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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/
June 6, 2013
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN TRAVELS TO LEBANON
Archbishop Oshagan has travelled to Antelias, Lebanon, where next week
he will head the Eastern Prelacy's delegation to the World General
Assembly of the Holy See of Cilicia. The Assembly will convene at the
Catholicosate in Antelias starting Wednesday, June 12 through to
Saturday June 15. Delegates representing all of the dioceses under the
jurisdiction of
the Cilicia See will participate.
VICAR LECTURES IN CANADA
Bishop Anoushavan traveled to Canada last month where on May 22nd he
was invited to speak about His Holiness Catholicos Zareh I and His
Holiness Catholicos Khoren I. This year marks the 50th anniversary of
the passing
of Catholicos Zareh and the 30th anniversary of the passing of
Catholicos Khoren.
On May 24, the Vicar attended the 45th anniversary celebration of the
ordination of His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the
Prelacy of Canada.
Bishop Anoushavan spoke about the life and service of Catholicos Zareh
I and Catholicos Khoren I in Canada.
Bishop Anoushavan (left) and Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, with
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, who celebrated the 45th anniversary of his
ordination to the priesthood.
VICAR WILL ATTEND EVENTS
Tomorrow evening, June 7, Bishop Anoushavan will attend a concert
dedicated to the 300th Jubilee of Sayat Nova at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, New York.
On Sunday, His Grace will preside over the Divine Liturgy celebrated
by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York. Immediately thereafter he will attend the 110th anniversary
concert dedicated to composer Aram Khatchadourian.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN JOINS IN WHITINSVILLE ACTIVITIES
Parishioners and friends of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, were spiritually and physically refreshed and renewed
in a
weekend of worship and biking.
On Sunday Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, delivered the
sermon and presided over the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archpriest
Fr. Aram
Stepanian. Bishop Anoushavan's sermon focused on the deliverance of
St. Gregory the Illuminator from the pit, and the Feast of Holy
Etchmiadzin. The Liturgy was followed by the Blessing of the Water
ceremony with the
relic of John the Baptist by Der Aram and the Vicar.
The previous day, the Vicar joined parishioners on a bike ride at
Narragansett Bay that was followed by a fellowship meal outdoors.
Bishop Anoushavan, Der Aram, and altar servers during the Blessing of
the Water ceremony.
Bishop Anoushavan and Der Aram with parishioners on Saturday
activities that began with a bike ride and ended with a picnic and
fellowship.
SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUATES IN NEW JERSEY
Last Sunday, Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School ended the school
year with a program and graduation ceremony and celebration for six
students. Graduates of 2013 are: Nairi Asadurian, Peter Baghdadlian,
Celina Bozoian, Armand Charkhutian, Shaunt Doghramadjian, and Aram
Kouyoumdjian.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian with staff members and the 2013 graduates of
the Sunday School.
Der Hovnan joins the graduates in cutting the celebratory cake.
FLAG BLESSING IN WORCESTER
Archpriest Fr. Khatchadour Boghossian and Archpriest Fr. Vazken
Bekiarian lead the flag blessing ceremony at Holy Trinity Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts, on May 26.
FLAG BLESSING IN CHICAGO
Archpriest Fr. Zareh Sahakian, pastor of All Saints Church, Glenview,
Illinois, blesses the tricolor Armenian flag before it is raised on
the flag pole outside the church and community center.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Registration is still open for the 2013 St. Gregory of Datev Summer
Institute for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 30 - July 7, 2013. The Program is
sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC). For registration and information, please contact the AREC
office at 212-689-7810 or at [email protected] or click here
(http://e2.ma/click/gdmed/4f4cee/cmq80).
SUMMER CAMP FOR ORPHANS
The 4th annual summer camp for orphans will take place in Dzaghgatzor,
Armenia, July 4 to 11. Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy, each year
more
than fifty orphans enrolled in the Prelacy's Orphan Sponsorship
Program (ages 13 to 16) attend the camp where they learn about the
Armenian Church, attend worship services, share in Christian
fellowship, and enjoy recreational activities and field trips. The
camp is directed by Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, with the help of
the Prelacy's Armenia office, the St. Nerses the Great Charitable
Organization. To make a donation toward expenses of the camp contact
Der Aram by email ([email protected]) or by telephone (508-865-2454).
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, June 9, Third Sunday after Pentecost, Eve
of the Fast of our Holy Father St. Gregory the Illuminator are: Isaiah
1:2-15; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 12:1-8.
Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to
make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as
instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who
have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God
as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over
you, since you are
not under law but under grace.
What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace?
By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone
as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of
sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to
righteousness? But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves
of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to
which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin,
have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms
because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented
your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater
iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for
sanctification.
When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to
righteousness. So what advantage did you then get from the things of
which you now are
ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been
freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is
sanctification. The end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is
death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord. (Romans 6:12-23)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/gdmed/4f4cee/ser80).
ST. NERSES THE GREAT AND BISHOP KHAT
This Saturday, June 8, the Armenian Church commemorates Catholicos
Nerses the Great and Khat the Bishop. Nerses the Great was the father
of Catholicos Sahak I. He succeeded two catholicoi whose reigns were
unexceptional, and the people were eager to return to the line of
their beloved Gregory the Illuminator. Nerses was a student of
St. Basil of Caesarea, one of three great Cappadocian Fathers. Nerses'
pontificate was the beginning of a new era. He brought the church
closer in service to the people, rather than to royals and nobles. He
convened the Council of Ashtishat that resulted in numerous laws on
issues related to marriage, worship, and customs.
He built many schools, hospitals, and monasteries. He sent monks to
preach
the Gospel throughout the country. His bold actions resulted in great
displeasure by the royal family and in 373 he was reportedly poisoned
by the king. His accomplishments for the spiritual and social
well-being of the common people earned him the gratitude of the entire
nation and the honorific
`Great.'
Khat the Bishop worked closely with St. Nerses the Great. Like Nerses
he had great passion for social issues, especially helping the
poor. Nerses entrusted most of the benevolent work of the church to
Khat. He is so closely associated with St. Nerses that the church
honors them on the same day.
By the light of unspeakable grace of your divine knowledge you arose
on the land of Armenia, merciful heavenly Father; have compassion on
us who have
sinned. Saint Nerses, pure in soul, from birth you were chosen to
inherit the paternal lot of shepherding righteously and lawfully. You
adorned the Church with the laws of truth and established good order
within it; through his prayers have mercy on us, O Christ.
(Canon to the Holy Patriarch Nerses the Great from the Liturgical
Canons of the Armenian Church)
CONSTANTINE AND HIS MOTHER HELENA
This Tuesday, June 11, the Armenian Church remembers Constantine the
Great and his mother, Helena. Constantine was the first Christian
emperor
of Rome. In 330 he founded Constantinople as a `second Rome,' and
considered himself to be a servant of God. He was buried amid the
apostles in the basilica he founded in their honor in
Constantinople. Helena followed her son in becoming a Christian and
devoted her life to charitable work. She built many churches and
monasteries and is believed to have played an important role in the
recovery of the true cross in Golgotha. She is also believed to have
helped find Christ's exact place of burial where later the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher was built.
CILICIAN DELEGATION ATTENDS ENTHRONEMENT IN JERUSALEM
Archbishop Varoujan Herkelian, Catholicosal Vicar of the Diocese of
Cyprus, and Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran,
represented His Holiness Aram and the Holy See of Cilicia at the
enthronement of Archbishop Nourhan Sarkissian as the new Armenian
Patriarch of Jerusalem that took
place on Tuesday, June 4. He succeeds His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom
Manoogian, of blessed memory.
KARAGEUZIAN FOUNDATION DIRECTOR IN ANTELIAS
Dr. Walter Bandazian, the Director of the Karageuzian Foundation,
headquartered in New York City, met with His Holiness Aram last
Saturday, June 1, at the Catholicosate in Antelias. Dr. Bandazian was
accompanied by Mr. Serop Ohanian, the director of the Foundation's
office in Lebanon. Dr. Bandazian makes annual visits to the
Foundations three overseas centers, Lebanon, Syria, and Armenia. The
Catholicos received a briefing on the Foundation's humanitarian aid to
the Syrian Armenian community through its offices in Syria and
Lebanon.
ECONOMIC MINISTER FROM ROMANIA IN ANTELIAS
Varoujan Voskanian, the Minister of Economy and Trade of Romania, met
with His Holiness Aram I, during official visit to Lebanon. They were
joined by the Armenian Ministers and Parliamentarians of Lebanon. This
was Voskanian's second visit to the Catholicosate. Five years earlier,
while on an official visit, His Holiness awarded him with the Knight
of Cilicia insignia in recognition of his achievements.
Discussions during this meeting focused on the current situation in
Lebanon, economic relations between Lebanon and Romania,
Armenia-Diaspora relations, and the forthcoming 100th anniversary
commemorations of the Genocide.
Before leaving the Catholicosate, the Minister paid his respects to
the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the Holy See's Martyrs Chapel.
NEW CD OF HYMNS RELEASED
The director of the Christian Education Department and conductor of
the Shenorhali Choir, Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan was joined by two
choir
members to present the first copy of a new CD to His Holiness
Catholicos Aram. The CD includes hymns, melodies, and songs from the
Armenian Liturgy and ancient music performed by the choir, organist
Hasmig Kasparian, and soprano Shoghik Torossian. Besides being a
source of spiritual and uplifting listening, the new CD can be used as
a teaching resource for church choirs.
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/gdmed/4f4cee/86r80) 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.
WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED IN GREAT NECK
The world premiere of a play, `Found,' written by Anoush
Baghdassarian, was presented last weekend at the Public Library of
Great Neck, New York, for two performances on Friday and Saturday
evenings. The playwright is a senior at Great Neck South High
School. Next year she plans to attend Claremont McKenna College in
California, majoring in theatre and international relations. She will
be going to Oxford this summer to study Shakespeare at the British
American Drama Academy. The topic of the play is the Armenian
Genocide, a topic she has passionately been informing people since she
was in sixth grade. The play takes place in 1915 and 1925 in the
historic Armenian city of Van.
At the premiere of `Found', left to right, Dr. Louis Najarian, Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Anoush Baghdassarian, and Dr. Herand Markarian.
Attending the premiere was Mary Badham (third from right in this
photo) who at age ten played the role of Scout in the award winning
movie `To Kill a Mockingbird,' based on the book by Harper Lee.
TURKEY: FROM THE EXPLOITATIONS OF YESTERDAY
TO THE POLICE VIOLENCE OF TODAY
For nearly two weeks citizens of Istanbul of all ages and from all
social and political backgrounds have been participating in
demonstrations that began peacefully in Gezi Park, the largest public
park in Istanbul. After harsh reprisals from the police, demonstrators
have increasingly clashed with the authorities.
The demonstrators are protesting the imminent destruction of Gezi Park
to make way for the construction of a large shopping mall to be based
on the Ottoman-style military barracks that ironically was built by
the famous Turkish Armenian architect, Balian.
For many days the activists have been chanting, "Gezi is ours!" It is
a chant that the Armenians can also shout. What many do not know is
that
for 370 years a large portion of what now is Gezi Park was an Armenian
cemetery, the cemetery of Pangalti, believed to be the largest
non-Muslim cemetery in Istanbul. Founded in 1560, it was demolished in
the 1930s. The cemetery's marble tombstones were sold and used for
other construction projects. A section of what once was the Armenian
cemetery of Pangalti is now the location of the Divan Hotel, the
Hilton Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the headquarters of Turkish
Radio and Television.
The activists want to preserve the park as an open and green space and
are challenging the escalating authoritarianism of Prime Minister
Erdogan. They should also be cognizant of the history of this as well
as other locations as properties that were confiscated from
non-Turkish minority citizens in the aftermath of the genocide of
1915.
Birth of Aram Khachaturian (June 6, 1903)
Thirty-five years after his death, Aram Khachaturian remains the most
widely known Armenian classical composer of all times. His `Sabre
Dance,' the electrifying dance of the final act of the ballet
=80=9CGayane,' made him known on a popular level worldwide. A few
years ago, the first notes of the `Sabre Dance' were even the score
for an advertisement of hair shampoo in American TV, while some music
of his other world-famous ballet, `Spartacus,' appeared
most recently in the animated film `Ice Age: The Meltdown.'
Khachaturian was born in Kojori, near Tiflis (Georgia), on June 6,
1903, the youngest of five children. Young Aram was admitted to the
Commerce School in Tiflis in 1913, but he preferred music. He learned
to play woodwind instruments and became a member of a woodwind
orchestra.
His elder brother, Suren, who was the stage director of the Second
Moscow Art Theatre, took him to Moscow in 1921, where he entered the
Gnessin Musical College. The future composer did not even know how to
read music at the time. He quickly showed his talent for composition
and in 1925 Mikhail Gnessin suggested he join his newly-opened
composition class. Four years
later, Khachaturian transferred to the Moscow Conservatory. He
graduated with highest grades and composed his first big work, the
First Symphony, in 1934, after marrying his classmate, composer Nina
Makarova, the year before. In 1937 he became deputy chairman of the
Moscow branch of the Composers' Union, and then was appointed chairman
of the Organizing Committee of Soviet Composers in 1939. The first
ballet also came out that year. It was initially called `Happiness,'
but Khachaturian later reworked it into the ballet `Gayane.'
The years 1936-1947 were the most prolific in Khachaturian's life. He
wrote music for dramatic performances and movies, songs, and religious
music, including the Concerto for Violin (1941), the Concerto for
Cello (1943), the Second Symphony (1946), the Third Symphony (1946),
and the Symphonic Poem, later entitled the Third Symphony (1947).
The composer joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in
1943. In 1944 he composed the music of the anthem of Soviet
Armenia. However, he temporarily fell from official favor in 1948. The
Symphonic Poem, ironically written as a tribute to communism, earned
Khachaturian the wrath of the
Party. Andrei Zhdanov, secretary of the party's Central Committee,
delivered the so-called Zhdanov decree in 1948. The decree condemned
composers Dimitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Khachaturian, and
others as "formalist" and "anti-popular." The three named composers
had already become established as the so-called "titans" of Soviet
music, enjoying worldwide reputation as some of the leading composers
of the 20th century. Nonetheless, all three were forced to apologize
publicly.
Despite this episode, Khachaturian returned to official favor. He
received numerous state awards both before and after the decree: for
example, four Stalin prizes (1941, 1943, 1946 and 1950), one Lenin
prize (1959), a
USSR State Prize (1971), and the title of Hero of Socialist Labor
(1973). Khachaturian went on to serve again as Secretary of the Board
of the Composers' Union, starting in 1957 and was also a deputy in the
fifth Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (1958-1962). In 1951 he
became professor at
the Gnessin State Musical and Pedagogical Institute (Moscow) and the
Moscow Conservatory.
Although Khachaturian lived outside Armenia, he has been an iconic
figure for generations of Armenian composers, and many important
names, such as Arno Babajanian, Alexander Harutiunian, Edgar
Hovhannisian, and Tigran Mansurian, among others, were particularly
influence by him. Most of his works are saturated with centuries-old
motifs of Armenian culture. Khachaturian encouraged young composers to
experiment with new sounds and find their own voices. His colorful
orchestration technique is still noted for its freshness and vitality.
Khachaturian's ballet `Spartacus' premiered in December 1956, and its
music was featured in various series and films in the West. His
seventieth anniversary was officially celebrated in Moscow
and Yerevan. He passed away in Moscow on May 1, 1978, and was buried
in the `Gomidas' Pantheon in Yerevan, together with other great
Armenian personalities.
The composer's picture is featured on the 50 dram Armenian banknote,
as well as in various Soviet, Armenian, and Russian stamps. Various
streets in Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are named after
him. His house-museum was opened in Yerevan in 1982.
>From Everything to Nobody
There are extremes, and there are middle points. This is how we have
the words `everything' and `nothing,' but also `something' and
`anything.' We have their equivalents in Armenian too, indeed, with
two alternatives for the same word `thing.' The most common is Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶
(pan), which is a modern use of this word; the same word Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ meant
`word, speech' in Classical Armenian: `Ô» Õ½Õ¯Õ¦Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶Õ§ Õ§Ö=80
Ô²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¶' (I sgzpane er Pann, `In the beginning was the Word').
Now, we have the following equivalences between Armenian and English
Armenian
English
Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ (amen pan)
everything
Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ Õ´Õ¨ (pan me)
something
Õ¸Ö=80Õ¥Ö=82Õ§ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ (voreve pan)
anything
Õ¸Õ¹Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ (vochinch)
nothing
The word vochinch mirrors its English equivalent: a combination of the
words voch (`no') and inch (`thing'). This reveals that we also have
Õ«Õ¶Õ¹(inch) as the second equivalent of `thing.' This word already
meant `thing' in Classical Armenian. It later evolved into Õ«Õ¶Õ¹
=80=9Cwhat' and the composite forms Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ÕºÕ§Õ½ (inchbes `how'),
Õ«Õ¶Õ¹Õ¸Õ=9EÖ=82 (inchu? `why?'), and others.
You can use pan and inch interchangeably in the case of `everything'
(Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ«Õ¶Õ¹, amen inch)and `nothing' (Õ¸Õ¹ Õ´Õ§Õ¯ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶, voch
meg pan, although stylistically vochinch is better), butit would be
plainly wrong to say Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ Õ´Õ¨ (inch me)for =80=9Csomething' or
Õ¸Ö=80Õ¥Ö=82Õ§ Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ (voreve inch) for `anything.'
When we talk about people, we have the following equivalences:
Armenian
English
Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (amen megue)
everyone (*)
Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (megue)
someone/somebody
Õ¸Õ¥Ö=82Õ§ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (voyeve megue)
anyone/anybody
Õ¸Õ¹ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨
no one/nobody
You can also say Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ¸Ö=84 (amen vok) for `everyone' or Õ¸Õ¹
Õ¸Ö=84 (voch vok) for
`no one.' It is less common, but it is still used, particularly in
written language. The word vok is the plural of vo (Õ¸), the Classical
Armenian term for megue, from where the word voyeve is apparently
derived.
The Classical Armenian Õ¸Õ´Õ¶ (vomn, `someone') is not used in Modern
Armenian, except to note an anonymous donor, which until today is
recorded as vomn). However, we often use the plural of vomn, which is
Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Ö=84 (vomank), to say =80=9Csome people.' For example,
`Õ=88Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Ö=84
Õ¡Õ¶Ö=85Õ©Õ« Õ¥Õ¶' (Vomank anoti en, =80=9CSome people are hungry.').
A final point that is the matter of much mistaken use: how do we use
vochinch and voch megue in a negative sentence? The answer is: exactly
as in English!
You cannot use double negative in (Western) Armenian (except for
understated affirmation). Therefore, you may say either Õ=88Õ¹
Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ§ (Voch megue kide) or Õ=84Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ Õ¹Õ« Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ¥Ö=80
(Megue chi kider) to mean `nobody knows,' but you cannot say Õ¸Õ¹
Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ Õ¹Õ« Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ¥Ö=80 (Voch
megue chi kider), which would be as grammatically correct as `Nobody
doesn't know.'
Similarly, you may say `Õ=88Õ¹Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ«Õ´' (Vochinch ooneem)
or `Ô²Õ¡Õ¶ Õ´Õ¨ Õ¹Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ«Õ´' (Pan me chooneem) to say `I have
nothing' or `I don't have anything' but `Õ=88Õ¹Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ Õ¹Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ«Õ´'
(Vochinch chooneem) would be the equivalent of
. . . `I don't have nothing .'
---------------------------------
(*) In this collection, the word `everybody' stands
out, as its Armenian equivalent is not Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (amen megue),
but Õ¢Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Ö=80Õ¨ (polore, `all'). If you wanted to say, for
instance, `Everybody has fun tonight' in Armenian, the translation
would be «Ô±ÕµÕ½ Õ£Õ«Õ·Õ¥Ö=80, Õ¢Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Ö=80Õ¨ Õ¯Õ¨
Õ¦Õ¸Ö=82Õ¡Ö=80Õ³Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¶' (Ays kisher, polore gue zvarjanan).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
NEWLY PUBLISHED
THE KURDS, THE ARMENIAN QUESTION, AND THE HISTORY
OF ARMENIAN-KURDISH RELATIONS
By Vahan Baibourtian
This newly published book explores a topic that has not been
adequately studied, namely the political and economic history of the
Kurdish people of the Ottoman Empire, and the Republic of Turkey. It
explores the development of Armenian-Kurdish relations, as well as the
Armenian and the Kurdish Questions. The author, Vahan Baibourtian, is
a well-known and respected scholar and professor of history, as well
as a diplomat, and an expert in Oriental Studies and International
Relations. The publication of this English edition, translated by
Mariam Mesropyan, was made possible through a grant from the Dolores
Zohrab Liebmann Fund.
418 pages, hardcover, $35.00, including shipping & handling
Also from the Bookstore...
PLUSH BAPTISMAL TOWELS
These beautiful luxurious baptismal towels are lovely to use during
an infant's baptism and remain as a keepsake memento of this pivotal
event. Both styles are embroidered in gold in Armenian with the
baptismal appeal: Havadk, Houys, Ser, yev Mkrdoutyoun. (Faith, Hope,
Love, and Baptism).
$75.00 each plus shipping & handling
To order these items contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
([email protected]) or telephone (212-689-7810).
69th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Today, June 6, is the 69th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion
of Normandy and the turning point of the War with Nazi Germany. The
invasion depended heavily on weather conditions, a full moon,
coordination, secrecy, and the successful elaborate deception that
convinced Germany that the
allied invasion would come ashore at the Pas-de-Calais and not
Normandy. The 5,000 vessel armada transported more than 150,000
soldiers and 30,000 vehicles. Parachute regiments of 13,000 men were
flown from nine British regiments in 800 planes. Three hundred planes
bombed coastal Normandy right before the invasion. By the evening of
June 6, more than 9,000 Allied soldiers
were dead or wounded, but 100,000 successfully got ashore and into
French coastal villages. In this pre-television era, families huddled
around their
prized possession-a Philco radio-for the latest news.
The Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, Five-Star
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, went on to become a two-term President
of the United States from 1953 to 1961.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 2 to June 30-`History of Armenia: Past, Present, Future,' a series
of eight seminars presented on Thursdays, 7 pm to 8:30
pm, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York
City. Sponsored by the Cathedral and the UN Armenian
Mission. Facilitator:
Artur Martirosyan, Ph.D.
June 7-Concert dedicated to the 300th Jubilee of Sayat Nova featuring
Elie Berberian (Canada) and his band performing songs by Sayat Nova
and
other favorite minstrels, 8 pm, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue,
Woodside, New York 11377. Donation: $25, includes post-concert
reception. For tickets: [email protected] or 212-689-5880.
June 23-Annual picnic of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, 12 noon at the Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New
Britain, Connecticut. Admission is free. Come and enjoy Armenian food,
music, and dancing, while visiting with old and new friends. For
information: Church, 860-229-8322, or email
[email protected].
Facebook: www.facebook.com/StStephensArmenianApostolicChurchCt
(http://e2.ma/click/gdmed/4f4cee/ozs80).
June 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, Nareg Saturday School year-end hantes, following the Divine
Liturgy.
June 30-Brunch and Talent Show, organized and hosted by the Ladies
Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York, at 1 pm, under the
auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. Adults $15.00; Children
$10.00. For
information: 212-689-5880.
July 7-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Outdoor Family Event,
following church services on the Feast of Transfiguration,
Vartivar. Everyone, especially the youth, is invited to join in water
games on the lawn next to the church.
June 9-Father's Day Dinner and Comedy, sponsored by Armenian
Compatriotic Union of Ourfa, featuring renowned comedian Vahe
Berberian with a new repertoire, with the participation of violinist
Souren Kahvedjian, Ya Hala Restaurant, 45 Main Street, Wallington, New
Jersey. Adults $60; children under ten $30. Proceeds to Syrian
Armenian Relief Fund. For information: (732) 970-5207.
June 9-St. Sarkis Church and Douglaston School of Music and Art
present `Aram Khatchaturian-110th Anniversary Concert,' by faculty
members and students of Douglaston School of Music and Art,
1:30 pm, Chaderjian Hall, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York. Donation: $10.
June 13-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, 4th annual
Cigar Night & Dinner in Blessed Memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kassabian. Surf & Turf dinner, open bar, cigars, live & silent
auction, raffles. Tickets must be purchased in advance by sending a
check for $150 payable to St. Gregory's Mens Club, 158 Main Street,
North Andover, Massachusetts 01845, or contact Greg Minasian at
[email protected], or 978-470-3075.
June 15-National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), Seminar and
Picnic, 10 am to 2 pm. Jointly hosted with Ladies Guild of Saint
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 315 Church Street,
Whitinsville. Guest speaker: Carol Jaffarian, will provide update on
the Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian,
Armenia. RSVP by June 8 to the Church (508-234-3677), or to Sharke
Derapkrian by email ([email protected]) or phone (978-685-7243).
June 12 to 15-World General Assembly of the Holy See of Cilicia, at
the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon.
June 16-St. Gregory Church, annual Father's Day Picnic, 12
noon to 5 pm, on the church grounds at 135 Goodwin Street, Indian
Orchard, Massachusetts. Enjoy many favorite Armenian dinners including
shish kebab
and rice pilaf. Baked goods available for purchase. 50/50 raffle,
Armenian music and dancing, and a bounce house for children. Free
admission and parking. For information: 413-543-4763.
June 24-Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 10th Annual
Golf Outing at Sterling National Country Club, Sterling,
Massachusetts. Join us for a great day of golf including golf, cart,
breakfast, prizes, gifts, and dinner for $140 per golfer. Tee off at 9
am. Shotgun start and scramble format. For information contact Rich
Tashjian at [email protected]
or 978-422-7600.
June 30-July 7-27th Annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute, at St. Mary
of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the
Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Cou8ncil (AREC). For
information contact the AREC office3 by email
([email protected]) or phone (212-689-7810).
July 4-11-4th Annual Summer Camp for Orphans will take place in
Dzaghgztazor, Armenia, sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy. Orphans ages
13 to 16 who are enrolled in the Prelacy's Orphan Sponsorship program
are eligible to attend to learn about the Armenian Church and
history. The week
long program includes Bible study and prayers and meditation combined
with
summer fun activities and fellowship with other campers. For more
information contact Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian by email
([email protected]) or by phone (508-865-2454).
July 8-19-8th Annual Summer Camp program at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
July 13-`A Hye Summer Night VII' Dinner Dance sponsored by Ladies
Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church and Armenian Relief Society
`Ani' Chapter of Providence, Rhode Island, at the Providence Marriott
Hotel, One Orms Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904, 6 pm to
1 am. Featuring: Joe Kouyoumjian (oud), Brian Ansbigian (oud), David
Ansbigian (oud), Leon Janikian (clarinet), Ken Kalajian (guitar),
Jason Naroian (dumbeg), Armen Janigian (Daf). For tickets ($50 per
person) and information: Joyce Bagdasarian (401-434-4467); Joyce
Yeremian (401-354-8770).
August 18-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Blessing of the
Grapes and Family Fun Picnic, at Lakeshore Park, 601 South Lake Drive,
Novi,
Michigan. Food, music, dancing, magic show, volleyball, soccer, tavlou
tournament, mountain biking, swimming.
August 18-Annual Picnic, Sts. Vartanantz Church, New Jersey.
September 15-Book Presentation at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator's
Cathedral, New York, of `One Church One Nation'
by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian.
October 19-Armenian Friends of America presents `Hye Kef 5' featuring
musicians Leon Janikian, Joe Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken
Kalajian, Ron Raphaelian, and Jay Baronian, 7:30-12:30, Michael's
Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Proceeds
to benefit all Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and New
Hampshire. Tickets: $40 adults; $30 students; includes
individually-served mezza platters. For information/reservations: John
Arzigian 603-560-3826; Sandy Boroyan 978-251-8687; Scott Sahagian
617-699-3581; Peter Gulezian 978-375-1616.
November 15-16-17-Annual Bazaar, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
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
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/
June 6, 2013
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN TRAVELS TO LEBANON
Archbishop Oshagan has travelled to Antelias, Lebanon, where next week
he will head the Eastern Prelacy's delegation to the World General
Assembly of the Holy See of Cilicia. The Assembly will convene at the
Catholicosate in Antelias starting Wednesday, June 12 through to
Saturday June 15. Delegates representing all of the dioceses under the
jurisdiction of
the Cilicia See will participate.
VICAR LECTURES IN CANADA
Bishop Anoushavan traveled to Canada last month where on May 22nd he
was invited to speak about His Holiness Catholicos Zareh I and His
Holiness Catholicos Khoren I. This year marks the 50th anniversary of
the passing
of Catholicos Zareh and the 30th anniversary of the passing of
Catholicos Khoren.
On May 24, the Vicar attended the 45th anniversary celebration of the
ordination of His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the
Prelacy of Canada.
Bishop Anoushavan spoke about the life and service of Catholicos Zareh
I and Catholicos Khoren I in Canada.
Bishop Anoushavan (left) and Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, with
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, who celebrated the 45th anniversary of his
ordination to the priesthood.
VICAR WILL ATTEND EVENTS
Tomorrow evening, June 7, Bishop Anoushavan will attend a concert
dedicated to the 300th Jubilee of Sayat Nova at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, New York.
On Sunday, His Grace will preside over the Divine Liturgy celebrated
by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York. Immediately thereafter he will attend the 110th anniversary
concert dedicated to composer Aram Khatchadourian.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN JOINS IN WHITINSVILLE ACTIVITIES
Parishioners and friends of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, were spiritually and physically refreshed and renewed
in a
weekend of worship and biking.
On Sunday Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, delivered the
sermon and presided over the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archpriest
Fr. Aram
Stepanian. Bishop Anoushavan's sermon focused on the deliverance of
St. Gregory the Illuminator from the pit, and the Feast of Holy
Etchmiadzin. The Liturgy was followed by the Blessing of the Water
ceremony with the
relic of John the Baptist by Der Aram and the Vicar.
The previous day, the Vicar joined parishioners on a bike ride at
Narragansett Bay that was followed by a fellowship meal outdoors.
Bishop Anoushavan, Der Aram, and altar servers during the Blessing of
the Water ceremony.
Bishop Anoushavan and Der Aram with parishioners on Saturday
activities that began with a bike ride and ended with a picnic and
fellowship.
SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUATES IN NEW JERSEY
Last Sunday, Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School ended the school
year with a program and graduation ceremony and celebration for six
students. Graduates of 2013 are: Nairi Asadurian, Peter Baghdadlian,
Celina Bozoian, Armand Charkhutian, Shaunt Doghramadjian, and Aram
Kouyoumdjian.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian with staff members and the 2013 graduates of
the Sunday School.
Der Hovnan joins the graduates in cutting the celebratory cake.
FLAG BLESSING IN WORCESTER
Archpriest Fr. Khatchadour Boghossian and Archpriest Fr. Vazken
Bekiarian lead the flag blessing ceremony at Holy Trinity Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts, on May 26.
FLAG BLESSING IN CHICAGO
Archpriest Fr. Zareh Sahakian, pastor of All Saints Church, Glenview,
Illinois, blesses the tricolor Armenian flag before it is raised on
the flag pole outside the church and community center.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Registration is still open for the 2013 St. Gregory of Datev Summer
Institute for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 30 - July 7, 2013. The Program is
sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC). For registration and information, please contact the AREC
office at 212-689-7810 or at [email protected] or click here
(http://e2.ma/click/gdmed/4f4cee/cmq80).
SUMMER CAMP FOR ORPHANS
The 4th annual summer camp for orphans will take place in Dzaghgatzor,
Armenia, July 4 to 11. Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy, each year
more
than fifty orphans enrolled in the Prelacy's Orphan Sponsorship
Program (ages 13 to 16) attend the camp where they learn about the
Armenian Church, attend worship services, share in Christian
fellowship, and enjoy recreational activities and field trips. The
camp is directed by Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, with the help of
the Prelacy's Armenia office, the St. Nerses the Great Charitable
Organization. To make a donation toward expenses of the camp contact
Der Aram by email ([email protected]) or by telephone (508-865-2454).
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, June 9, Third Sunday after Pentecost, Eve
of the Fast of our Holy Father St. Gregory the Illuminator are: Isaiah
1:2-15; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 12:1-8.
Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to
make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as
instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who
have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God
as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over
you, since you are
not under law but under grace.
What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace?
By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone
as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of
sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to
righteousness? But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves
of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to
which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin,
have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms
because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented
your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater
iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for
sanctification.
When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to
righteousness. So what advantage did you then get from the things of
which you now are
ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been
freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is
sanctification. The end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is
death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord. (Romans 6:12-23)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/gdmed/4f4cee/ser80).
ST. NERSES THE GREAT AND BISHOP KHAT
This Saturday, June 8, the Armenian Church commemorates Catholicos
Nerses the Great and Khat the Bishop. Nerses the Great was the father
of Catholicos Sahak I. He succeeded two catholicoi whose reigns were
unexceptional, and the people were eager to return to the line of
their beloved Gregory the Illuminator. Nerses was a student of
St. Basil of Caesarea, one of three great Cappadocian Fathers. Nerses'
pontificate was the beginning of a new era. He brought the church
closer in service to the people, rather than to royals and nobles. He
convened the Council of Ashtishat that resulted in numerous laws on
issues related to marriage, worship, and customs.
He built many schools, hospitals, and monasteries. He sent monks to
preach
the Gospel throughout the country. His bold actions resulted in great
displeasure by the royal family and in 373 he was reportedly poisoned
by the king. His accomplishments for the spiritual and social
well-being of the common people earned him the gratitude of the entire
nation and the honorific
`Great.'
Khat the Bishop worked closely with St. Nerses the Great. Like Nerses
he had great passion for social issues, especially helping the
poor. Nerses entrusted most of the benevolent work of the church to
Khat. He is so closely associated with St. Nerses that the church
honors them on the same day.
By the light of unspeakable grace of your divine knowledge you arose
on the land of Armenia, merciful heavenly Father; have compassion on
us who have
sinned. Saint Nerses, pure in soul, from birth you were chosen to
inherit the paternal lot of shepherding righteously and lawfully. You
adorned the Church with the laws of truth and established good order
within it; through his prayers have mercy on us, O Christ.
(Canon to the Holy Patriarch Nerses the Great from the Liturgical
Canons of the Armenian Church)
CONSTANTINE AND HIS MOTHER HELENA
This Tuesday, June 11, the Armenian Church remembers Constantine the
Great and his mother, Helena. Constantine was the first Christian
emperor
of Rome. In 330 he founded Constantinople as a `second Rome,' and
considered himself to be a servant of God. He was buried amid the
apostles in the basilica he founded in their honor in
Constantinople. Helena followed her son in becoming a Christian and
devoted her life to charitable work. She built many churches and
monasteries and is believed to have played an important role in the
recovery of the true cross in Golgotha. She is also believed to have
helped find Christ's exact place of burial where later the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher was built.
CILICIAN DELEGATION ATTENDS ENTHRONEMENT IN JERUSALEM
Archbishop Varoujan Herkelian, Catholicosal Vicar of the Diocese of
Cyprus, and Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran,
represented His Holiness Aram and the Holy See of Cilicia at the
enthronement of Archbishop Nourhan Sarkissian as the new Armenian
Patriarch of Jerusalem that took
place on Tuesday, June 4. He succeeds His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom
Manoogian, of blessed memory.
KARAGEUZIAN FOUNDATION DIRECTOR IN ANTELIAS
Dr. Walter Bandazian, the Director of the Karageuzian Foundation,
headquartered in New York City, met with His Holiness Aram last
Saturday, June 1, at the Catholicosate in Antelias. Dr. Bandazian was
accompanied by Mr. Serop Ohanian, the director of the Foundation's
office in Lebanon. Dr. Bandazian makes annual visits to the
Foundations three overseas centers, Lebanon, Syria, and Armenia. The
Catholicos received a briefing on the Foundation's humanitarian aid to
the Syrian Armenian community through its offices in Syria and
Lebanon.
ECONOMIC MINISTER FROM ROMANIA IN ANTELIAS
Varoujan Voskanian, the Minister of Economy and Trade of Romania, met
with His Holiness Aram I, during official visit to Lebanon. They were
joined by the Armenian Ministers and Parliamentarians of Lebanon. This
was Voskanian's second visit to the Catholicosate. Five years earlier,
while on an official visit, His Holiness awarded him with the Knight
of Cilicia insignia in recognition of his achievements.
Discussions during this meeting focused on the current situation in
Lebanon, economic relations between Lebanon and Romania,
Armenia-Diaspora relations, and the forthcoming 100th anniversary
commemorations of the Genocide.
Before leaving the Catholicosate, the Minister paid his respects to
the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the Holy See's Martyrs Chapel.
NEW CD OF HYMNS RELEASED
The director of the Christian Education Department and conductor of
the Shenorhali Choir, Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan was joined by two
choir
members to present the first copy of a new CD to His Holiness
Catholicos Aram. The CD includes hymns, melodies, and songs from the
Armenian Liturgy and ancient music performed by the choir, organist
Hasmig Kasparian, and soprano Shoghik Torossian. Besides being a
source of spiritual and uplifting listening, the new CD can be used as
a teaching resource for church choirs.
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/gdmed/4f4cee/86r80) 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.
WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED IN GREAT NECK
The world premiere of a play, `Found,' written by Anoush
Baghdassarian, was presented last weekend at the Public Library of
Great Neck, New York, for two performances on Friday and Saturday
evenings. The playwright is a senior at Great Neck South High
School. Next year she plans to attend Claremont McKenna College in
California, majoring in theatre and international relations. She will
be going to Oxford this summer to study Shakespeare at the British
American Drama Academy. The topic of the play is the Armenian
Genocide, a topic she has passionately been informing people since she
was in sixth grade. The play takes place in 1915 and 1925 in the
historic Armenian city of Van.
At the premiere of `Found', left to right, Dr. Louis Najarian, Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Anoush Baghdassarian, and Dr. Herand Markarian.
Attending the premiere was Mary Badham (third from right in this
photo) who at age ten played the role of Scout in the award winning
movie `To Kill a Mockingbird,' based on the book by Harper Lee.
TURKEY: FROM THE EXPLOITATIONS OF YESTERDAY
TO THE POLICE VIOLENCE OF TODAY
For nearly two weeks citizens of Istanbul of all ages and from all
social and political backgrounds have been participating in
demonstrations that began peacefully in Gezi Park, the largest public
park in Istanbul. After harsh reprisals from the police, demonstrators
have increasingly clashed with the authorities.
The demonstrators are protesting the imminent destruction of Gezi Park
to make way for the construction of a large shopping mall to be based
on the Ottoman-style military barracks that ironically was built by
the famous Turkish Armenian architect, Balian.
For many days the activists have been chanting, "Gezi is ours!" It is
a chant that the Armenians can also shout. What many do not know is
that
for 370 years a large portion of what now is Gezi Park was an Armenian
cemetery, the cemetery of Pangalti, believed to be the largest
non-Muslim cemetery in Istanbul. Founded in 1560, it was demolished in
the 1930s. The cemetery's marble tombstones were sold and used for
other construction projects. A section of what once was the Armenian
cemetery of Pangalti is now the location of the Divan Hotel, the
Hilton Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the headquarters of Turkish
Radio and Television.
The activists want to preserve the park as an open and green space and
are challenging the escalating authoritarianism of Prime Minister
Erdogan. They should also be cognizant of the history of this as well
as other locations as properties that were confiscated from
non-Turkish minority citizens in the aftermath of the genocide of
1915.
Birth of Aram Khachaturian (June 6, 1903)
Thirty-five years after his death, Aram Khachaturian remains the most
widely known Armenian classical composer of all times. His `Sabre
Dance,' the electrifying dance of the final act of the ballet
=80=9CGayane,' made him known on a popular level worldwide. A few
years ago, the first notes of the `Sabre Dance' were even the score
for an advertisement of hair shampoo in American TV, while some music
of his other world-famous ballet, `Spartacus,' appeared
most recently in the animated film `Ice Age: The Meltdown.'
Khachaturian was born in Kojori, near Tiflis (Georgia), on June 6,
1903, the youngest of five children. Young Aram was admitted to the
Commerce School in Tiflis in 1913, but he preferred music. He learned
to play woodwind instruments and became a member of a woodwind
orchestra.
His elder brother, Suren, who was the stage director of the Second
Moscow Art Theatre, took him to Moscow in 1921, where he entered the
Gnessin Musical College. The future composer did not even know how to
read music at the time. He quickly showed his talent for composition
and in 1925 Mikhail Gnessin suggested he join his newly-opened
composition class. Four years
later, Khachaturian transferred to the Moscow Conservatory. He
graduated with highest grades and composed his first big work, the
First Symphony, in 1934, after marrying his classmate, composer Nina
Makarova, the year before. In 1937 he became deputy chairman of the
Moscow branch of the Composers' Union, and then was appointed chairman
of the Organizing Committee of Soviet Composers in 1939. The first
ballet also came out that year. It was initially called `Happiness,'
but Khachaturian later reworked it into the ballet `Gayane.'
The years 1936-1947 were the most prolific in Khachaturian's life. He
wrote music for dramatic performances and movies, songs, and religious
music, including the Concerto for Violin (1941), the Concerto for
Cello (1943), the Second Symphony (1946), the Third Symphony (1946),
and the Symphonic Poem, later entitled the Third Symphony (1947).
The composer joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in
1943. In 1944 he composed the music of the anthem of Soviet
Armenia. However, he temporarily fell from official favor in 1948. The
Symphonic Poem, ironically written as a tribute to communism, earned
Khachaturian the wrath of the
Party. Andrei Zhdanov, secretary of the party's Central Committee,
delivered the so-called Zhdanov decree in 1948. The decree condemned
composers Dimitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Khachaturian, and
others as "formalist" and "anti-popular." The three named composers
had already become established as the so-called "titans" of Soviet
music, enjoying worldwide reputation as some of the leading composers
of the 20th century. Nonetheless, all three were forced to apologize
publicly.
Despite this episode, Khachaturian returned to official favor. He
received numerous state awards both before and after the decree: for
example, four Stalin prizes (1941, 1943, 1946 and 1950), one Lenin
prize (1959), a
USSR State Prize (1971), and the title of Hero of Socialist Labor
(1973). Khachaturian went on to serve again as Secretary of the Board
of the Composers' Union, starting in 1957 and was also a deputy in the
fifth Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (1958-1962). In 1951 he
became professor at
the Gnessin State Musical and Pedagogical Institute (Moscow) and the
Moscow Conservatory.
Although Khachaturian lived outside Armenia, he has been an iconic
figure for generations of Armenian composers, and many important
names, such as Arno Babajanian, Alexander Harutiunian, Edgar
Hovhannisian, and Tigran Mansurian, among others, were particularly
influence by him. Most of his works are saturated with centuries-old
motifs of Armenian culture. Khachaturian encouraged young composers to
experiment with new sounds and find their own voices. His colorful
orchestration technique is still noted for its freshness and vitality.
Khachaturian's ballet `Spartacus' premiered in December 1956, and its
music was featured in various series and films in the West. His
seventieth anniversary was officially celebrated in Moscow
and Yerevan. He passed away in Moscow on May 1, 1978, and was buried
in the `Gomidas' Pantheon in Yerevan, together with other great
Armenian personalities.
The composer's picture is featured on the 50 dram Armenian banknote,
as well as in various Soviet, Armenian, and Russian stamps. Various
streets in Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are named after
him. His house-museum was opened in Yerevan in 1982.
>From Everything to Nobody
There are extremes, and there are middle points. This is how we have
the words `everything' and `nothing,' but also `something' and
`anything.' We have their equivalents in Armenian too, indeed, with
two alternatives for the same word `thing.' The most common is Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶
(pan), which is a modern use of this word; the same word Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ meant
`word, speech' in Classical Armenian: `Ô» Õ½Õ¯Õ¦Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶Õ§ Õ§Ö=80
Ô²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¶' (I sgzpane er Pann, `In the beginning was the Word').
Now, we have the following equivalences between Armenian and English
Armenian
English
Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ (amen pan)
everything
Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ Õ´Õ¨ (pan me)
something
Õ¸Ö=80Õ¥Ö=82Õ§ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶ (voreve pan)
anything
Õ¸Õ¹Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ (vochinch)
nothing
The word vochinch mirrors its English equivalent: a combination of the
words voch (`no') and inch (`thing'). This reveals that we also have
Õ«Õ¶Õ¹(inch) as the second equivalent of `thing.' This word already
meant `thing' in Classical Armenian. It later evolved into Õ«Õ¶Õ¹
=80=9Cwhat' and the composite forms Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ÕºÕ§Õ½ (inchbes `how'),
Õ«Õ¶Õ¹Õ¸Õ=9EÖ=82 (inchu? `why?'), and others.
You can use pan and inch interchangeably in the case of `everything'
(Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ«Õ¶Õ¹, amen inch)and `nothing' (Õ¸Õ¹ Õ´Õ§Õ¯ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¶, voch
meg pan, although stylistically vochinch is better), butit would be
plainly wrong to say Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ Õ´Õ¨ (inch me)for =80=9Csomething' or
Õ¸Ö=80Õ¥Ö=82Õ§ Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ (voreve inch) for `anything.'
When we talk about people, we have the following equivalences:
Armenian
English
Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (amen megue)
everyone (*)
Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (megue)
someone/somebody
Õ¸Õ¥Ö=82Õ§ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (voyeve megue)
anyone/anybody
Õ¸Õ¹ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨
no one/nobody
You can also say Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ¸Ö=84 (amen vok) for `everyone' or Õ¸Õ¹
Õ¸Ö=84 (voch vok) for
`no one.' It is less common, but it is still used, particularly in
written language. The word vok is the plural of vo (Õ¸), the Classical
Armenian term for megue, from where the word voyeve is apparently
derived.
The Classical Armenian Õ¸Õ´Õ¶ (vomn, `someone') is not used in Modern
Armenian, except to note an anonymous donor, which until today is
recorded as vomn). However, we often use the plural of vomn, which is
Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Ö=84 (vomank), to say =80=9Csome people.' For example,
`Õ=88Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Ö=84
Õ¡Õ¶Ö=85Õ©Õ« Õ¥Õ¶' (Vomank anoti en, =80=9CSome people are hungry.').
A final point that is the matter of much mistaken use: how do we use
vochinch and voch megue in a negative sentence? The answer is: exactly
as in English!
You cannot use double negative in (Western) Armenian (except for
understated affirmation). Therefore, you may say either Õ=88Õ¹
Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ§ (Voch megue kide) or Õ=84Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ Õ¹Õ« Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ¥Ö=80
(Megue chi kider) to mean `nobody knows,' but you cannot say Õ¸Õ¹
Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ Õ¹Õ« Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ¥Ö=80 (Voch
megue chi kider), which would be as grammatically correct as `Nobody
doesn't know.'
Similarly, you may say `Õ=88Õ¹Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ«Õ´' (Vochinch ooneem)
or `Ô²Õ¡Õ¶ Õ´Õ¨ Õ¹Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ«Õ´' (Pan me chooneem) to say `I have
nothing' or `I don't have anything' but `Õ=88Õ¹Õ«Õ¶Õ¹ Õ¹Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ«Õ´'
(Vochinch chooneem) would be the equivalent of
. . . `I don't have nothing .'
---------------------------------
(*) In this collection, the word `everybody' stands
out, as its Armenian equivalent is not Õ¡Õ´Õ§Õ¶ Õ´Õ§Õ¯Õ¨ (amen megue),
but Õ¢Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Ö=80Õ¨ (polore, `all'). If you wanted to say, for
instance, `Everybody has fun tonight' in Armenian, the translation
would be «Ô±ÕµÕ½ Õ£Õ«Õ·Õ¥Ö=80, Õ¢Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Ö=80Õ¨ Õ¯Õ¨
Õ¦Õ¸Ö=82Õ¡Ö=80Õ³Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¶' (Ays kisher, polore gue zvarjanan).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
NEWLY PUBLISHED
THE KURDS, THE ARMENIAN QUESTION, AND THE HISTORY
OF ARMENIAN-KURDISH RELATIONS
By Vahan Baibourtian
This newly published book explores a topic that has not been
adequately studied, namely the political and economic history of the
Kurdish people of the Ottoman Empire, and the Republic of Turkey. It
explores the development of Armenian-Kurdish relations, as well as the
Armenian and the Kurdish Questions. The author, Vahan Baibourtian, is
a well-known and respected scholar and professor of history, as well
as a diplomat, and an expert in Oriental Studies and International
Relations. The publication of this English edition, translated by
Mariam Mesropyan, was made possible through a grant from the Dolores
Zohrab Liebmann Fund.
418 pages, hardcover, $35.00, including shipping & handling
Also from the Bookstore...
PLUSH BAPTISMAL TOWELS
These beautiful luxurious baptismal towels are lovely to use during
an infant's baptism and remain as a keepsake memento of this pivotal
event. Both styles are embroidered in gold in Armenian with the
baptismal appeal: Havadk, Houys, Ser, yev Mkrdoutyoun. (Faith, Hope,
Love, and Baptism).
$75.00 each plus shipping & handling
To order these items contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
([email protected]) or telephone (212-689-7810).
69th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Today, June 6, is the 69th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion
of Normandy and the turning point of the War with Nazi Germany. The
invasion depended heavily on weather conditions, a full moon,
coordination, secrecy, and the successful elaborate deception that
convinced Germany that the
allied invasion would come ashore at the Pas-de-Calais and not
Normandy. The 5,000 vessel armada transported more than 150,000
soldiers and 30,000 vehicles. Parachute regiments of 13,000 men were
flown from nine British regiments in 800 planes. Three hundred planes
bombed coastal Normandy right before the invasion. By the evening of
June 6, more than 9,000 Allied soldiers
were dead or wounded, but 100,000 successfully got ashore and into
French coastal villages. In this pre-television era, families huddled
around their
prized possession-a Philco radio-for the latest news.
The Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, Five-Star
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, went on to become a two-term President
of the United States from 1953 to 1961.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 2 to June 30-`History of Armenia: Past, Present, Future,' a series
of eight seminars presented on Thursdays, 7 pm to 8:30
pm, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York
City. Sponsored by the Cathedral and the UN Armenian
Mission. Facilitator:
Artur Martirosyan, Ph.D.
June 7-Concert dedicated to the 300th Jubilee of Sayat Nova featuring
Elie Berberian (Canada) and his band performing songs by Sayat Nova
and
other favorite minstrels, 8 pm, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue,
Woodside, New York 11377. Donation: $25, includes post-concert
reception. For tickets: [email protected] or 212-689-5880.
June 23-Annual picnic of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, 12 noon at the Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New
Britain, Connecticut. Admission is free. Come and enjoy Armenian food,
music, and dancing, while visiting with old and new friends. For
information: Church, 860-229-8322, or email
[email protected].
Facebook: www.facebook.com/StStephensArmenianApostolicChurchCt
(http://e2.ma/click/gdmed/4f4cee/ozs80).
June 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, Nareg Saturday School year-end hantes, following the Divine
Liturgy.
June 30-Brunch and Talent Show, organized and hosted by the Ladies
Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York, at 1 pm, under the
auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. Adults $15.00; Children
$10.00. For
information: 212-689-5880.
July 7-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Outdoor Family Event,
following church services on the Feast of Transfiguration,
Vartivar. Everyone, especially the youth, is invited to join in water
games on the lawn next to the church.
June 9-Father's Day Dinner and Comedy, sponsored by Armenian
Compatriotic Union of Ourfa, featuring renowned comedian Vahe
Berberian with a new repertoire, with the participation of violinist
Souren Kahvedjian, Ya Hala Restaurant, 45 Main Street, Wallington, New
Jersey. Adults $60; children under ten $30. Proceeds to Syrian
Armenian Relief Fund. For information: (732) 970-5207.
June 9-St. Sarkis Church and Douglaston School of Music and Art
present `Aram Khatchaturian-110th Anniversary Concert,' by faculty
members and students of Douglaston School of Music and Art,
1:30 pm, Chaderjian Hall, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York. Donation: $10.
June 13-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, 4th annual
Cigar Night & Dinner in Blessed Memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kassabian. Surf & Turf dinner, open bar, cigars, live & silent
auction, raffles. Tickets must be purchased in advance by sending a
check for $150 payable to St. Gregory's Mens Club, 158 Main Street,
North Andover, Massachusetts 01845, or contact Greg Minasian at
[email protected], or 978-470-3075.
June 15-National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), Seminar and
Picnic, 10 am to 2 pm. Jointly hosted with Ladies Guild of Saint
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 315 Church Street,
Whitinsville. Guest speaker: Carol Jaffarian, will provide update on
the Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian,
Armenia. RSVP by June 8 to the Church (508-234-3677), or to Sharke
Derapkrian by email ([email protected]) or phone (978-685-7243).
June 12 to 15-World General Assembly of the Holy See of Cilicia, at
the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon.
June 16-St. Gregory Church, annual Father's Day Picnic, 12
noon to 5 pm, on the church grounds at 135 Goodwin Street, Indian
Orchard, Massachusetts. Enjoy many favorite Armenian dinners including
shish kebab
and rice pilaf. Baked goods available for purchase. 50/50 raffle,
Armenian music and dancing, and a bounce house for children. Free
admission and parking. For information: 413-543-4763.
June 24-Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 10th Annual
Golf Outing at Sterling National Country Club, Sterling,
Massachusetts. Join us for a great day of golf including golf, cart,
breakfast, prizes, gifts, and dinner for $140 per golfer. Tee off at 9
am. Shotgun start and scramble format. For information contact Rich
Tashjian at [email protected]
or 978-422-7600.
June 30-July 7-27th Annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute, at St. Mary
of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the
Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Cou8ncil (AREC). For
information contact the AREC office3 by email
([email protected]) or phone (212-689-7810).
July 4-11-4th Annual Summer Camp for Orphans will take place in
Dzaghgztazor, Armenia, sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy. Orphans ages
13 to 16 who are enrolled in the Prelacy's Orphan Sponsorship program
are eligible to attend to learn about the Armenian Church and
history. The week
long program includes Bible study and prayers and meditation combined
with
summer fun activities and fellowship with other campers. For more
information contact Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian by email
([email protected]) or by phone (508-865-2454).
July 8-19-8th Annual Summer Camp program at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
July 13-`A Hye Summer Night VII' Dinner Dance sponsored by Ladies
Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church and Armenian Relief Society
`Ani' Chapter of Providence, Rhode Island, at the Providence Marriott
Hotel, One Orms Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904, 6 pm to
1 am. Featuring: Joe Kouyoumjian (oud), Brian Ansbigian (oud), David
Ansbigian (oud), Leon Janikian (clarinet), Ken Kalajian (guitar),
Jason Naroian (dumbeg), Armen Janigian (Daf). For tickets ($50 per
person) and information: Joyce Bagdasarian (401-434-4467); Joyce
Yeremian (401-354-8770).
August 18-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Blessing of the
Grapes and Family Fun Picnic, at Lakeshore Park, 601 South Lake Drive,
Novi,
Michigan. Food, music, dancing, magic show, volleyball, soccer, tavlou
tournament, mountain biking, swimming.
August 18-Annual Picnic, Sts. Vartanantz Church, New Jersey.
September 15-Book Presentation at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator's
Cathedral, New York, of `One Church One Nation'
by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian.
October 19-Armenian Friends of America presents `Hye Kef 5' featuring
musicians Leon Janikian, Joe Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken
Kalajian, Ron Raphaelian, and Jay Baronian, 7:30-12:30, Michael's
Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Proceeds
to benefit all Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and New
Hampshire. Tickets: $40 adults; $30 students; includes
individually-served mezza platters. For information/reservations: John
Arzigian 603-560-3826; Sandy Boroyan 978-251-8687; Scott Sahagian
617-699-3581; Peter Gulezian 978-375-1616.
November 15-16-17-Annual Bazaar, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
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