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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/
August 9, 2012
We are repeating the lead item from last week because of the
continuing and growing crisis in Syria that is affecting our Armenian
community. Please heed this appeal and send in your donations today.
CATHOLICOS ARAM APPEALS FOR ASSISTANCE
FOR ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, issued an
appeal for humanitarian assistance for the Armenian community in
Syria. His Holiness called upon the Armenian community in Syria to
remain unified under these difficult circumstances. From the beginning
of the unrest, His Holiness has been monitoring the humanitarian needs
of the community. The Holy See is providing financial aid for needy
families in Aleppo through the
Prelacy of Aleppo.
His Holiness has asked all the dioceses under the jurisdiction of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia to help families in need, as well as
assistance
for the Armenian Schools in Syria.
Donations can be sent to the Eastern Prelacy, 138 East 39th Street,
New York, NY 10016. Checks should be payable to Armenian Apostolic
Church of America; please indicate `Aleppo relief' in the memo area.
As president of the Middle East Council of Churches, His Holiness also
appealed for aid from all ecumenical and humanitarian
organizations. He
also issued a call for the end of violence and urged working towards
the unity of the people and dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN OFFERS PRAYERS AT ARS CONVENTION
Bishop Anoushavan with leaders of the Armenian Relief Society and
guests at the annual convention of the Armenian Relief Society,
Eastern United States that took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The
Vicar offered the convention's opening prayer and the invocation at
the concluding banquet.
VICAR WILL BE AT ST. SARKIS (DOUGLASTON)
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon this Sunday, August 12, at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
Following the Badarak he will preside over the Blessing of Grapes and
the traditional madagh of `Harissa.'
ANEC WILL SPONSOR SEMINAR AUGUST 18
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) is sponsoring a
teachers' seminar-workshop, `Train the Trainer: Armenian as a
Second Language for Newcomers.' The seminar, which is under the
auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, will take place at the
Prelacy offices in New York on Saturday, August 18, beginning at 10 am
and continuing to 4:30 pm. For information: [email protected]
or 212-689-7231.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, August 12, Feast of the Assumption of the
Holy Mother of God, Song of Songs 4:9-15; 8:14; Isaiah 7:10-16;
Galatians 3:29-4:7; Luke 2:1-7. Lections for blessing of grapes:
Proverbs 3:9-10; Isaiah 65:8-10; Hebrews 6:16-7:7; John 15:1-8.
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all
your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your
vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/siqqt).
FEAST OF SHOGHAKAT OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Saturday, August 11, is the Feast of the Shoghakat of Holy
Etchmiadzin that is always observed on the Saturday prior to the Feast
of the Assumption. Shoghakat refers to the vision of St. Gregory and
the rays of light when God chose the site for the Mother
Cathedral. The feast is celebrated at the time of Assumption because
the Cathedral in Etchmiadzin is named
in honor of the Holy Mother, although through the years it became
known as
Etchmiadzin and Shoghakat refers to the three other nearby churches
built by Gregory the Illuminator.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
This Sunday, August 12, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
the Assumption (Verapokoum) of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing
of the Grapes. Verapokoum in classical Armenian means `transport up.'
According to tradition, when the Holy Mother died she was buried by
the apostles. Bartholomew, who was not present at her funeral, wanted
to visit her grave. When the gravestone was lifted they were surprised
to find that her body had disappeared. It was believed that Christ had
come and taken his mother to the Heavenly Kingdom. Based on this
event, the Church Fathers established the Feast of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the five tabernacle feast
days in the Armenian Church's liturgical calendar. The feast is
preceded by a week (five days) of fasting and followed by a memorial
day.
Because Bartholomew was very fond of the Holy Mother, the apostle John
gave him an image of her (which she had given to John). Bartholomew
took this image with him to Armenia to Darbnots Kar in the province of
Antsev,
Vaspourakan (Western Armenia) where a convent for nuns, Hogyats Vank
(Monastery of the Spirits), was built and where the icon was
kept. Most depictions of Bartholomew show him holding this icon.
