Crossroads E-Newsletter - January 3, 2012 - Armenian Diaspora News Forum

Baghdasarian Karlen

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Crossroads E-Newsletter - January 3, 2012

01-02-2013, 08:02 PM

3
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/

January 3, 2013

�'�=80իստոս ծնա�=82 ե�=82 յայտնե�=81ա�=82:

�=95�=80հնեալ է յայտնո�=82թի�=82նն �'�=80իստոսի:

Khrisdos dzunav yev haydnetsav.

Orhnyal e haydnoutyounun Krisdosi.

Christ was Born and Revealed.

Blessed is the Revelation of Christ.

PRELATE'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE:

The Empty Manger

`For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave
me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was
naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I
was in prison and you visited me.'
(Matthew 25:25-36)

On the occasion of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, spiritual
joy blossoms in the hearts of individual Christians. God's visitation
to Mankind with His message of good will, goodness, and peace, opens
new horizons for our heavenly and earthly life and our relationship
with each
other.

Jesus is born again in Bethlehem, proclaiming `Peace on Earth and
Goodwill to all.' Once again we, the children of the Armenian Church,
travel spiritually to Bethlehem to present our gifts to the infant
Lord. How much joy is in our souls because we go to visit Jesus and as
pious children of the Armenian Church, faithful to God as His first
children,
we offer our heartfelt gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. With
His birth, Jesus invites all Mankind to belong to Him, to hear His
words, to convey His deeds, while also experiencing the suffering and
turmoil of those who are deprived, in need, wounded, and grieving. We
feel thankful and rewarded because we see our Savior in the manger in
Bethlehem with the new announcement of salvation.

We are not alone in our visit. Like many millions of other faithful
Christians we take a spiritual pilgrimage to Bethlehem. The tangible
love of the infant God must be there in the manger. The joy of the
good news of the birth is there for everyone. The angels sing songs of
glory and good news, but these days we Armenians hear murmurs of
lament and pain, instead of
joy. Jesus is not in His manger in Bethlehem. He is in another place,
another biblical country. He is in Syria-in Aleppo, Deir Zor,
Damascus,
Kessab, Kamishli, and other Armenian towns. Leaving the manger empty,
Jesus has gone where destruction and death are prevalent, where cries
for His help are heard. With the Infant Jesus fixed in our souls, we
become witness to the condition of our true kinsmen. We see their
terror and hear their sobs. In spite of current helplessness and
precarious situations, and in the face of future fear and uncertainty,
we beseech Jesus through our prayers and supplications, to walk with
us in our burned churches, in our damaged sacred memorial in Deir Zor,
and in our destroyed schools-our educational fortresses.

Dear Armenian Faithful,

In the midst of every day concerns in America, and joyful surroundings
especially during this season of Christmas, perhaps you do not have
time to share the pain of our brothers and sisters. Perhaps you are
not able to assess the extent of the danger that threatens our
Armenian community in Syria-the community that after the Genocide
became the cradle of our rebirth, and the community that remained
faithful to its authenticity and
preserved the pure Armenian character, cultural values, faith, and
language.

Aside from the danger for individuals, there is danger for our
nation. Are you prepared to leave your comfortable manger, as Jesus
did, and visit them to give bread to the hungry, water to the thirsty,
care for the wounded, and comfort for the mourner? Yes, you are
obligated, because whatever you do for any of them, you have done also
for Jesus. Whatever you do for
the Armenian community in Syria, you have done for the Armenian people
in its entirety.

I wish you joy and happiness for the New Year and the Holy
Nativity. May our Lord, Savior, and Miracle Worker bless you and your
family. Pray to Him so that the destruction will end, so His boundless
love will be injected in the veins of all Mankind, and save us from
all evil. It is the time
for you to make provision from your charitable gifts for the hungry,
the thirsty, the wounded, and the grieving, just as you would want to
do for Jesus who has gone to visit and suffer with them.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN

Prelate
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Eastern United States of America

Holy Nativity, 2013

ԹԱ�`�=88�'�=90 �=84�=8D�=88�'�=90Ը

`�=88�=80ովհետե�=82 ան�=85թի էի ե�=82 զիս
կե�=80ակ�=80ե�=81ի�=84, ծա�=80ա�=82 էի ե�=82 ջո�=82�=80
տո�=82ի�=84, �=85տա�=80ական էի ե�=82
ընդո�=82նե�=81ի�=84 զիս, մե�=80կ էի ե�=82
հագ�=81ո�=82�=81ի�=84 ինծի, հի�=82անդ էի ե�=82
հոգ տա�=80ի�=84 ինծի, բանտի մէջ էի ե�=82
այ�=81ելե�=81ի�=84 ինծի' (�=84տ 25.35-36)�=89

