black Dog of Fate. Hosted by
the Book Group of the Church of the Ascension, 12 W. 11th Street, New
York City, at 7 pm. Event is free. Wine and cocktail snacks
provided. For RSVP or more information email Janine Shamshoian
Economides at [email protected].
December 8Video of the month by Anthropology/Armenian Museum, Queens
College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, Ashik Kerib, (1988), directed by
Sergei Paradjanov. Admission is free. For information: 718-428-5650.
December 10Armenian Holiday Food Fair, St. Hagop Church Auxiliary,
Racine, Wisconsin, 11 am to 4 pm at Hilda Soultanian Hall, 4100
N. Newmann Road, Racine.
December 113rd annual Simply Christmas concert of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, An Acoustic Christmas Concert with Hooshere,
immediately following church services. Luncheon will follow concert to
honor all auxiliary members of St. Sarkis Church. Free admission.
December 18Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.
December 31New Years Gala, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
North Andover, Massachusetts, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, 8:30 pm. $75 per
person includes mezze and the famous Midnight Soujouk & Eggs Full
Breakfast Buffet and Desserts. Music by Richard Berberian, Mal
Barsamian, Bruce Girgarjian, and Ron Tutunjian. For
information/reservations contact church office, 978-685-5038.
January 14Huyser Musical Ensemble of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York, presents Heartbeat of our Land, under auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, 7:30 pm at Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th
Street (between Madison and Park Avenues), New York City. Special
appearance by AGBU Antranig Armenian Dance Ensemble. For
information/tickets contact the Cathedrals office,
212-689-5880. Tickets also available on line at www.ticketmaster.com (
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590585/24882/goto:http://www.ticketmaster.com
).
March 25Celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielians ordination to the priesthood. Save the date.
May 9-12, 2012National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy,
hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. Clergy
conference on May 9; full delegation May 10 to 12. Accommodations at
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Details will be forthcoming
to parishes and delegates.
May 11-12National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 30th
anniversary celebration and annual conference in conjunction with the
National Representative Assembly, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. For information: Mary Derderian 781-762-4253.
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: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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/
November 17, 2011
ANNUAL TELETHON OF ARMENIA FUND USA: A GIFT OF WATER; A GIFT OF LIFE
The Annual Thanksgiving Telethon of Armenia Fund USA will raise funds
to establish new water sources to homes in Karabakh. In support of
this initiative, Archbishop Oshagan has directed all Prelacy parishes
to circulate special offering plates last Sunday and again this
Sunday, November 20, in support of this endeavor. His Eminence also
encouraged everyone to participate in the Thanksgiving Day telethon
next Thursday, November 24.
The town of Karmir Shuka in Karabakh, famous for its winery, has only
one spigot where the towns 1,050 residents get their water. Armenia
Fund USA and the government of Karabakh are co-financing
for the development of new water sources, which will have its own
reservoir and filtration system and eventually connect to the existing
water network, which is also being updated. Then the pipeline will be
extended to reach every household, making this one-spigot town a thing
of the past.
Armenia Fund USA was founded in 1992 as the first of Hayastan
All-Armenian Funds 22 international affiliates. The Fund focuses on
building sustainable infrastructure in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh,
through the development of roads, schools, medical facilities, and
utilities. Additionally, the Fund invests in humanitarian programs in
education, training, and healthcare.
Donations can be made during the Thanksgiving Day Telethon. Donations
may also be sent directly to the Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New
York, NY 10016. Checks should be payable to Armenian Apostolic Church
of America. Please indicate ArmeniaFund USA in the memo area.
For a complete telethon schedule go to www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org. (
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590581/24882/goto:http://www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org
)
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ARMENIA FUND DINNER TONIGHT
Archbishop Oshagan will join a select number of guests at a dinner
tonight hosted by the Armenia Fund USA in honor of His Excellency Bako
Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic, and His Eminence
Archbishop Pargev Martirosian, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh, who
are currently in the United States. Current development initiatives by
Armenia Fund USA will be presented.
