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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/
March 14, 2013
CATHOLICOS ARAM CONGRATULATES POPE FRANCIS
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, sent a
message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis shortly after
his election yesterday. Catholicos Aram, with `profound spiritual joy
and in the spirit of Christian love and fellowship,' expressed the
hope that at these challenging times facing the Roman Catholic Church,
his election will bring new hope towards the Church's mission and
witness. The Catholicos also expressed the hope that `the simplicity
of His Holiness' life, his particular emphasis on the `church of
poor,' and firm commitment to the pastoral outreach of the church will
generate a new vitality for the Catholic Church's evangelistic
engagement.'
Referring to the ecumenical involvement of the Catholic Church,
Catholicos Aram expressed the hope that it will `acquire even broader
articulation on global, regional, and local levels,' and the
ecumenical collaboration that is deeply rooted in the history between
the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Church of Rome will
continue =80=9Cwith renewed impetus.'
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected the 266th
pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday by the conclave of 115
cardinals eligible to vote.
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON SATURDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the New England Regional
Conference for members of the Boards of Trustees, Pastors, and
delegates to the National Representative Assembly, this Saturday,
March 16. The conference is being hosted by St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts.
The Prelate as well as the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, and members of
the Prelacy's Religious and Executive Councils will attend the
conference that will start at 10 am and conclude at 4 pm. Eight
parishes in the New England area have been invited to participate in
the annual conference and encouraged to ask questions and gain better
understanding of each other and to find ways to work together.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO MONTREAL
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Montreal where from March 17 to 22,
he will join with Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian in a week-long Bible
translation session.
MUSICAL ARMENIA 2013
The 30th Musical Armenia concert will take place Friday, April 19, 8
pm, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Featured
artists are: Narine Ojakhyan (soprano) and Nune Melikian (violin).
Tickets ($25) may be purchased through the box office at 212-247-7800,
or through the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
YOUNG ADULTS JOIN TO AID SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
WITH BENEFIT CONCERT ON APRIL 6
According to the United Nations this week the number of Syrian
refugees passed the one million mark. In an op-ed article in the New
York Times
on March 5, Antonio Guterres, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees,
called it `A milestone in human tragedy.' Our large and vibrant
Armenian community in Syria is part of that human tragedy.
Determined to help, young adults from the metropolitan area joined
forces in a Pan Armenian Youth Alliance and have organized a benefit
concert for the Syrian Armenian community. The entire metro area
community is supporting this benefit concert that will feature four
Armenian dance groups and more than 16 artists. The event will take
place on Saturday, April 6 at
7 pm, at Felician College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey.
The concert is under the auspices of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern Diocese), the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern
Prelacy), and is sponsored by the following organizations: ACYOA,
AGBU, AMAA, ARS, AYF, Columbia University Armenian Students, Fordham
University Armenian Club, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, Hovnanian School
Alumni, Hye Doon, Knights of
Vartan, Rutgers Armenian Students Association, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association.
Dance groups participating include Hamazkayin Dance Group, Yeraz Dance
Ensemble, Antranig Dance Ensemble, and Akhtamar Dance Ensemble.
Artists participating include: Jaq Hagopian, Garo Gomidas, Eduardo
Diamante, Nishan Tchaghatsbanian, Antoinette Kassas, Alyne Corrigan,
Rubik Vardanyan, Vicken Makoushian, Samvel Nerisyan, Armine Vardanyan,
Anoosh Barclay, Hasmik Mekhanedjian, Karine Ojakhyan, Anahit Zakaryan,
Karine Poghosyan, and Diana Vasilyan. Appo Jabarian will serve as the
Master of Ceremonies, along with remarks by Garbis Kazanjian, and
poetry recitation by Karine Kocharyan.
Tickets that are priced at $35 and $50 can be purchased by contacting
the following individuals:
Talar Ardzivian, (631) 807-7398
Anahid Kaprielian, (551) 427-8765
Lori Pilibosian, (248) 321-2043
Maral Kaprielian, (201) 289-6486
George Khorozian, (201) 390-5678
Hagop Hagopian, (201) 736-1078
Or through the Prelacy office by email ([email protected]) or
telephone (212-689-7810, Ext. 26).
PRELACY LENTEN PROGRAM CONTINUES
The fifth of a six-part Lenten Program took place last night, March
13, at St. Illuminator's Armenian Cathedral, presided over by His
Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General. The lecturer was Christian
Education Coordinator of the Eastern Diocese, Elise Antreassian, who
spoke on =80=9CMothers as Midwives: Raising Children of Faith.'
Mrs. Antreassian spoke about how mothers metaphorically act as
midwives helping their children go from one reality to another, moving
from one
stage of development to the next. Faith is also developmental, a
series of
transitions, she said, moving through stages. She briefly explained
the characteristics of the different stages of faith development, from
early childhood to adulthood. She then focused on childhood and
offered practical suggestions on what mothers can do to facilitate
faith development in their children.