�=84ե�=80 �=8Fի�=80ոջ �=85իսո�=82ս �'�=80իստոսի
�=8Dո�=82�=80բ Ծննդեան տ�=85նին առիթով
�=84�=80իստոնեայ անհատ ո�=82նե�=81ած
հոգե�=82ո�=80 ո�=82�=80ա�-ո�=82թի�=82նն է ո�=80 կը
ծաղկի մե�=80 ս�=80տե�=80ո�=82ն մէջ�=89 Աստո�=82ած
մա�=80դկո�=82թեան տո�=82ած ի�=80
այ�=81ելո�=82թեամբ, ե�=80կ�=80ա�=82ո�=80 թէ
ե�=80կնա�=82ո�=80 կեան�=84ին համա�=80 ե�=82
ի�=80ա�=80ո�=82 հանդէպ ո�=82նե�=81ած մե�=80
յա�=80աբե�=80ո�=82թի�=82ննե�=80ո�=82ն համա�=80
նո�=80 հո�=80իզոն մը բա�=81ա�=82, ո�=82�=80 ս�=80տի
բա�=80ո�=82թեան, աստո�=82ածահաճո�=82թեան ե�=82
�-աղաղո�=82թեան ա�=82ետիսը կը ս�=83ռո�=82ի�=89

Բեթղեհէմի մէջ �=85իսո�=82ս կ�=80կին
կը ծնի, մա�=80դկո�=82թեան ա�=82ետելով
`�-աղաղո�=82թի�=82ն
ե�=80կ�=80ի վ�=80այ ե�=82 մա�=80դո�=81 միջե�=82
հաճո�=82թի�=82ն'�=89 Ե�=82 մեն�=84, զա�=82ակնե�=80ը
�=80այ Եկեղե�=81�=82ոյ,
այս տա�=80ի ե�=82ս հոգեպէս կ�ե�=80թան�=84
Բեթղեհէմ�=9D մե�=80 ընծանե�=80ը
մատո�=82�=81անելո�=82 մանկա�=81եալ
Աստո�=82ծոյ�=89 �=88�=80�=84ա�=9Cն
ե�=80ջանկո�=82թի�=82ն կայ
մե�=80 հոգինե�=80ո�=82ն մէջ, �=84անի
�=85իսո�=82սին տեսո�=82թեան կ�ե�=80թան�=84 ե�=82,
իբ�=80ե�=82 բա�=80եպաշտ զա�=82ակնե�=80ը �=80այ
Եկեղե�=81�=82ոյ, պիտի ո�=82զեն�=84 ի�=80են
մատո�=82�=81անել մե�=80 ս�=80տի կնդ�=80ո�=82կը,
ոսկին ե�=82 զմո�=82ռսը, հա�=82ատա�=80իմ
մնալով Աստո�=82ծոյ ո�=80պէս ի�=80 անդ�=80անիկ
ո�=80դինե�=80ը�=89 Ի�=80 ծնո�=82նդով, �=85իսո�=82ս
ամբողջ մա�=80դկո�=82թեան հ�=80ա�=82է�=80 մը
կ�ո�=82ղղէ, պատկանելո�=82 ի�=80են, լսելո�=82
ի�=80 �-�=85ս�=84ե�=80ը, պատմելո�=82 ի�=80
գո�=80ծե�=80ո�=82ն մասին, միե�=82նոյն ատեն
տառապելո�=82 ե�=82 տագնապելո�=82�=9D ի տես
զ�=80կեալին, կա�=80�=85տեալին, վի�=80ա�=82ո�=80ին
ո�=82 սգա�=82ո�=80ին�=89
Գոհո�=82նակ ո�=82 վա�=80ձատ�=80ո�=82ած կը
զգան�=84 մեն�=84 զմեզ, �=84անի կը տեսնեն�=84
մե�=80 �`�=80կիչը, Բեթղեհէմի մսո�=82�=80ին մէջ,
�=83�=80կո�=82թեան ի�=80 նո�=80 ա�=82ետիսով�=89