ARTSAKH PRESIDENT AND PRIMATE WILL VISIT PRELACY TOMORROW
President Bako Sahakyan, President of Nagorno Karabagh, and Archbishop
Pargev Martirosian, Primate of Artsakh, will visit the Prelacy office
tomorrow afternoon, Friday, November 18, where Archbishop Oshagan will
welcome them and host a luncheon for the honored guests and a select
number of community leaders.
VISIT TO LEBANESE CONSUL IN NEW YORK
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar, together with Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral, and Dr. Vazgen
Ghougassian, Executive Director of the Prelacy, paid a courtesy visit
to the Consul General of Lebanon, Antoine Azzam, yesterday. During the
visit they discussed the practical application of recent initiatives
made by Lebanon to allow all of its citizens, even those living
outside of Lebanon, participate in the upcoming elections. The Consul
General said that contact has been made with the various religious
communities encouraging them to disseminate information and encourage
the submission of applications which may lead to the facilitation for
voting by all citizens.
From left to right: Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director of
Prelacy; H.E. Antoine Azzam, Consul General of Lebanon; Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy; Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral.
SOORP KHATCH CHURCH MARKS 47TH ANNIVERSARY
Last weekend Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, celebrated its
47th anniversary. On Saturday, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan
presided over the parishs anniversary banquet, and on Sunday he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.
Archbishop Oshagan and Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp
Khatch Church, with members of the choir and altar servers following
the Divine Liturgy last Sunday. The parish commemorated its 47th
anniversary.
BLESSING OF CHANDELIERS IN NEW JERSEY
Two new crystal chandeliers were blessed and illuminated last Sunday
at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, presided over the Divine Liturgy
which was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor. The Vicar
delivered the sermon and following the Divine Liturgy and Requiem
Service presided over the blessing of the newly-installed
chandeliers. The new chandeliers, which join one that was installed
several years ago, were donated by Mrs. Jeanette Der Ghazarian in
memory of her husband, Boghos Der Ghazarian, and Mr. Zohrab
Stamboulian in memory of all deceased members of the Stamboulian
family.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, conducts the blessing of the chandeliers
with the assistance of Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, and altar servers at
Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey.
The two new crystal chandeliers were lit during the blessing ceremony.
GRANITE CITY PARISH SPONSORS CHAMBER CONCERT
An enthusiastic crowd gathered at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in Granite City, Illinois, on November 6, to enjoy the sounds of
classical music by world class musicians of the St. Louis Symphony
Orchestra. The orchestras Community Partnership program affords local
churches and other non-profit groups a combination of orchestral
musicians at no cost to play chamber music to reach a broader
listening audience.
This concert, sponsored by the churchs Fellowship Club, featured a
string quartet made up of members of the orchestras string section,
was the second of such concerts at St. Gregory. The Fellowship Club
first sponsored one of these concerts on April 20, 2009, which
coincided with the 40-day memorial karasounk for former pastor,
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian.
Highlights of the concert included Mozarts K.157 string quartet and
two Caprices of Paganini played expertly by quartet leader, Manuel
Ramos, a long time member of the Symphonys violin section who has been
on sabbatical, concertizing around the world as a celebration of his
sixtieth birthday, which happened to be the day of this concert. The
ensemble also played Yegmalians Hayr Mer while the Armenian s in
attendance proudly sang along with great emotion.
Perhaps the most exciting portion was the premier of an original work
by the churchs pastor, Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, who along with his
divinity degrees holds a Bachelors degree in musical composition. Der
Stephan offered a completed Scherzo movement of a string quartet he
has been working on. The work is an experiment in coupling Armenian
dance rhythms with modal harmonies traditional and
non-traditional. The fiery works stunning premiere received a standing
ovation.
Following the concert, attendees enjoyed a lovely dessert reception,
during which they congratulated Der Hayr and the performers. Der Hayr
also led them in singing Happy Birthday to Mr. Ramos.
