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eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 07/03/2013

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  • eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 07/03/2013

    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 July 3, 2013
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Transfiguration
    "Christ Enthroned"-a detail from the mosaic at the Hagia Sophia in
    Istanbul.


    ** Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    On Sunday, July 7, the Armenian Church will observe one of its five
    major feasts: the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus
    Christ.

    The observance recalls Christ's ascent up Mount Tabor, accompanied by
    his disciples John, James, and Peter. At the mountain's summit, to the
    disciple's frightened amazement, Christ was transfigured in a blinding
    white light; the Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah emerged from
    the mists of time to confer with the Lord; and the voice of God boomed
    from out of the heavens to affirm Jesus as his Son.

    Jesus was characteristically reticent about the episode: he urged the
    disciples not to speak of it. But the gospels recorded it for
    posterity, and his church-including local Armenian parishes across the
    Diocese=80'celebrates it every year.

    To learn more about this feast day, download the Diocese's latest
    Transfiguration iBook
    (http://bit.ly/162VJLY?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    . It is packed with interactive features, including video, music,
    photo galleries, and more. A version of the book is now available for
    non-iPad users; click on the following links to view it in your
    browser
    (http://issuu.com/armenianchurchmagazine/docs/transfiguration?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    or to download a PDF
    (http://bit.ly/1azoxCJ?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    .


    Fourth of July


    ** Happy Independence Day
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On behalf of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the entire Eastern
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, we wish all of our readers
    a happy Independence Day.

    For well over a century now, Armenians have been blessed to merge our
    way of life with the bounty and liberty of this great nation of
    America. On these shores our people found a refuge from persecution,
    but also a land that would sustain and strengthen us as we sought to
    honor our heritage, and worship our Lord.

    This Independence Day, we renew our prayers, asking God to bless this
    land and her people, so that she may continue to be the great beacon
    of hope to our world, and a nurturing friend to our young homeland.


    ** Scripture of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Wis 7:25-8:4
    Zec 14:16-21
    1 Jn 1:1-7
    Mt 16:13-17:13


    ** Prayer of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy
    Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on
    my behalf. You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who
    trusts in you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy
    Cross. Amen.


    ** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    7 July: Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord

    8 July: Remembrance of the dead

    11 July: St. Isaiah the Prophet


    ** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Armenian Past of Taksim Square
    A funeral procession to the Pangalti Armenian Cemetery, 1913.


    ** The Armenian Past of Taksim Square
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Istanbul's Taksim Square-the site of recent protests by Turkish
    activists-was once home to an Armenian cemetery. The Pangalti Armenian
    Cemetery was established in the 16th century, and remained in
    existence until the 1930s, when it was razed to build a complex of
    hotels and a broadcasting center. Its gravestones were repurposed as
    stairs and fountains.

    In a recent blog post, the New Yorker explored the Armenian history of
    this Istanbul landmark. Click here
    (http://nyr.kr/12rsg0i?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to read the article.



    ** DIOCESAN NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    St. James Church, Evanston, IL


    ** Altar Servers to be Ordained in Evanston
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit St. James
    Church of Evanston, IL, this weekend where he will celebrate the
    Divine Liturgy and ordain altar servers.

    On Saturday, July 6, the Primate will ordain Jesse Arlen, Antranik
    Balian, Haig Hagopian, Malkoon Malkoonian, Vartkes Minatiskan, and
    Andrew Rejebian to the rank of acolyte. A reception will follow.

    On Sunday, July 7, the Feast of the Transfiguration, Archbishop
    Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Hovhan
    Khoja-Eynatyan, parish pastor, assisting. Aras Korogluyan and Arie
    Zakarian will be ordained to the diaconate. A luncheon will follow in
    the church hall.

    Click here
    (https://sites.google.com/site/stjamesevanston/?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to visit the parish website.


    Ararat Center Pool Blessing
    Archbishop Barsamian and Diocesan clergy blessed and dedicated the
    Ararat Center pool last weekend.