�=88�=80պէս այ�=81ելո�=82նե�=80 առանձին չեն�=84
մեն�=84, բազմամիլիոն �=84�=80իստոնեայ
հա�=82ատա�=81եալնե�=80ո�=82 հետ մեն�=84 ալ
հոգեպէս ո�=82�-տի կ�ե�=80թան�=84
Բեթղեհէմ�=89 �=8Dի�=80ոյ թանձ�=80ա�=81ո�=82մը
ե�=82 մա�=80մնա�=81ո�=82մը եղող մանկա�=81եալ
Աստո�=82ածը հոն մսո�=82�=80ին մէջ
պէտ�=84 է ըլլայ�=89 Բոլո�=80ին համա�=80
ծննդեան ո�=82�=80ա�-ո�=82թեան ա�=82ետիս կայ
հոն�=89 �=80�=80եշտակնե�=80ո�=82 �=83առաբանական
ե�=80գե�=80ը ե�=82 ա�=82ետիսը կը լսեն անոն�=84,
մինչ մեն�=84�=9D հայե�=80ս, ո�=82�=80ա�-ական
ձայնե�=80ո�=82 �=83ո�-ա�=80էն այս �=85�=80ե�=80ո�=82ն
ողբի ո�=82 �=81ա�=82ի մ�=80մո�=82նջնե�=80 կը
լսեն�=84�=89 �=85իսո�=82ս Բեթղեհէմի ի�=80
մսո�=82�=80ին մէջ չէ, այլ ո�=82�=80իշ տեղ մը,
�=8Dո�=82�=80բ Գ�=80ային ո�=82�=80իշ ե�=80կի�=80
մը. �=8Dո�=82�=80իոյ մէջ է ան, �=80ալէպի, �=8Fէ�=80
Զ�=85�=80ի, Դամասկոսի, �'եսապի, Գամիշլիի
ե�=82 հայաբնակ այլ ա�=82աննե�=80ո�=82 մէջ�=89
�=84սո�=82�=80ը թա�=83ո�=82�=80 ձգած, �=85իսո�=82ս
նե�=80կայ է հոն ո�=82�=80 ա�=82ե�=80ո�=82մ ո�=82 մահ
կայ, հոն ո�=82�=80 �=85գնո�=82թեան աղաղակ կայ
ի�=80են ո�=82ղղո�=82ած�=89 Ե�=82 մանկա�=81եալ
�=85իսո�=82սը մե�=80
հոգինե�=80ո�=82ն մէջ սեղմած, ականատես
կ�ըլլան�=84 մե�=80 հա�=80ազատ
ա�=80ենակի�=81նե�=80ո�=82ն վիճակին, անոն�=81
սա�=80սա�=83ին ո�=82 հեծեծան�=84ին: �=86ե�=80կայի
անկա�=80ողո�=82թեան ե�=82
ան�=85գնականո�=82թեան կա�=81ո�=82թեան մէջ
ե�=82 ապագայի վա�-ի ո�=82 անո�=80ոշո�=82թեան
սպառնալի�=84ին դիմա�=81 աղ�=85թ�=84ով ո�=82
պաղատան�=84ով �=85իսո�=82սին կը դիմեն�=84,
ո�=80 մեզի հետ �=84ալէ հ�=80կիզեալ
եկեղե�=81ինե�=80ո�=82ն մէջ, �=8Fէ�=80 Զ�=85�=80ի
ա�=82ե�=80ակ ս�=80բո�=82թեան մէջ, կ�=80թո�=82թեան
մե�=80 ամ�=80ո�=81նե�=80ո�=82ն մէջ�=89

�=8Dի�=80ելի հայո�=80դի,

Ամե�=80իկայի մե�=80 ամեն�=85�=80եայ կեան�=84ին
մտահոգո�=82թի�=82ննե�=80ո�=82ն մէջ, մե�=80
անմիջական շ�=80ջապատի ծննդեան
ո�=82�=80ա�-ական մթնոլո�=80տին
մէջ թե�=80ե�=82ս նո�=82ազ ժամանակ ո�=82նենաս
�=81ա�=82ակի�=81 ըլլալո�=82 մե�=80
եղբայ�=80նե�=80ո�=82ն ո�=82 �=84ոյ�=80ե�=80ո�=82ն�=89
Թե�=80ե�=82ս չչա�=83ես վտանգին
ահա�=82ո�=80ո�=82թի�=82նը, ո�=80 կը սպառնայ
սո�=82�=80իահայ մե�=80 ժողովո�=82�=80դին, այն
գաղո�=82թի�=82ն�=9D ո�=80 �=81եղասպանո�=82թենէն
ետ�=84 մե�=80 վե�=80ածննդեան �=85�=80�=80անը
եղա�=82, ան ո�=80 հա�=82ատա�=80մ�=85�=80էն ի�=80
հա�=80ազատո�=82թեան մէջ պահե�=81 հայո�=82
�=81եղային մա�=84ո�=82�=80 նկա�=80ագի�=80ը,
մշակո�=82թային ա�=80ժէ�=84նե�=80ը, հա�=82ատ�=84ն
ո�=82 լեզո�=82ն�=89

Անհատական վտանգէն անդին ազգային
ա�=82ե�=80 կայ
հոն�=89 �=8Aատ�=80ա�=9Eստ
ես �=85իսո�=82սին նման թողո�=82լ հանգիստ
մսո�=82�=80դ ե�=82 այ�=81ելել ի�=80են�=81,
ան�=85թիին հա�=81 տալով, ծա�=80ա�=82ին�=9D
ջո�=82�=80, վի�=80ա�=82ո�=80ին�=9D
դեղ�=85�=80այ�=84, սգա�=82ո�=80ին�=9D
մ�-իթա�=80ան�=84�=89 Այո, պա�=80տա�=82ո�=80 ես,
ո�=80ովհետե�=82 ինչ ո�=80 կ�ընես անոն�=81մէ
ոե�=82է մէկո�=82ն, �=85իսո�=82սին ը�=80ած
կ�ըլլաս, ինչ ո�=80 կ�ընես սո�=82�=80իահայ
գաղո�=82թին, հայ ժողովո�=82�=80դին
ամբողջականո�=82թեան ը�=80ած կ�ըլլաս�=89

�=87նո�=80հա�=82ո�=80 թող ըլլայ �=86ո�=80 �=8Fա�=80իդ
ե�=82 �=8Dո�=82�=80բ Ծնո�=82նդը�=89 Թող մե�=80
�=8Fէ�=80ը, �`�=80կիչը ե�=82 �=80�=80աշագո�=80ծը
�=85�=80հնո�=82թի�=82ն բաշ�-է �=84եզի ո�=82
ընտանի�=84իդ�=89 Աղ�=85թէ ի�=80են, ո�=80պէսզի
դադ�=80ին ա�=82ե�=80ո�=82մնե�=80ը, ո�=80 ի�=80
անսահման սէ�=80ը նե�=80ա�=80կէ ամբողջ
մա�=80դկո�=82թեան ե�=80ակնե�=80ո�=82ն ե�=82
չա�=80էն �=83�=80կէ բոլո�=80ս�=89 �=8Aահն է ո�=80
նի�=82թական բա�=80ի�=84նե�=80էդ բաժին հանես
նաե�=82 ան�=85թիին, ծա�=80ա�=82իին,
վի�=80ա�=82ո�=80եալին ո�=82 սգա�=82ո�=80ին,
այնպէս ինչպէս պիտի ո�=82զէի�=80 ընել
սո�=82�=80իահայե�=80ո�=82ն այ�=81ի գա�=81ող ե�=82
անոն�=81 հետ տառապող �=85իսո�=82սին�=89

�=95շական Ա�=80�=84եպիսկոպոս

Առաջնո�=80դ

�=8D. Ծնո�=82նդ, 2013

WE WISH YOU A BLESSED AND HOLY NATIVITY

This Sunday, January 6, is Christmas. The Armenian Church has remained
faithful to the celebration of the Nativity and Epiphany on January
6. All Christians celebrated Christmas on January 6 until the
mid-fourth century when the Roman Church separated the two events,
celebrating the birth on
December 25 and the baptism and visit of the magi on January 6 (thus
the twelve days of Christmas).

On Christmas Eve a solemn Mass is celebrated, preceded by readings
taken from various parts of the Bible about the birth or the coming of
the
Messiah. The third chapter from the book of Daniel is read, usually by
a deacon and three young men representing Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, the
youths who would not renounce their faith in spite of
torture. Following Christmas Eve services, traditionally choir members
would go from house to house singing hymns, spreading the Good News of
the birth of our Savior.

On Christmas day, after the Divine Liturgy, a special service is
performed symbolizing the baptism of Jesus, which was a turning point
in His life and the beginning of His ministry. This service, which is
called Blessing of the Water (Churorhnek) commemorates the Baptism and
the Manifestation of Christ recognizing Him as the true Son of God.

Light sent from the Father, you came down from heaven and became flesh
from the Holy Virgin; you are the Lamb of God and Son of the Father.

Today you appeared in the cave as Savior and accepted adoration from
the magi and seeing you the shepherds said: You are the Lamb of God
and Son of the Father.

Having seen the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, John cried out
saying: This is the Lamb of God and Son of the Father.
(From the Canon for the seventh day of Theophany according to the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church).

PRELATE'S CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 5

His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Philadelphia where in
the morning he will attend a special 30th Day Remembrance for His
Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, former Metropolitan of the Northeast
American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church that will
take place at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia.

On Christmas Eve the Prelate will preside over Christmas Eve
(Jrakalouyts) services at St. Gregory Church in
Philadelphia. Following services His Eminence will preside over a
dinner to benefit the Syrian Armenian community that will take place
at Founders Hall at St. Gregory Church.

Sunday, January 6

His Eminence will celebrate the Christmas Divine Liturgy and Blessing
of the Water at St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York
City. Following the services, the Prelate will consecrate the
Cathedral's new front doors.

Sunday afternoon, from 5 pm to 7 pm, His Eminence will host his annual
Christmas Reception at the Prelacy's Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall,
in New York.

VICAR'S CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 5

Saturday morning His Grace Bishop Anoushavan will attend a celebration
of the Episcopate of the Right Reverend Mark Sean Sisk, 15th Bishop of
the Episcopal Diocese of New York, at St. John the Divine Cathedral.

In the evening, His Grace will preside over Christmas Eve
(Jrakalouyts) services at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

Sunday, January 6

The Vicar will celebrate the Christmas Divine Liturgy and Blessing of
the Water at Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

CATHOLICOS ARAM EXPRESSES THANKS; STRESSES NEED FOR ONGOING AID

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, expressed
gratitude to all those who have provided assistance for the Armenian
community in Syria and stressed the vital need for ongoing
humanitarian aid for the beleaguered community.

His Holiness met with Syrian Armenian religious and community leaders
in Antelias that was also attended by representatives of the
Catholicosate's Executive Council. His Holiness briefed the delegation
about his contacts with foreign ambassadors and representatives of
international non-governmental organization s and foundations and on
the funds that have been received through the Catholicosate's special
fund for the Syrian Armenian community.

The Catholicos listed the priorities that have been agreed upon and
will be implemented by the leadership in Syria:

Assist all needy families.

Ensure the salaries of teachers and staff working in community
organizations.

Contact all warring parties for information on those who have been
kidnapped.

Strengthen the internal unity of the community.

In his Christmas message, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan has
emphatically stated, `Whatever you do for the Armenian community in
Syria, you have done for the Armenian people in its entirety.' Please
continue to pray for peace and reconciliation and make the necessary
sacrifices to help our fellow Armenians in Syria.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE (http://e2.ma/click/47h2c/4f4cee/08v2x) AND
SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU.

The Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief is a joint effort of: Armenian
Apostolic Church of America (Eastern Prelacy); Armenian Catholic
Eparchy; Armenian
Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian Relief Society (Eastern
USA, Inc.); Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH ELECTED

His Holiness Yohanna Yazigi was elected as the Greek Orthodox
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East on December 17. He succeeds
Patriarch Ignatius IV who died on December 5. Prior to his election,
the new Patriarch, who was born in Latakia, Syria, served as the
Metropolitan in Europe. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, as it is
known, is part of the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches and is
in full communion with the Armenian Church.

PRELACY OFFICE IN YEREVAN WILL DISTRIBUTE VITA MEALS

The Prelacy's office in Yerevan, St. Nerses the Great Charitable and
Social Organization, will distribute the contents of a 40-foot
container filled with VitaMeals that have been secured and transported
by the
United Armenian Fund. The VitaMeals will be distributed to Armenian
refugees from Syria currently in Armenia, as well as needy families,
and under-nourished children.
VitaMeal is a product developed with a rice-lentil formula that
provides the right amount of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates,
and essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetables, meat, and spices can
be added according to local tastes. The 40-foot container holds 6,000
bags of VitaMeal; each bag contains thirty meals. Thus the total
shipment will provide 180,000 meals.

BIBLE READINGS

PLEASE NOTE:
The 2013 Liturgical Calendar and Daily Bible Readings
according to the Typicon of the Armenian Apostolic Church
are now available on the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org
(http://e2.ma/click/47h2c/4f4cee/g1w2x))

Bible readings for Sunday, January 6, Christmas and Epiphany, are:

Divine Liturgy: Titus 2:1-15; Matthew 1:18-25;

Blessing of Water: 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Matthew 3:1-17.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea,
proclaiming, `Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This
is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, =80=9CThe
voice of one crying out in the wilderness: `Prepare the way of the
Lord, make his paths straight.'' Now John wore clothing of camel's
hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts
and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going
out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were
baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he
said to them, `You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say
to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God
is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now
the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that
does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

`I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful
than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is
in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his
wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable
fire.'

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by
him. John would have prevented him, saying, `I need to be baptized by
you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, `Let it be so
now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all
righteousness.' Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized,
just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to
him and
he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on
him. And a voice from heaven said, `This is my Son, the Beloved, with
whom I
am well pleased.' (Matthew 3:1-17)

For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/47h2c/4f4cee/wtx2x).

MEMORIAL DAY

Monday, January 7, the day after Christmas, is Memorial Day. As is the
custom in the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five great
tabernacle feasts is a Memorial Day. Traditionally, the Divine Liturgy
is celebrated on Memorial Day and afterwards the faithful go to the
cemetery to honor their loved ones and have their graves blessed.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR POSTER

A colorful 2013 Liturgical Calendar Poster of the Armenian Apostolic
Church is available at the Prelacy. At a glance, one can see the cycle
of
feasts and fasts and seasons of the Armenian Church year, which begins
on January 6, 2013, and ends on January 5, 2014. This 27x27 inch
poster belongs in every classroom as well as on Church bulletin boards
($5.00 plus shipping and handling). To order, please contact the
Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or at [email protected].

`THE CHURCH IS THE PEOPLE OF GOD'

On Tuesday, December 25, in celebration of the Feast of St. Stephen,
His Holiness Aram I received the clergy, the seminarians, and the
faithful at the main reception hall of the Catholicosal residence. In
his message he said, `Today is not only the feast of the protomartyr
deacon who
served the Church, it is also the feast of the Church itself. Jesus,
the Head of the Church, came to the world to serve, not to be
served. He served the sick, the poor, and the needy. The Church is not
only a building and rituals; it is the people of God. Throughout our
history, our church has served our people. The feast of St. Stephen is
a constant reminder of the essence of our church as the people of
God.'

HIS HOLINESS VISITS BIRDS NEST ORPHANAGE

On the eve of Christmas and the New Year His Holiness Aram I, visited
the children at the Birds Nest Orphanage in Lebanon, where he spent
time
with the children, talked with them, listened to their stories, and
distributed gifts.

The Birds Nest Orphanage was established by Danish missionaries during
the Armenian Genocide and was under the directorship of a young
missionary, Maria Jacobsen, who remained with the orphanage until her
death. Thousands of Armenian orphans called her `Mama,' for many the
only mother they knew. The memory of Maria Jacobsen is legendary among
Armenians. She kept copious diaries that have helped to document the
work of the Danish missionaries and the tragedy of the Armenian
Genocide. In fact, the largest part of her diaries covers the period
of the Genocide. She was the only one who kept detailed daily
records. She began her missionary work in Harpoot when she was 24
years old and she served at the Birds Nest Orphanage until her death
in 1960 at age 77. Denmark entrusted the orphanage to the
care of the Holy See of Cilicia in 1970. It is open to all orphans and
children from broken homes. This year (November 6, 2013) will be the
130th anniversary of the birth of Maria Jacobsen. It is an appropriate
time to honor
the Danish missionaries in general and Maria Jacobsen in particular
for the gift of life they gave to thousands of Armenian children.

Maria Jacobsen, Diaries of a Danish Missionary: Harpoot, 1907-1919,
is available at the Prelacy bookstore ([email protected] or
212-689-7810).

DEATH OF SRPOUHI DUSSAP (January 3, 1901)

Srpouhi Dussap was a pioneering Armenian feminist and the first
Armenian female novelist. She was born Srpouhi Vahanian in 1842 to a
well-to-do Armenian Catholic family in Constantinople. Her brother
Hovhannes (1832-1891) had an important career in the Ottoman
administration (he was Minister
of Justice from 1876-1877).

Srpouhi Vahanian lost her father when she was a young child and grew
under the care of her mother, Nazli Arzoumanian, a very well-educated
woman. Her daughter also received a good education in French
institutions. She
developed little interest in the Armenian language until she was put
under
the tutoring of the famous poet Meguerdich Beshigtashlian
(1828-1868). Afterwards, she started her literary career, writing her
first pieces in classical Armenian.

Srpouhi Vahanian-Dussap married a French musician, Paul
Dussap. Together they

operated a literary salon in the European style, where prominent
intellectuals, writers, and public activists would gather to discuss
social, political, and literary issues.

Srpouhi Dussap worked tirelessly for the emancipation of women. She
attacked traditional patriarchal structures and male oppression, that
were
rampant even in the more cultured and cosmopolitan capital of the
Ottoman Empire. She worked for the Armenian Women's School Society and
secured funds from local banks, theatrical performances and other
sources.

Dussap's first work of fiction, Mayda (1878), written in the form of
an epistolary novel,became an event. It sold hundreds of copies in a
few weeks. Despite its glaring flaws that were criticized by her
contemporaries, the novel marked a turning point in Armenian
literature for its advocacy of women's rights. Her next novels,
Siranoush (1884) and Araxi (1888), did not generate the same level of
controversy, but they marked further developments in her thought.

She abandoned writing after her third novel because of her ill health,
but continued her charitable and educational labor. However, personal
tragedy struck her in 1892. After her return to Constantinople
following a two-year sojourn in France, her young daughter died of
tuberculosis. She retreated to religious mysticism, hoping to
communicate with her dead daughter's spirit, and also burnt most of
her archives. At the time of her
death, she had already become a recognized name and poet Zabel Asadour
(Sibil, 1863-1934) and novelist Zabel Essayan (1878-1942) were already
following the path she had opened.

(http://e2.ma/click/47h2c/4f4cee/cmy2x)

PRE-PUBLICATION OFFER FOR ATLAS ENDS JANUARY 18

The long-awaited revised edition of the popular Historical Atlas of
Armenia will be available soon. The special pre-publication price has
been
extended to January 18, 2013. So, don't delay; secure your copies now
at a good saving, plus free shipping. The Atlas comes with a companion
CD that includes all of the maps.

IN MEMORIAM:
DR. VARANT HAGOPIAN

As we completed preparation of this issue of Crossroads this afternoon
Archbishop Oshagan received the sad news of the death of Dr. Varant
Hagopian, of Wayland, Massachusetts, a life-long supporter of the
Prelacy and St. Stephen's Church in Watertown. Dr. Hagopian served for
many years as a member of the Prelacy's Executive Council during the
tenures of Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian (1974-77) and Archbishop
Mesrob Ashjian (1978-1998). He served as Vice Chairman of the Council
from 1985 to 1988. He also served on a number of Prelacy
committees. He was awarded the Knight of Cilicia insignia in
recognition of his service by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
Cilicia (later Catholicos of All Armenians).

Funeral arrangements are not complete at this time. We extend
heartfelt condolences to his wife Ruth and family. May his soul rest
in eternal peace and bliss.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January 6-St. Illuminator's Cathedral, Christmas and Epiphany
services, celebrated by the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Following the services Archbishop Oshagan will consecrate
the new doors of the Cathedral. Godfather of the Holy Cross is
Mr. Ardashes Bedrosian.

January 13-Bazaar and Food Festival hosted by ARS Mayr Chapter at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, Pashalian Hall, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City, 1 pm. Free admission. For information contact Anais at
718-392-6982.

January 27-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts,
Anniversary Dinner and Program following the Divine Liturgy.

January 29-31-Annual Ghevontianz Joint Clergy Conference hosted by
St. Gregory Church, San Francisco, California.

February 9-All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois, 6th Annual
Poon Paregentan Celebration (Ethnic Food Festival), 7 pm, at
Shahnasarian Hall, 1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, Illinois. For more
details, 847-998-1989.

February 17-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Annual
Membership Meeting and Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.

February 23-Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for pastors,
boards of trustees, and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning at 10 am and concluding at 4 pm.

March 16-Annual New England Regional Conference for pastors, boards of
trustees, and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, beginning at 10 am and concluding at 4 pm.

May 16, 17, 18-National Representative Assembly hosted by Soorp Khatch
Church, Bethesda, Maryland.

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]

From: Baghdasarian
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Crossroads E-Newsletter - January 3, 2012

Crossroads E-Newsletter - January 3, 2012