At St. Gregory Church in Granite City, front row (l to r): Virginia
Fusdigian (Fellowship Club Chair), Elizabeth Ramos (Violin II), Ranya
Iqbal (Cello), Laura Reycraft (Viola). Back row (l to r):
Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian (Pastor), Manuel Ramos (Violin I), Maureen
Byrne (St. Louis Symphonys Director of Community Programs).
As reported last week, Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian began his service to
St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, and St. Paul Church, Waukegan,
Illinois. Der Hrant and Yeretzgin Tamar are pictured with members of
the Ladies Guild at St. Hagop Church.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, November 20, Eleventh Sunday of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Eve of the Fast of Advent, are: Isaiah
29:11-20; Phillippians 4:8-24; Luke 11:1-13.
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of
his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his
disciples. He said to them, When you pray, say: Father, Hallowed be
your name. Your kingdome come. Give us each day our daily bread. And
forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to
us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.
And he said to them, Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to
him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;
for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before
him. And he answers from within, Do not bother me; the door has
already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get
up and give you anything. I tell you, even though he will not get up
and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of
his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will
find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who
asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who
knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if
your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if
the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are
evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will
the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those4 who ask him! (Luke
11:1-13)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590582/24882/goto:http://www.armenianprelacy.org/images/prelacy/PDF/2011dbr-11.pdf
).
(
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590583/24882/goto:http://armenianeducation.blogspot.com/
)
FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
This Saturday, November 19, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast
of All Saints, Old and New, Known and Unknown.
There are 325 named saints who are commemorated by the Armenian
Church. The genesis of the Feast of All Saints comes from the belief
that there are many saints who are unknown. The designation old and
new is not a reference to the Old and New Testaments, but rather
refers to saints who are unknown from the time of our Lord to the
present day. The date of this feast is variable depending on the
season of the Cross. It is celebrated in those years when the season
of the cross is extended one week, depending on the date of Easter.
PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 20, is the Eve (Paregentan) of the Fast of
Advent (Hisnag). This is a week-long fast (Monday to Friday) leading
up to the first Sunday of Advent, which is next Sunday, November
27. Advent is the period that guides us to the birth and baptism of
Christ. It begins fifty days before January 6. Advent is intended to
be a solemn and quiet time for prayer, reflection, and meditation in
preparation for the mystery of the incarnation.
Traditionally the entire fifty-day period of Advent was a period of
fasting. Now there are three week-long fasts during Advent (along with
the regular fasting days of Wednesday and Friday). The three week-long
fasts are known as: The Fast of Advent (Hisnagats Bahk); The Fast of
St. James (Sourp Hagopeh Bahk); and the Fast of the Nativity
(Dznuntyan Bahk).
PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER TO THE TEMPLE
This Monday, November 21, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Presentation of the Holy Mother to the Temple (Undzayoum Sourp
Asdvadzadzini), one of the eight feast days devoted to the Holy Mary
in the Armenian Liturgical calendar. This feast is always commemorated
on November 21 in remembrance of the presentation of the Holy Mother
to the Temple when she was three years old. She remained in the house
of God for twelve years. At a time when education was generally denied
to females, she studied with scholars, under the care of Zachariah,
father of John the Baptist.
NEW FROM THE BOOKSTORE. . .
MUSA DAGH GIRL:
DAUGHTER OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE SURVIVORS
By Virginia Matosian Apelian
An engrossing memoir filled with the personal history of genocide
survivors from Musa Dagh as well as a vivid picture of life in the
United States, written by Virginia Apelian, an energetic and effective
activist who worked with New Jersey state and local leaders and
agencies to advance the Armenian cause.
Soft cover, 538 pages, $26.99 plus shipping and 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/10914638094/4046193/111590584/24882/goto:http://bookstore.armenianprelacy.org/bookstore/books.htm
)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 17Video of the month presented by Anthropology/Armenian
Museum, Queens College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, A Requiem,
(1994), directed by Sergei Paradjanov. Admission is free. For
information: 718-428-5650.