    ** Pool Blessing at the Ararat Center
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Saturday, June 29, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
    and the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, visited
    St. Vartan Camp in upstate New York, as staff were preparing for the
    opening of the 2013 camp season.

    During the visit, Archbishop Barsamian, Fr. Odabashian and other
    Diocesan clergy blessed and dedicated the Ararat Center's pool, which
    is being renovated thanks to the generosity of Edward and Janet
    Mardigian of St. John Church of Southfield, MI. Members of the Ararat
    Center Board of Directors were also present for the ceremony. Later
    that day, the Primate addressed camp counselors and CITs, thanking
    them for their dedication and wishing them a productive summer.

    Session `A' of St. Vartan Camp opened on Sunday, June 30. Click here
    (http://armenianchurch-ed.net/blogs/blog6.php?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to read the camp blog for daily updates on camp activities.


    ACYOA Central Council Meets at the Ararat Center
    ACYOA Central Council members with Fr. Sabounjian.


    ** ACYOA Central Council Visits St. Vartan Camp
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2013-14 ACYOA Central Council held its first meeting last weekend,
    at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
    Diocesan Primate, presided.

    Central Council members developed a strategic plan for the coming
    year, discussed this summer's Armenia Service Program, reviewed the
    recent General Assembly and Sports Weekend, and brainstormed new
    programming ideas. The Central Council also discussed updates from the
    2014 and 2015 General Assembly and Sports Weekend committees.

    Also attending the meeting were the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian,
    Diocesan Vicar; Diocesan Council members Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian
    and Tom Ashbahian; and Diocesan Youth Outreach coordinator Jennifer
    Morris.

    The Central Council gave a presentation to St. Vartan Camp counselors
    and CITs about the ACYOA and its programs. Several members of the
    council served on the altar during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

    "The Ararat Center during the beginning of the camp season was a great
    setting for the first 2013-2014 Central Council meeting,' said ACYOA
    Central Council chair Jonathan Pelaez. `It was revitalizing to see
    some of the young people get excited about ACYOA programs they can get
    involved in.'

    Click here
    (http://smu.gs/19YvEW6?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to view photos.


    Deacons Training
    Deacons Training participants with clergy at St. Vartan Cathedral.


    ** Deacons Training Concludes at St. Nersess
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Participants in the Deacons Training program held recently at
    St. Nersess Armenian Seminary visited New York's St. Vartan Armenian
    Cathedral on Sunday, June 30. The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, the
    longtime director of the program, celebrated the Divine
    Liturgy. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided.

    The young people assisted on the altar and sang in the choir. Also
    present were the Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, Deacons Training program
    instructor, and the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
    Vicar. Archbishop Barsamian spoke to the participants about the
    importance of their service to the Armenian Church, and encouraged
    them to continue strengthening their liturgical knowledge. A luncheon
    followed services. Click here
    (http://smu.gs/18wfcLe?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to view photos.

    More than 20 young people took part in the Deacons Training program
    from June 24 to July 2. The seminary is now preparing to host the High
    School `A' Conference, from July 5 to 13.


    Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian
    Fr. Karadjian has been assigned as the new pastor of the St. Stepanos
    Church.


    ** New Pastor in Elberon
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    The Eastern Diocese is pleased to announce that the Rev. Fr. Daniel
    Karadjian has been assigned as the new pastor of the St. Stepanos
    Church of Elberon, NJ. The assignment went into effect on July 1.

    In his directive announcing the appointment, Diocesan Primate
    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian conveyed good wishes to Fr. Karadjian and
    his family, and also to all the parishioners of the St. Stepanos
    Church.

    May our Lord guide his people as they embark upon this new chapter in
    parish life.


    FAR
    Dr. Areg Mickaelian introduces students to the field of astrophysics.


    ** High Schoolers in Armenia Learn About the Universe
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    For the last few years, astrophysicist Dr. Areg Mickaelian and his
    colleagues from the well-known Byurakan Observatory in Armenia have
    been conducting a series of lectures on astrophysics at high schools
    across Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. The program was developed and
    sponsored by Dr. Yervant Terzian, the founder of the Armenian National
    Science and Education Fund (ANSEF).

    An ANSEF grantee himself, Dr. Mickaelian developed his wish to educate
    young people into a simple but insightful course on astrophysics for
    high school students. The lecture series is a unique opportunity for
    the young generation to learn about astrophysics and to consider
    pursuing a field that has attracted many Armenian scientists,
    including the renowned late Victor Hambardzumyan. Click here
    (http://bit.ly/18tQaMU?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to read more about Dr. Mickaelian's lectures.

    ANSEF was founded by the Fund for Armenian Relief in partnership with
    leading Armenian-American intellectuals. The dynamic initiative
    provides grants to Armenia's top researchers in the physical and
    natural sciences, engineering, and the humanities. Research proposals
    are evaluated through a peer review process, calling on experts in a
    given field to review submissions and to select the most promising
    projects.


    ** PARISH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Vacation Bible School at Holy Martyrs Church
    A child colors a Bible scene at the Church of the Holy Martyrs.


    ** Bible School for Kids in Bayside
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    After a five-year hiatus, Vacation Bible School returned to the Church
    of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, from June 24 through 28, for a
    highly successful week of Bible study, arts and crafts, Armenian
    language instruction, and music and gym activities.

    Volunteer teachers, under the leadership of the program director
    Shoushan Saraydarian, worked with the Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan,
    parish pastor, to organize and run the sessions. More than 40
    children, ages 3 to 12, took part in last month's activities.

    Click here
    (http://smu.gs/16OTvCe?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to view photos.


    Grigor Saribekyan
    Fr. Souin blesses Grigor Saribekyan.


    ** Parishioner Honored in Providence
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Sunday, June 30, parishioners of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
    Providence, RI, honored choir member Grigor Saribekyan.

    The Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, parish pastor, presented him with a choir
    gown designed especially for the occasion by church secretary Fran
    Armstrong. In the presence of his family and the entire parish,
    Fr. Souin blessed Grigor, and thanked him for his dedicated service to
    the church.


    Sunday School


    ** Students Graduate from Parish Schools
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Sunday and Armenian schools across the Eastern Diocese are holding
    graduation exercises for students who are completing their course of
    study this year. The Sunday Schools of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn,
    NJ, and Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, are among the
    latest to share news of their year-end programs.

    On May 12, nine students graduated from the St. Leon Sunday
    School. Each student spoke about an important figure from the Old
    Testament. Teacher Tom Ashbahian congratulated the young
    people. Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian, parish pastor, presented the diplomas
    to the graduates. Many of the students will continue serving the
    parish next year as assistants in the Sunday School.

    At Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, the Sunday School graduation ceremony
    was held on June 2. Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy,
    the Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, parish pastor, distributed diplomas to the
    graduates in the church sanctuary.

    Click here
    (http://smu.gs/19U4so2?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=b0a166d14c-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-b0a166d14c-159688434)
    to view photos from all recent parish graduations.


    ** YOUTH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    ASP
    >From left: Deanna Cachoian-Schanz, Fr. Malkhasyan, and ACYOA
    executive secretary Nancy Basmajian discussed the ASP trip at the
    Diocesan Center in June.


    ** ASP Participants Arrive in Yerevan
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Earlier this week, a small group of young adults from parishes across
    the Eastern Diocese arrived in Yerevan as part of this year's ACYOA
    Armenia Service Program. The trip is being led by the Rev. Fr. Abraham
    Malkhasyan, pastor of the Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside,
    NY. Deanna Cachoian-Schanz is assisting Fr. Malkhasyan.

    In addition to experiencing Armenia's historic, spiritual, and
    cultural sites, the young people will volunteer at projects run by the
    Fund for Armenian Relief, including its Children's Center in Yerevan
    and its Octet Music School and Gyumri Soup Kitchen in Gyumri. They
    will also volunteer with the Fuller Center for Housing.

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