Next Wednesday, March 20, the last lecture of the series will be
presented by Maggie Kouyoumdjian, Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School
Director of Ridgefield, New Jersey; she will speak on `Lessons from
Famous Mothers from the Bible - A Brief Reflection.'
The Lenten program is sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies' Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral.
Elise Antreassian, the fifth lecturer in the Prelacy's Lenten series,
spoke about how mothers attend to the growth of their children from
infancy to adulthood including faith development.
SEMINAR EXPLORES THE EUCHARIST
On Saturday, March 9, Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
director Dn. Shant Kazanjian conducted a 4-hour seminar for Sunday
School teachers from New York and New Jersey. The event was hosted by
St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City and began with a Sunrise
Service (Arevakal) at the church led by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian
(pastor of the Cathedral) and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian (pastor of
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey), assisted by deacons
Shant Kazanjian and Vahan Kouyoumdjian, M.D. The seminar explored the
Eucharist (Soorp Badarak), beginning with a historical and scriptural
overview of the liturgy (in general and Armenian) followed by an
exploration into each part. Dn. Shant used a video of
a typical service to analyze and explain what is done during each part
and
its meaning.
Dn. Shant Kazanjian explains the parts of the Liturgy to seminar
participants.
Participants in Seminar on the Liturgy that took place last Saturday.
SEMINAR IN PHILADELPHIA WILL EXPLORE THE EUCHARIST
At the invitation of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Pastor, and Board of
Trustees of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Prelacy's Director of Christian
Education, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, will conduct a seminar on the Soorp
Badarak, this
Saturday, March 16, from 10:00am - 3:00pm.
The seminar is free and open to the public. Registration is
required. For registration and information, please contact the church
office at (215) 482-9200 or at [email protected].
ANEC DIRECTOR WILL BE IN PROVIDENCE
Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Director of the Armenian National Education
Committee (ANEC), will visit the parish of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island, this weekend. On Saturday he will present a
three-part seminar for the teachers of the parish's Mourad Saturday
School. The three areas covered in the seminar are: The `Secret World'
of the Armenian Language; Lesson Plans Utilizing the Historical Atlas
of Armenia; Teaching Armenian as a Second Language.
On Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy, Dr. Matiossian will make a
presentation for the general public about the newly published
Historical Atlas of Armenia at Sts. Vartanantz Church's Aramian
Auditorium.
POPULAR ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
The popular The Way We Were Ensemble presented its new musical,
=80=9CThe Hye Legion,' at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
last Sunday afternoon. The Ensemble presents the story of the Armenian
Legion in World War I (Gamavoor) with song and dance.
The Armenian Legion, part of the French Foreign Legion, came into
existence in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide to fight with the
French
and British forces in the Middle East. The Armenians were promised
autonomy in the region of Cilicia (southern Turkey), an area occupied
by France. Thousands of Armenians from various social, political, and
economic groups banded together to fight with the British and French
armies and to work toward (they thought) the goal of an autonomous
Armenia in Cilicia.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian with the
members of The Way We Were Ensemble at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, March 17, Sixth Sunday of Lent, Advent,
are: Isaiah 66:1-24; Colossians 2:8-3:17; Matthew 22:34-23:39.
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they
gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to
test him. Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He
said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and
first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this
question: What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he? They said
to him, The son of David. He said to them, How is it then that David
by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at
my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet? If David thus
calls him Lord,
how can he be his son? No one was able to give him an answer, nor from
that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, The scribes and
the Pharisees sit on Moses seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you
and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what
they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on
the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a
finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for
they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love
to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the
synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to
have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for
you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your
father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. Nor are
you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the
Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt
themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be
exalted. (Matthew 22:34-23:12)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/43ioz).
SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, March 25, is the sixth and final Sunday of Great Lent,
known as Sunday of Advent (Galstyan Kiraki). On Advent Sunday we are
asked to ponder the mystery of the first coming of Christ and
especially his second coming which is a fundamental tenet of our
Christian faith, and which is mentioned in the prayers read this
Sunday. Christ came to the world for the salvation of humankind. We
are told to be ready at all times because He
will come again for the judgment of sinners, and when the righteous
will become worthy of entering the Kingdom of God. `Then people will
see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He
will send out his angels and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the ends of the
earth to the ends of heaven.' (Mark 13:26-27)
Advent Sunday has its own special hymn, which proclaims that the
apostles knew the mystery of the advent of Christ. The story of the
expulsion
from paradise is repeated and an appeal is made to Christ to ask the
Heavenly Father to establish peace on earth. Sunday of Advent is in
preparation of the following Sunday, Palm Sunday, which is the
celebration of the glorious entry of our Lord into Jerusalem and the
beginning of Holy Week.
The terrible manifestation of your glory which will be in your second
coming David foresaw and announced beforehand by the Holy Spirit's
inspiration, God will come openly, fire will burn before him. Then, O
Jesus, spare us, have compassion, O Christ, and have mercy.