The concept of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is old as evidenced
in sacred prose and poetry dedicated to the Holy Mother. However, it
did not become a basic doctrine of the church until the ninth century
and it was in the twelfth century that the feast was called `The
Assumption.'
This Sunday is the name day for those named Mariam, Maro, Mary, Mari,
Mayrenie, Maroush, Serpouhi, Dirouhi, Takouhi, Lousig, Arpine,
Arpenig, Markarid, Nazig, Azniv, Arousiag, Seta, Verzhin, and
Arshalouys.
BLESSING OF THE GRAPES
The Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the Feast of the Assumption,
although there is no connection between the two. Similar to other
holidays, it coincides with a pre-Christian era festival that the
Church Fathers
incorporated into the liturgical calendar. The hymn Park Sourb
Khatchesi (Glory to Your Sacred Cross) is sung; Biblical passages are
recited, followed by a prayer composed by Catholicos Nerses Shnorhali
specifically for this
occasion. After the prayer, the grapes are blessed three times with
the words Orhnestsee Bahbanestsee and then the blessed grapes are
distributed to the faithful, many of whom have refrained from eating
grapes this year until after this blessing.
Certainly we can say that the Blessing of the Grapes is a celebration
of the fruitfulness of the earth. Grapes are one of the oldest
cultivated plants in the world. Noah planted a vineyard immediately
after disembarking from the Ark (Genesis, Chapter 9) in Nackhichevan,
Armenia. And, of course, the wine of the Divine Liturgy comes from
grapes.
Bless, O Lord, the grape plants and vineyards from which these grapes
are taken and presented to the holy church, and make them bountiful
and fruitful; let them be like good and fertile land, protect the
vineyard from all kinds of misfortune and destruction which come from
above because of our sins, from hail, from cold, from hot winds, and
from destructive insects, so that we may enjoy that which You have
created in this world for our enjoyment and for Your glory, and grant
that we may be worthy to eat and drink with
You from the bounty of Your most fruitful vine at the table of Your
Father's Kingdom, according to the just promise which You made, to the
honor and glory of Your coexisting Trinity, the Father, the Son, and
the most Holy Spirit to whom is due glory, power, and honor, now and
forever. Amen.
(From the prayer written by Catholicos Nerses Shnorhali for the
Blessing of the Grapes)
REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD (MEMORIAL DAY)
Monday, August 13, is Memorial Day (Merelotz). In accordance with the
tradition of the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five
tabernacle feasts is designated as a Memorial Day, a day of
remembrance of the dead. Traditionally, on Merelotz the Divine Liturgy
is celebrated with a requiem service for all souls and for those
specifically requested. Following the service the clergy and faithful
would go to the cemeteries where the graves were individually blessed.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST VIA SATELLITE
FROM CATHOLICOSATE
On the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, Noursat will be
broadcasting live via satellite the Divine Liturgy presided over by
His Holiness Aram I, at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Monastery in Bikfaya,
Lebanon, the summer residence of the Catholicos as well as the site of
the Cilician See's Theological Seminary.
For instructions and schedule click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/8arqt).
This Week in Armenian History
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Birth of Siamanto (August 15, 1878)
In the constellation of intellectuals that were victims of the
Armenian genocide, Siamanto occupied a place at the top. He was one of
the shining stars of Armenian modern poetry together with Taniel
Varoujan.
Siamanto's birthplace, Akn, was a city on the shores of the Euphrates
River, in the vilayet of Kharpert. It was remarkable for its
troubadours, inspired by the natural beauty of its surroundings. It
was also noted for the frequent migration of its Armenian
inhabitants. Many contemporaries of Siamanto were born there or had
their family roots in the city, such as writers Arpiar Arpiarian,
Arshag Tchobanian, Minas Tcheraz, Misak Medzarentz and Krikor Zohrab.
Born Adom Yarjanian, the future poet lived in Akn until 1891. He
attended the Nersessian School. Its principal, Bishop Karekin
Servantzdiantz, a folklorist and writer, encouraged him to develop his
poetic talent. He gave him the pen name Siamanto, from the hero of one
of his tales.