November 18-19Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Fall Food
Festival in the church hall at 635 Grove Ave. Festival opens 4 pm
Saturday, with dinner served from 5 until 8 pm. Saturday at 11 am,
with dinner served from noon until 4 pm. Selections include shish,
chicken, losh kebabs, and kheyma. Baked goods and Country Store
available both days.
November 20Food Festival hosted by ARS Erebouni Chapter of New York,
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1 to 4 pm. Come for the
food; stay for the fun. Homemade food, music, raffles, face painting
and more. Take home goodies for Thanksgiving. For information:
631-922-3414.
November 18-20Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Live entertainment Friday and
Saturday. Children's activities, vendors, homemade Manti, Kufte, Sou
Buereg, Choreg and more. Traditional Kavourma dinner on
Sunday. Extensive mezze and dessert menu for your Thanksgiving table
available for take-out.
November 20St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Dinner in Pashalian Hall, presented by the Ladies Guild, 1 pm, under
auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Delicious traditional
meal, music, dance, raffle and more. For information: 212-689-5880.
December 1Avak luncheon sponsored by St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover Massachusetts, at noon. Speaker, Tom
Vartabedian, Armenians in the Strangest Places. Public invited.
December 3Christmas Bazaar hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, at the Northbridge Middle School, 171
Linwood Ave. Baked goods, gourmet meals, pastries, silent auction,
childrens activities, and much more. Plenty of parking. For
information: 508-234-3677.
December 3Annual Holiday Bake Sale. St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis
Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian
pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Caf. For information
or pre-orders, 847-244-4573.
December 4Ordination of Krikor Esayan to the Diaconate at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.
December 4St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, presents an
informative evening with Armen Aroyan, Travels Through Historic
Armenia, 4 pm in the church hall. For information: 617-924-7562.
December 7Best-selling author Peter Balakian will speak about the
expanded, anniversary edition of his book Black Dog of Fate. Hosted by
the Book Group of the Church of the Ascension, 12 W. 11th Street, New
York City, at 7 pm. Event is free. Wine and cocktail snacks
provided. For RSVP or more information email Janine Shamshoian
Economides at [email protected].
December 8Video of the month by Anthropology/Armenian Museum, Queens
College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, Ashik Kerib, (1988), directed by
Sergei Paradjanov. Admission is free. For information: 718-428-5650.
December 10Armenian Holiday Food Fair, St. Hagop Church Auxiliary,
Racine, Wisconsin, 11 am to 4 pm at Hilda Soultanian Hall, 4100
N. Newmann Road, Racine.
December 113rd annual Simply Christmas concert of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, An Acoustic Christmas Concert with Hooshere,
immediately following church services. Luncheon will follow concert to
honor all auxiliary members of St. Sarkis Church. Free admission.
December 18Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.
December 31New Years Gala, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
North Andover, Massachusetts, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, 8:30 pm. $75 per
person includes mezze and the famous Midnight Soujouk & Eggs Full
Breakfast Buffet and Desserts. Music by Richard Berberian, Mal
Barsamian, Bruce Girgarjian, and Ron Tutunjian. For
information/reservations contact church office, 978-685-5038.
January 14Huyser Musical Ensemble of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York, presents Heartbeat of our Land, under auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, 7:30 pm at Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th
Street (between Madison and Park Avenues), New York City. Special
appearance by AGBU Antranig Armenian Dance Ensemble. For
information/tickets contact the Cathedrals office,
212-689-5880. Tickets also available on line at www.ticketmaster.com (
http://e2ma.net/go/10914638094/4046193/111590585/24882/goto:http://www.ticketmaster.com
).
March 25Celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielians ordination to the priesthood. Save the date.
May 9-12, 2012National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy,
hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. Clergy
conference on May 9; full delegation May 10 to 12. Accommodations at
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Details will be forthcoming
to parishes and delegates.
May 11-12National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 30th
anniversary celebration and annual conference in conjunction with the
National Representative Assembly, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. For information: Mary Derderian 781-762-4253.
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: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress