Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/19/2012

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/19/2012

    PRESS RELEASE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Tel: (212) 686-0710
    Fax: (212) 779-3558
    Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
    Email: [email protected]


    TOP STORY January 19,
    2012

    Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian
    Fr. Nareg Berberian was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1992.

    _Boca Raton to Celebrate Pastor's 20 Years of Service_

    On Saturday, January 21, the St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, will honor
    its longtime pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, on the 20th
    anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood.

    Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will preside over the
    celebratory banquet to be held in the church's Mardigian Hall. Fr. Berberian
    was the very first priest to receive ordination by the hand of the Primate,
    in 1992.

    Also attending the event will be Diocesan Ecumenical Director Archbishop
    Vicken Aykazian, along with clergy from the Diocese and the surrounding
    community in Boca Raton.

    On Sunday, January 22, Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine
    Liturgy at the St. David Church, during which he will ordain Gregory Merjian
    to the order of sub-diaconate and Arlen Avedyan to the order of diaconate.

    Scripture of the Week

    Is 58:13-59:7
    1 Tim 4:12-5:10
    Jn 3:13-21

    Prayer of the Week

    Lord, receive our supplications through the intercession of the holy Mother
    of God, the immaculate bearer of your only-begotten Son, and by the
    supplications of all your saints. Hear us, Lord, and have mercy on us;
    forgive, expiate and remit our sins; make us worthy to give you thanks and
    to glorify you together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always.
    Amen.

    Upcoming Saints & Feasts

    _22 January:_ St. Gregory the Theologian

    _29 January:_ Barekendan of the Fast of Catechumens

    _3 February:_ Remembrance of the Prophet Jonah

    CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

    Sanahin monastery in Armenia
    The stoa of Grigor Magistros, part of the school building at Sanahin
    Monastery.

    _Restoration Efforts to Begin at Sanahin Monastery _

    According to reports, the Republic of Armenia's Ministry of Culture has
    announced that it will proceed with plans to begin restoration work at the
    historic Sanahin Monastery in the country's northern Lori region later this
    year.

    In collaboration with experts from Italy and Germany, the Ministry of
    Culture has already completed studies of the monastery's structure and its
    many _khatchkars_ and other monuments. Officials have said they expect to
    begin restoration efforts in the coming months.

    At the center of Sanahin Monastery are the Holy Redeemer Church and the
    Church of the Mother-of-God, both dating to the 10th century. The complex
    also includes a chapel, bell tower, library, school, and cemetery.

    Built over the remains of a 4th- or 5th-century church, the monastery was
    one of Armenia's most influential centers between the 10th and 13th
    centuries. Its school was renowned for teaching medicine, painting, and the
    art of illumination. Today the monastery appears on the UNESCO World
    Heritage List.

    DIOCESAN NEWS

    Oriental Orthodox meeting in New York City
    (left to right) Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Metropolitan Mor Cyril Aphrem
    Karim, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at this week's meeting of the
    Standing Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

    _Oriental Orthodox Clergy Meet in Teaneck, NJ _

    On Tuesday, January 17, members of the Standing Conference of the Oriental
    Orthodox Churches met at St. Mark's Syrian Orthodox Cathedral in Teaneck,
    NJ. Metropolitan Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian Orthodox Church hosted
    the meeting, which was chaired by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
    the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.

    The meeting began with a prayer and welcoming remarks by Metropolitan Karim.
    Discussion topics included plans being made for a youth retreat to be hosted
    by the Syrian Orthodox Church and possible daylong regional meetings of
    Oriental Orthodox clergy.

    Participants also spoke about their respective Christian education programs
    and reviewed the Oriental Orthodox Concelebration of the Divine Liturgy held
    last November at the Coptic Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael and St.
    Mena in Staten Island, NY. Next year's concelebration will be hosted by St.
    Leon Armenian Church of Fair Lawn, NJ.

    Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Eastern Diocese's Ecumenical Director, and
    Metropolitan Karim spoke about the participation of Oriental Orthodox
    churches in the Christian Churches Together organization and presented
    updates on the ongoing dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. Turning to
    developments overseas, participants discussed the situation of Copts in
    Egypt and Christians in Syria.

    The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan gave a presentation on the new website of
    the Standing Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. [4]Click here to
    visit the website for news and information about the organization.
    Links:
    4. http://www.scooch.org/mission-statement?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email

    In addition to Archbishop Barsamian, Archbishop Aykazian, and Fr. Findikyan,
    representing the Armenian Church at Tuesday's meeting were: the Rev. Fr.
    Diran Bohajian, Dn. Ryan Tellalian, and Dn. Benjamin Rith-Najarian. Clergy
    representing the Coptic, Ethiopian, Syrian, and Malankara churches were in
    attendance.


    Ecumenical meeting
    `An Ecumenical Celebration of Evening Prayer' was held at St. Patrick's
    Cathedral in New York City on January 18.

    _Ecumenical Prayer Service Held in New York City _

    On Wednesday, January 18, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, and
    the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, attended `An Ecumenical
    Celebration of Evening Prayer' at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

    The prayer service was held on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for
    Christian unity, and led by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop
    of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Orthodox, Catholic, and
    Protestant clergy participated in the procession and prayers.

    During the service, Archbishop Barsamian invited the clergy and congregation
    to recite the Lord's Prayer. The guest homilist was the Rev. Dr. A.R.
    Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY. Hymns were sung by
    the Christian Cultural Center Choir and Orchestra and the St. Patrick's
    Cathedral Choir.


    Primate visits Armenian Schools and Old Age Homes
    Archbishop Barsamian speaks with a resident at the New York Armenian Home,
    as Aghavni Ellian, the home's executive director, looks on.

    _Primate Visits Schools, Old Age Homes in NY and NJ_

    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, made his annual visits to
    local Armenian schools and homes for the elderly this week, including the
    Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, NY, and the New York Armenian
    Home in Flushing, NY, on Wednesday, January 18, and the Hovnanian School in
    New Milford, NJ, and the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in
    Emerson, NJ, on Thursday, January 19.

    As part of each visit, the Primate officiated over the Home Blessing
    service, which is traditionally performed at the start of the New Year. At
    the Holy Martyrs and Hovnanian schools, students sang Armenian songs and
    recited poems. They also had the opportunity to learn more about the Home
    Blessing service and to ask Archbishop Barsamian questions about the
    Armenian Church.

    At the New York Armenian Home and the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation
    Center, residents received communion and shared in conversation with the
    Primate.

    Accompanying Archbishop Barsamian to the Hovnanian School and the Armenian
    Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were the Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian and Dn.
    Hacik Sariminasyan. Dn. Sebuh Oscherician also accompanied the Primate on
    both days.

    Click to view photos from the visits to [5]Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School,
    the [6]Hovnanian School, and the [7]Armenian centers.
    Links:
    5. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/HMADS-Home-Blessing-2012/21087748_mqHPVS?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=167 7139773&k=bCc3C4J
    6. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Hovnanian-School-2012/21101791_jFzxM7?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=167 8409777&k=ctg2kvv
    7. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Visitations-1/Armenian-Old-Age-Homes-NY-and/21087821_PmTtzn?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=167 8390711&k=7RTjbsW


    GTech
    Students listen to a lecture at GTech in Gyumri, Armenia.

    _FAR's GTech Dedicates New Lab to Mobile Platforms_

    FAR's Gyumri Information Technology Center (GTech), in collaboration with
    Armenia's Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), has opened a new lab
    focusing on mobile platform development. Called the "M-Lab," the new program
    will make available courses on mobile platform technology to students of
    GTech and to Gyumri's IT professionals.

    With a curriculum that focuses on operating systems and applications
    involving the Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile platforms, the
    `M-Lab' aims to build up a mobile development faculty within GTech and to
    promote mobile application development in Gyumri. Students will be trained
    in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, and receive an introduction to mobile web
    design.

    GTech was established in 2005 by FAR, in partnership with U.S. and Armenian
    technology companies, and with strong support from FAR's Young Professional
    alumni community. The goal of the center is to strengthen the information
    technology skills of young Armenians and to expand employment and business
    opportunities in the region for young professionals. GTech also helps to
    bolster development by providing an incubator space for new start-up IT
    businesses.
    [8]
    Click here to visit FAR's blog and to read more.
    Links:
    8. http://blog.farusa.org/2012/01/10/gtech-gtech-develops-a-new-curriculum-on-mobile-platforms?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email


    Diocesan Center News

    _Diocese Seeking Development Director_

    The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently seeking
    candidates for the position of Director of Development.

    The Development Director will report to the Diocese's Executive Director. He
    or she will be responsible for planning and implementing all fundraising
    strategies for the Eastern Diocese. Responsibilities include the areas of
    donor research, cultivation, and solicitation; leadership identification and
    planning; reporting to donors and the public; among other areas.

    Qualified applicants should have a bachelor's degree (advanced degree
    preferred) and at least 10 years of successful fundraising experience in the
    non-profit sector. Please consult the job description and list of
    qualifications posted on the [9]Eastern Diocese's website.
    Links:
    9. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/diocese-seeking-development-director?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email

    Send résumé and cover letter via e-mail to
    [10][email protected]. Only those applicants meeting the
    requirements for the Development Director position will be interviewed. The
    review of applications will begin immediately.
    Links:
    10. mailto:[email protected]

    PARISH NEWS

    Ordination at Holy Cross Church, Union City, NJ
    Archbishop Barsamian ordained acolytes last Sunday at Holy Cross Church of
    Union City, NJ.

    _Acolytes Ordained in Union City, NJ_

    On Sunday, January 15, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
    visited Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, where he celebrated the Divine
    Liturgy and ordained three parishioners to the rank of acolyte. The three
    are: Matthew Bagdat, Tadevos Grigoryan, and Garnik Hovannesian.

    The Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan, parish pastor, performed a requiem service
    for Dirahayr Ohannes Barsamian on the second anniversary of his passing.

    Services were followed by a fellowship hour in the church hall. [11]Click
    here to view photos.
    Links:
    11. http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Holy-Cross-Church-NJ-January/21101140_sXW65m?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=167 8362183&k=cXPNnxk


    St. Gregory of Nareg, Cleveland, OH
    ACYOA Juniors of St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, sing
    Christmas carols during home visits to parishioners last month.

    _ACYOA Juniors in Cleveland, OH, Reach Out to Elderly _

    The ACYOA Juniors of St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, have been
    reaching out to community members who are unable to leave their homes due to
    advanced age or illness.

    As part of this initiative, members of the ACYOA Juniors and their advisors
    joined the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, parish pastor, and Dn. Serop Demirjian
    on home visitations on Saturday, December 17.

    In the spirit of the Christmas season, ACYOA members brought poinsettias and
    cookies, and sang Christmas carols and shared in fellowship. They also
    assisted Fr. Sargsyan and Dn. Demirjian in performing the Home Blessing
    service at each of the parishioner's homes.

    To arrange a visitation, contact Fr. Sargsyan at (216) 381-6590 (church) or
    (440) 264-3541 (cell), or Louise Demirjian at (440) 915-9520, or via e-mail
    at [12][email protected].
    Links:
    12. http://[email protected]?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email


    Armenian mission parish in Southwest Florida
    (left to right) Dn. Zaven Hartutian, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Dn. Allan
    Tossoonian, and Vartkes Karaian during the Blessing of Water Ceremony in
    Southwest Florida.

    _Southwest Florida Community Welcomes Vicar _

    On Sunday, January 15, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
    visited the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Mission Parish, where he
    celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the Blessing of Water Ceremony.

    Vartkes Karaian served as godfather for the _churorhnek_, or Blessing of
    Water Ceremony, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus by the hand of John
    the Baptist. More than 100 parishioners gathered for the service.

    Later in the afternoon, a luleh kebab dinner was held, providing
    parishioners with an opportunity for fellowship.

    The next Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Sunday, February 26, at 1 p.m.
    Services are held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, FL. For
    more information, or to join the parish mailing list, contact Parish Council
    chair Carole Meghreblian at (239) 348-3804, or via e-mail at
    [13][email protected].
    Links:
    13. mailto:[email protected]


    Holy Trinity parishioner volunteers in Armenia
    Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham, PA.

    _Cheltenham Parish Hosts Talk on Working in Armenia __ _

    On Sunday, January 8, the ACYOA Seniors of Holy Trinity Church of
    Cheltenham, PA, hosted a presentation by parishioner Greg Bilazarian, a
    young man who has been living and working in Armenia.

    Bilazarian, 27, took part in Birthright Armenia last summer, and decided to
    extend his stay upon the completion of the program. He is now working at the
    Civilitas Foundation in Yerevan, where he helped launch a new
    website-[14]www.CivilNet.tv-which uses online tools to gauge public opinion
    in Armenia.
    Links:
    14. http://www.CivilNet.tv?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email

    During his presentation at Holy Trinity Church, Bilazarian spoke about his
    experiences in Armenia, and highlighted the need to come up with solutions
    to the country's ongoing population drain. One approach, he said, might be
    the continued development of the technology and tourism industries, which
    provide economic opportunities for the local population.


    _Upcoming Parish Events _

    _St. Gregory the Illuminator Church | Chicago, IL_
    St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, will host its 3rd annual
    Armenian Winter Fest and Dance on Saturday, January 21, from 4 to 11 p.m.

    The evening will feature a special performance by the Armenian Dance Company
    of Chicago. Enjoy shish kebob, chicken kebob, and homemade pastries.
    Admission is free. For information, [15]click here.
    Links:
    15. http://stgregorychicago.org/calendar/details/38-winterfest-2012?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email

    _Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA_
    On Sunday, January 22, Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will celebrate
    the 10th anniversary of the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian's ministry at the
    parish. The celebration will take place in the Charles and Nevart Talanian
    Cultural Hall following church services.

    _St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY_
    The ACYOA of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will
    host its annual_ holiday party on Saturday, January 21_, beginning at 8 p.m.

    The evening will feature music by Robert Chilingirian, the Khnjooyk Band,
    and DJ Glo. Tickets are $20. [16]Click here to view a flyer for details, or
    e-mail [17][email protected] to make a reservation.
    Links:
    16. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/StGregoryWhitePlainsJan2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern +Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
    17. mailto:[email protected]

    St. Gregory the Enlightener Church will also host the _Tumanyan Puppet State
    Theater of Yerevan on Friday, January 27_, at 7 p.m. in the church's Tutak
    Hall. For more information, [18]click here.
    Links:
    18. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/events-calendar/yerevan-puppet-theater-to-perform-in-white-plains-ny?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email

    EVENTS

    Armenian Bible published in 1666 in Amsterdam
    The first printed Armenian Bible, published in Amsterdam, 1666.

    _Commemorating 500 Years of Armenian Printing_

    The Diocesan Center in New York will be the venue for a special presentation
    honoring the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing, on the evening of
    Tuesday, January 24.

    Zakarya Mildanoglu, a columnist for the _Agos _weekly of Istanbul, will be
    the keynote speaker, delivering his remarks in Armenian. Hagop Vartivarian
    will be the master of ceremonies.

    The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Guild Hall of the Diocesan Center,
    will take place under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
    America (Eastern), in collaboration with several organizations.

    Admission is free and open to the public. To view a flyer, [19]click here.
    Links:
    19. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/500th_Anv_of_Arm_Printing.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+D iocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email


    YOUTH NEWS

    ACYOA Alternative Spring Break

    _Register for ACYOA Alternative Spring Break _

    The ACYOA Central Council is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and their
    annual Collegiate Challenge to give college students from around the country
    the opportunity to build affordable housing for a needy family in Buffalo,
    New York.

    This `Alternative Spring Break' program will take place from March 17-24. In
    addition to helping build houses, participants will have the opportunity for
    worship and will visit the local Armenian community in Niagara Falls, NY.
    The group will be led by the Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian.

    [20]Click here to view a flyer for more information, or contact ACYOA
    Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at (212) 293-1248, or via e-mail at
    [21][email protected].
    Links:
    20. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/ACYOAMarch2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
    21. mailto:[email protected]


    ACYOA chapter workshop in Florida
    ACYOA Chapter Workshop participants make sandwiches for a South Florida
    homeless shelter.

    _ACYOA Chapter Workshop Held in Boca Raton, FL _

    Thirty-five ACYOA members from parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered
    in Boca Raton, FL, last weekend for the ACYOA's 4th annual Chapter Workshop,
    hosted by St. David Church. The workshop was designed and facilitated by the
    seven-member ACYOA Central Council with the Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev.
    Fr. Simeon Odabashian, serving as the workshop chaplain.

    Under the theme "We're All In This Together," the January 13-15 workshop
    aimed to provide an interactive atmosphere for participants to share
    successes, struggles, and advice on how to nurture and build their
    respective ACYOA parish chapters while also providing opportunities for
    service, worship, and Christian fellowship.

    Participants examined the ACYOA's mission and the resources the organization
    has to make it succeed. They learned that a clear mission, balanced team,
    and healthy organization are important aspects of a successful ACYOA
    chapter. The weekend also included a service component during which young
    people prepared more than 100 sandwiches for a local homeless shelter.
    [22]
    Click here to read more.
    Links:
    22. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/acyoa-chapter-workshop-focuses-on-strengthening-local-chapters?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email

Working...
X