Siamanto came from a middle-upper-class family. They moved to
Constantinople, where he graduated from the Berberian School in
1896. The massacres ordered by Sultan Abdul Hamid II were in full
fledge. When the bloody wave reached Constantinople, Siamanto, like
many other Armenians, fled the city and the country. He ended up in
Egypt.
He moved to Paris in 1897 and enrolled in the Sorbonne to pursue
studies in literature for the next three years. He did menial jobs to
sustain
himself. He developed close ties with well-known Armenian
personalities in
and outside Paris. In 1898, his first published poem, `Vision of
Death,' made an impact among literary circles. In Geneva
(Switzerland), he developed close ties with the newspaper of the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Droshak. He became a member of the
party and his poetry nurtured from news of the massacres and
revolutionary actions.
He published his first slim volume of poetry, Heroically, in 1902.
Struggle for liberation was one of the main themes of his writing,
which he developed in a collection of poems, Sons of Armenia,
published in three cycles (1905, 1906, and 1908). Here he made a
transition from mystical symbolism to a realistic depiction of the
Armenian plight. His collection Torches of Agony and Hope (1907)
showed him in a more lyrical and evocative vein.
In 1904, Siamanto fell ill with pneumonia, but he was able to fully
recover, although his health was always delicate. He lived in Paris,
Zurich, and Geneva for the next four years, until he returned to
Constantinople
after the Ottoman Revolution of 1908, which promised freedom and
equality to all. The Adana massacres of 1909, however, showed that the
cycle of violence had not ended. The bloodshed deeply affected
Siamanto, who published his new book, Bloody News from My Friend
(1909), as a reaction to the massacre.
In 1909-1910, he lived in Boston, where he was an editor at the
Hairenik newspaper. He published a book of twelve poems, called
Invitation to
the Homeland, to launch a campaign for the return of the thousands of
Armenians who migrated to America during the years of tyranny. He also
published the first volume of his Complete Works in 1910. He returned
to Constantinople and in 1912 he wrote the poem Saint Mesrob,
dedicated to the 1500th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian
alphabet (at the time, the date of the creation of the alphabet was
thought to be 412), which was celebrated
with great enthusiasm by Armenians all over the world. A few months
later,
he traveled to Eastern Armenia and the Caucasus accompanying the
coffin of
Simon Zavarian, one of the founders of the A.R.F. (1866-1913).
In the ill-fated night of April 23-24, he was rounded up by the
Turkish authorities, sent to exile in Ayash with many other
intellectuals, and from there, months later, to death and to
immortality.
STAGING OF NEW PLAY ANNOUNCED
The New York Theatre Workshop has announced the presentation of a new
play, `Red Dog Howls,' by Alexander Dinelaris, that =80=9Cexplores the
horror of a forgotten genocide, the enduring strength of the human
spirit and how the choices we make for our children will=80'for better
or worse-reverberate for generations to come... In 1915, a terrible
secret was buried...Almost a century later, it is about to be
uncovered.'
The theater is located at 79 East 4th Street, New York
City. Performances begin September 5 and continue to October 14. For
information: www.nytw.org (http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/o3rqt).
BE A FRIEND ON FACEBOOK
In conjunction with the upcoming visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy we have created a Facebook page that can be found by
searching on `Armenian Church Eastern US.' We are in the process of
populating the page and will soon begin adding content on a daily
basis. Click here to jump to our Facebook page
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/4vsqt).
FROM THE PRELACY BOOKSTORE
THIS WEEK WE FEATURE THREE CDs FROM THE POPULAR AND TALENTED
TENOR KEVORK HADJIAN
BLESS YOU (Uzkez Orhnemk)
A selection of 12 sacred songs.
$18.00 plus shipping & handling
ARMENIA IN GOMIDAS (Gomidasian Haiastan)
Includes 17 popular selections.
$15.00 plus shipping & handling
ARMENIA IN SONGS (Haiastanuh Yergeroum)
A selection of 15 songs expressing the Armenian dream.
An informative booklet is included.
$15.00 plus shipping & handling
To order these or other items contact the bookstore by email at
[email protected] or by telephone at 212-689-7810.
A REMINDER ABOUT CROSSROADS
We remind you that items in Crossroads can be reproduced without
permission. Please credit Crossroads as the source.
POPULAR TIME FOR PICNICS
The celebration of the Blessing of the Grapes is a time when many of
our parishes have their annual summer picnics and an open-air blessing
of
grapes. Those parishes that submitted information are listed in our
calendar below. It is a fun activity of fellowship and good food for
the whole family.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 10-12-Armenian Fest and Blessing of the Grapes, All Saints
Church, Glenview, Illinois. For information: 847-998-1989.
August 12-Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes,
Sts. Vartanantz Church (New Jersey) and Dro Gomideh. Dunkerhook Park,
Pavillion D,
Paramus, New Jersey, 1 to 5 pm. Music, delicious food and desserts,
arts &
crafts and playground for children; cards and tavloo...and more. In
case of rain, indoor picnic at Sts. Vartanantz hall, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
August 12-Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of the
Grapes, and Indoor Picnic, following the Divine Liturgy at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Ladies Guild. Activities for
kids of all ages; food available for sale. Admission (including raffle
ticket), $5.00; children free. For information: 212-689-5880.
August 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Feast of the
Assumption of the Holy Virgin and Blessing of Grapes, traditional
madagh of Harissa.
August 12-Annual Picnic, St. Stephen's Armenian Church of Greater
Boston. Divine Liturgy will take place at 10 am at Camp Haiastan in
Franklin, Massachusetts. Lunch beginning at 12 noon includes delicious
shish kebab and refreshments. Blessing of Madagh and Grapes at 3:30
pm. Live music by Mal Barsamian Ensemble.
August 12-Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester,
Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, at
noon on the church grounds. Enjoy delicious Armenian food, including
Shish Kebab, Losh Kebab, and Chicken Kebab dinners, along with kheyma
and homemade desserts. Listen and dance to Armenian music by DJ
Shaheen, sign-up for backgammon tournament, or let children play on
bouncy house. Free parking and admission. For information:
508-852-2414.
August 12-Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of the Grapes
and indoor picnic following the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, Granite City, Illinois. Tasty shish kebab and
chicken kebab
dinners will be sold. Armenian breads and pastries along with other
delicacies will be for sale. Armenian dancing and activities for
children of all ages. Free admission.
August 18-The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) sponsors a
teachers' seminar-workshop, `Train the Trainer: Armenian as a Second
Language for Newcomers,' for ANEC-affiliated schools,
under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, at the
Armenian Prelacy headquarters, New York, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. For
information, email [email protected] or call (212) 689-7231.
August 19-Annual church picnic and Blessing of the Grapes,
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Festivities
start at noon on
the church grounds; free parking and admission; shish kebab, losh
kebab, chicken kebab, khema and homemade desserts. Music by John
Berberian and Ensemble. For information: 508-234-3677.
September 16-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Church
Picnic, on the church grounds, noon to 6 pm. Best kebabs, cold beer
and tan, watermelon, home-made sweets, special `Kid-Zone' activities
for children. Also Armenian music and dancing, raffle with great
prizes. Takeout available all day. Admission free. For information
718-224-2275.
October 4-31-Pontifical Visit to the Eastern Prelacy by His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
November 10-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
New Jersey and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of New York, present
Inga
& Anush with performances by Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble of New
Jersey, Hamazkayin Meghri Dance Ensemble of Pennsylvania, and Vanush
Khanamiryan
Dance Academy of New York and Connecticut. Felician College, 262 South
Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $70) and
information: 201-739-9557, 201-684-1509, or
www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/kotqt).
November 11-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
Boston and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy proudly present Inga &
Anush with performance by Erebouni Dance Ensemble of Hamazkayin
Boston. Shaw Auditorium, Watertown High School, Watertown,
Massachusetts, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $45) and information:
617-331-0426 or www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/0guqt).
November 18-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 50th anniversary
jubilee.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[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]
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/
August 9, 2012
We are repeating the lead item from last week because of the
continuing and growing crisis in Syria that is affecting our Armenian
community. Please heed this appeal and send in your donations today.
CATHOLICOS ARAM APPEALS FOR ASSISTANCE
FOR ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, issued an
appeal for humanitarian assistance for the Armenian community in
Syria. His Holiness called upon the Armenian community in Syria to
remain unified under these difficult circumstances. From the beginning
of the unrest, His Holiness has been monitoring the humanitarian needs
of the community. The Holy See is providing financial aid for needy
families in Aleppo through the
Prelacy of Aleppo.
His Holiness has asked all the dioceses under the jurisdiction of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia to help families in need, as well as
assistance
for the Armenian Schools in Syria.
Donations can be sent to the Eastern Prelacy, 138 East 39th Street,
New York, NY 10016. Checks should be payable to Armenian Apostolic
Church of America; please indicate `Aleppo relief' in the memo area.
As president of the Middle East Council of Churches, His Holiness also
appealed for aid from all ecumenical and humanitarian
organizations. He
also issued a call for the end of violence and urged working towards
the unity of the people and dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN OFFERS PRAYERS AT ARS CONVENTION
Bishop Anoushavan with leaders of the Armenian Relief Society and
guests at the annual convention of the Armenian Relief Society,
Eastern United States that took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The
Vicar offered the convention's opening prayer and the invocation at
the concluding banquet.
VICAR WILL BE AT ST. SARKIS (DOUGLASTON)
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon this Sunday, August 12, at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
Following the Badarak he will preside over the Blessing of Grapes and
the traditional madagh of `Harissa.'
ANEC WILL SPONSOR SEMINAR AUGUST 18
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) is sponsoring a
teachers' seminar-workshop, `Train the Trainer: Armenian as a
Second Language for Newcomers.' The seminar, which is under the
auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, will take place at the
Prelacy offices in New York on Saturday, August 18, beginning at 10 am
and continuing to 4:30 pm. For information: [email protected]
or 212-689-7231.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, August 12, Feast of the Assumption of the
Holy Mother of God, Song of Songs 4:9-15; 8:14; Isaiah 7:10-16;
Galatians 3:29-4:7; Luke 2:1-7. Lections for blessing of grapes:
Proverbs 3:9-10; Isaiah 65:8-10; Hebrews 6:16-7:7; John 15:1-8.
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all
your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your
vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/siqqt).
FEAST OF SHOGHAKAT OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Saturday, August 11, is the Feast of the Shoghakat of Holy
Etchmiadzin that is always observed on the Saturday prior to the Feast
of the Assumption. Shoghakat refers to the vision of St. Gregory and
the rays of light when God chose the site for the Mother
Cathedral. The feast is celebrated at the time of Assumption because
the Cathedral in Etchmiadzin is named
in honor of the Holy Mother, although through the years it became
known as
Etchmiadzin and Shoghakat refers to the three other nearby churches
built by Gregory the Illuminator.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
This Sunday, August 12, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
the Assumption (Verapokoum) of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing
of the Grapes. Verapokoum in classical Armenian means `transport up.'
According to tradition, when the Holy Mother died she was buried by
the apostles. Bartholomew, who was not present at her funeral, wanted
to visit her grave. When the gravestone was lifted they were surprised
to find that her body had disappeared. It was believed that Christ had
come and taken his mother to the Heavenly Kingdom. Based on this
event, the Church Fathers established the Feast of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the five tabernacle feast
days in the Armenian Church's liturgical calendar. The feast is
preceded by a week (five days) of fasting and followed by a memorial
day.
Because Bartholomew was very fond of the Holy Mother, the apostle John
gave him an image of her (which she had given to John). Bartholomew
took this image with him to Armenia to Darbnots Kar in the province of
Antsev,
Vaspourakan (Western Armenia) where a convent for nuns, Hogyats Vank
(Monastery of the Spirits), was built and where the icon was
kept. Most depictions of Bartholomew show him holding this icon.
The concept of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is old as evidenced
in sacred prose and poetry dedicated to the Holy Mother. However, it
did not become a basic doctrine of the church until the ninth century
and it was in the twelfth century that the feast was called `The
Assumption.'
This Sunday is the name day for those named Mariam, Maro, Mary, Mari,
Mayrenie, Maroush, Serpouhi, Dirouhi, Takouhi, Lousig, Arpine,
Arpenig, Markarid, Nazig, Azniv, Arousiag, Seta, Verzhin, and
Arshalouys.
BLESSING OF THE GRAPES
The Blessing of the Grapes takes place on the Feast of the Assumption,
although there is no connection between the two. Similar to other
holidays, it coincides with a pre-Christian era festival that the
Church Fathers
incorporated into the liturgical calendar. The hymn Park Sourb
Khatchesi (Glory to Your Sacred Cross) is sung; Biblical passages are
recited, followed by a prayer composed by Catholicos Nerses Shnorhali
specifically for this
occasion. After the prayer, the grapes are blessed three times with
the words Orhnestsee Bahbanestsee and then the blessed grapes are
distributed to the faithful, many of whom have refrained from eating
grapes this year until after this blessing.
Certainly we can say that the Blessing of the Grapes is a celebration
of the fruitfulness of the earth. Grapes are one of the oldest
cultivated plants in the world. Noah planted a vineyard immediately
after disembarking from the Ark (Genesis, Chapter 9) in Nackhichevan,
Armenia. And, of course, the wine of the Divine Liturgy comes from
grapes.
Bless, O Lord, the grape plants and vineyards from which these grapes
are taken and presented to the holy church, and make them bountiful
and fruitful; let them be like good and fertile land, protect the
vineyard from all kinds of misfortune and destruction which come from
above because of our sins, from hail, from cold, from hot winds, and
from destructive insects, so that we may enjoy that which You have
created in this world for our enjoyment and for Your glory, and grant
that we may be worthy to eat and drink with
You from the bounty of Your most fruitful vine at the table of Your
Father's Kingdom, according to the just promise which You made, to the
honor and glory of Your coexisting Trinity, the Father, the Son, and
the most Holy Spirit to whom is due glory, power, and honor, now and
forever. Amen.
(From the prayer written by Catholicos Nerses Shnorhali for the
Blessing of the Grapes)
REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD (MEMORIAL DAY)
Monday, August 13, is Memorial Day (Merelotz). In accordance with the
tradition of the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five
tabernacle feasts is designated as a Memorial Day, a day of
remembrance of the dead. Traditionally, on Merelotz the Divine Liturgy
is celebrated with a requiem service for all souls and for those
specifically requested. Following the service the clergy and faithful
would go to the cemeteries where the graves were individually blessed.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST VIA SATELLITE
FROM CATHOLICOSATE
On the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, Noursat will be
broadcasting live via satellite the Divine Liturgy presided over by
His Holiness Aram I, at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Monastery in Bikfaya,
Lebanon, the summer residence of the Catholicos as well as the site of
the Cilician See's Theological Seminary.
For instructions and schedule click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/8arqt).
This Week in Armenian History
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Birth of Siamanto (August 15, 1878)
In the constellation of intellectuals that were victims of the
Armenian genocide, Siamanto occupied a place at the top. He was one of
the shining stars of Armenian modern poetry together with Taniel
Varoujan.
Siamanto's birthplace, Akn, was a city on the shores of the Euphrates
River, in the vilayet of Kharpert. It was remarkable for its
troubadours, inspired by the natural beauty of its surroundings. It
was also noted for the frequent migration of its Armenian
inhabitants. Many contemporaries of Siamanto were born there or had
their family roots in the city, such as writers Arpiar Arpiarian,
Arshag Tchobanian, Minas Tcheraz, Misak Medzarentz and Krikor Zohrab.
Born Adom Yarjanian, the future poet lived in Akn until 1891. He
attended the Nersessian School. Its principal, Bishop Karekin
Servantzdiantz, a folklorist and writer, encouraged him to develop his
poetic talent. He gave him the pen name Siamanto, from the hero of one
of his tales.
Siamanto came from a middle-upper-class family. They moved to
Constantinople, where he graduated from the Berberian School in
1896. The massacres ordered by Sultan Abdul Hamid II were in full
fledge. When the bloody wave reached Constantinople, Siamanto, like
many other Armenians, fled the city and the country. He ended up in
Egypt.
He moved to Paris in 1897 and enrolled in the Sorbonne to pursue
studies in literature for the next three years. He did menial jobs to
sustain
himself. He developed close ties with well-known Armenian
personalities in
and outside Paris. In 1898, his first published poem, `Vision of
Death,' made an impact among literary circles. In Geneva
(Switzerland), he developed close ties with the newspaper of the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Droshak. He became a member of the
party and his poetry nurtured from news of the massacres and
revolutionary actions.
He published his first slim volume of poetry, Heroically, in 1902.
Struggle for liberation was one of the main themes of his writing,
which he developed in a collection of poems, Sons of Armenia,
published in three cycles (1905, 1906, and 1908). Here he made a
transition from mystical symbolism to a realistic depiction of the
Armenian plight. His collection Torches of Agony and Hope (1907)
showed him in a more lyrical and evocative vein.
In 1904, Siamanto fell ill with pneumonia, but he was able to fully
recover, although his health was always delicate. He lived in Paris,
Zurich, and Geneva for the next four years, until he returned to
Constantinople
after the Ottoman Revolution of 1908, which promised freedom and
equality to all. The Adana massacres of 1909, however, showed that the
cycle of violence had not ended. The bloodshed deeply affected
Siamanto, who published his new book, Bloody News from My Friend
(1909), as a reaction to the massacre.
In 1909-1910, he lived in Boston, where he was an editor at the
Hairenik newspaper. He published a book of twelve poems, called
Invitation to
the Homeland, to launch a campaign for the return of the thousands of
Armenians who migrated to America during the years of tyranny. He also
published the first volume of his Complete Works in 1910. He returned
to Constantinople and in 1912 he wrote the poem Saint Mesrob,
dedicated to the 1500th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian
alphabet (at the time, the date of the creation of the alphabet was
thought to be 412), which was celebrated
with great enthusiasm by Armenians all over the world. A few months
later,
he traveled to Eastern Armenia and the Caucasus accompanying the
coffin of
Simon Zavarian, one of the founders of the A.R.F. (1866-1913).
In the ill-fated night of April 23-24, he was rounded up by the
Turkish authorities, sent to exile in Ayash with many other
intellectuals, and from there, months later, to death and to
immortality.
STAGING OF NEW PLAY ANNOUNCED
The New York Theatre Workshop has announced the presentation of a new
play, `Red Dog Howls,' by Alexander Dinelaris, that =80=9Cexplores the
horror of a forgotten genocide, the enduring strength of the human
spirit and how the choices we make for our children will=80'for better
or worse-reverberate for generations to come... In 1915, a terrible
secret was buried...Almost a century later, it is about to be
uncovered.'
The theater is located at 79 East 4th Street, New York
City. Performances begin September 5 and continue to October 14. For
information: www.nytw.org (http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/o3rqt).
BE A FRIEND ON FACEBOOK
In conjunction with the upcoming visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy we have created a Facebook page that can be found by
searching on `Armenian Church Eastern US.' We are in the process of
populating the page and will soon begin adding content on a daily
basis. Click here to jump to our Facebook page
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/4vsqt).
FROM THE PRELACY BOOKSTORE
THIS WEEK WE FEATURE THREE CDs FROM THE POPULAR AND TALENTED
TENOR KEVORK HADJIAN
BLESS YOU (Uzkez Orhnemk)
A selection of 12 sacred songs.
$18.00 plus shipping & handling
ARMENIA IN GOMIDAS (Gomidasian Haiastan)
Includes 17 popular selections.
$15.00 plus shipping & handling
ARMENIA IN SONGS (Haiastanuh Yergeroum)
A selection of 15 songs expressing the Armenian dream.
An informative booklet is included.
$15.00 plus shipping & handling
To order these or other items contact the bookstore by email at
[email protected] or by telephone at 212-689-7810.
A REMINDER ABOUT CROSSROADS
We remind you that items in Crossroads can be reproduced without
permission. Please credit Crossroads as the source.
POPULAR TIME FOR PICNICS
The celebration of the Blessing of the Grapes is a time when many of
our parishes have their annual summer picnics and an open-air blessing
of
grapes. Those parishes that submitted information are listed in our
calendar below. It is a fun activity of fellowship and good food for
the whole family.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 10-12-Armenian Fest and Blessing of the Grapes, All Saints
Church, Glenview, Illinois. For information: 847-998-1989.
August 12-Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes,
Sts. Vartanantz Church (New Jersey) and Dro Gomideh. Dunkerhook Park,
Pavillion D,
Paramus, New Jersey, 1 to 5 pm. Music, delicious food and desserts,
arts &
crafts and playground for children; cards and tavloo...and more. In
case of rain, indoor picnic at Sts. Vartanantz hall, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
August 12-Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of the
Grapes, and Indoor Picnic, following the Divine Liturgy at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Ladies Guild. Activities for
kids of all ages; food available for sale. Admission (including raffle
ticket), $5.00; children free. For information: 212-689-5880.
August 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Feast of the
Assumption of the Holy Virgin and Blessing of Grapes, traditional
madagh of Harissa.
August 12-Annual Picnic, St. Stephen's Armenian Church of Greater
Boston. Divine Liturgy will take place at 10 am at Camp Haiastan in
Franklin, Massachusetts. Lunch beginning at 12 noon includes delicious
shish kebab and refreshments. Blessing of Madagh and Grapes at 3:30
pm. Live music by Mal Barsamian Ensemble.
August 12-Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester,
Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, at
noon on the church grounds. Enjoy delicious Armenian food, including
Shish Kebab, Losh Kebab, and Chicken Kebab dinners, along with kheyma
and homemade desserts. Listen and dance to Armenian music by DJ
Shaheen, sign-up for backgammon tournament, or let children play on
bouncy house. Free parking and admission. For information:
508-852-2414.
August 12-Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Blessing of the Grapes
and indoor picnic following the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, Granite City, Illinois. Tasty shish kebab and
chicken kebab
dinners will be sold. Armenian breads and pastries along with other
delicacies will be for sale. Armenian dancing and activities for
children of all ages. Free admission.
August 18-The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) sponsors a
teachers' seminar-workshop, `Train the Trainer: Armenian as a Second
Language for Newcomers,' for ANEC-affiliated schools,
under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, at the
Armenian Prelacy headquarters, New York, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. For
information, email [email protected] or call (212) 689-7231.
August 19-Annual church picnic and Blessing of the Grapes,
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Festivities
start at noon on
the church grounds; free parking and admission; shish kebab, losh
kebab, chicken kebab, khema and homemade desserts. Music by John
Berberian and Ensemble. For information: 508-234-3677.
September 16-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Annual Church
Picnic, on the church grounds, noon to 6 pm. Best kebabs, cold beer
and tan, watermelon, home-made sweets, special `Kid-Zone' activities
for children. Also Armenian music and dancing, raffle with great
prizes. Takeout available all day. Admission free. For information
718-224-2275.
October 4-31-Pontifical Visit to the Eastern Prelacy by His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
November 10-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
New Jersey and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of New York, present
Inga
& Anush with performances by Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble of New
Jersey, Hamazkayin Meghri Dance Ensemble of Pennsylvania, and Vanush
Khanamiryan
Dance Academy of New York and Connecticut. Felician College, 262 South
Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $70) and
information: 201-739-9557, 201-684-1509, or
www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/kotqt).
November 11-Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
Boston and Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy proudly present Inga &
Anush with performance by Erebouni Dance Ensemble of Hamazkayin
Boston. Shaw Auditorium, Watertown High School, Watertown,
Massachusetts, 5 pm. For reservations ($35 - $45) and information:
617-331-0426 or www.itsmyseat.com/hamazkayiner
(http://e2.ma/click/wl7kc/4f4cee/0guqt).
November 18-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 50th anniversary
jubilee.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[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]