Mother of God unwedded, bride of heaven on earth, when in the sight
of light you sit at the right hand of your only-begotten beseech him
for us to deliver us from the awful flame, to number us with the
righteous that we also may sing glory with the heavenly ones.
(Canon for the Sixth Sunday of Great Lent from the Liturgical Canons
of the Armenian Church)
ST. GREGORY'S COMMITMENT TO THE PIT
During Great Lent, saint days are commemorated only on
Saturdays. During the remainder of the year saints can be honored on
Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, or Saturdays. Never on Wednesdays or Fridays, these being
fasting days.
This Saturday, March 17, the Armenian Church celebrates one of the
three days in its liturgical calendar devoted to St. Gregory the
Illuminator, the patron saint of the Armenian Church. The three days
are: Entrance into the Pit; Emergence from the Pit; and Discovery of
his remains. This Saturday is the commemoration of his commitment to
the Deep Pit (Khor Virab).
Gregory maintained his faith and refused to renounce Christ. As a
result he endured many tortures and his final punishment was
banishment into
a deep pit where he remained for a period of thirteen or more
years. Miraculously he survived, thanks to his faith and a woman
(identity unknown) who
lowered food and water into the pit.
The Monastery of Khor Virab is a popular destination for tourists and
pilgrims who visit Armenia. The monastery was built on the exact
location where St. Gregory was imprisoned. The pit is accessible and
it is possible for visitors to climb down the ladder (27 steep steps)
into the pit. The church, named Sourp Astvatsatsin, dates to the 17th
century. The area is one of the most beautiful in Armenia and provides
stunning views of Ararat. The area surrounding Khor Virab is the site
of the ancient Armenian capital,
Artashat, founded by King Artashes I about 180 BC.
Come, let us exalt on this day the spreader of the spiritual light to
us who sat in darkness, the holy patriarch Gregory. Come, you children
instructed by him, exalt on this day the distributor to the sons of
Torgom of the undefiled gifts of the Holy Spirit who gave us a new
birth as sons of the light. Come, you children instructed by him,
exalt on this day the interpreter of the divine word in the land of
Armenia. On this day the Church and her
children sing with the angels, on this day of memory of the
enlightener ascribing glory to God in the highest.
(Canon to St. Gregory the Illuminator, Commitment to the Pit, from the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church)
PILGRIMAGE DAY IN ANTELIAS
This Sunday, March 17, is a day of pilgrimage at the Holy See of
Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, in honor of the Armenian Church's patron
saint, St. Gregory the Illuminator. Thousands of pilgrims come to the
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator for the Liturgy and
impressive procession of the relics of St. Gregory housed in a golden
arm.
CATHOLICOS RECEIVES VICE PRIME MINISTER
His Holiness Aram I received Arthur Aghabekian, the Vice Prime
Minister of Karabagh at the Catholicosate last Tueday. During the
meeting the Vice Prime Minister briefed His Holiness on the current
efforts of the government of Nagorno Karabagh to build-up the young
country. They also discussed future plans.
His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the
government in the areas of politics, economics, and social affairs,
and congratulated the President, Bako Sahakian, for his
leadership. The Catholicos assured Mr. Aghabekian that the
Catholicosate of Cilicia would be part of
the young country's journey.
ENTHRONEMENT OF ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX PATRIARCH
Archbishop Avak Assadourian and Bishop Ashod Menatsakanian from the
Holy See of Etchmiadzin and Archbishops Gorun Babian and Nareg
Alemezian from the Holy See of Cilicia represented the Armenian Church
at the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Abuna Mathias in Addis
Ababa.
During the ceremony, Archbishop Gorun presented the message of Aram
I. His Holiness described the long historical relationship between the
two
sister churches and particularly the recent close relations with the
late Patriarch Abuna Paulos. The Catholicos said he looked forward to
working with the new patriarch with that same spirit.
INTENSIVE COURSES IN WESTERN ARMENIAN
After a series of consultations on the usage of the Western Armenian
language, His Holiness Aram I nominated a committee of specialists to
study its current usage in the Diaspora. The committee, in cooperation
with the Catholicosate's Armenian Studies department established the
first
six-month intensive course that began in January and continues to May
2013. The course is being taught by specialists and includes studies
in diction, language structure, and grammar, writing, speech, and
current mistakes.
All of the previous `This Week in Armenian History' entries are now on
the Prelacy's web page. Go to www.armenianprelacy.org
(http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/kwjoz) and click on the icon.
Birth of Alexander Tamanian (March 16, 1878)
Alexander Tamanian was the founder of Armenian modern architecture.
His vision for Yerevan was going to turn the village-like capital of
Armenia in the 1920s into a modern city.
Tamanian was born in Krasnodar (Northern Caucasus). He graduated from
the Arts Academy of St. Petersburg in 1904. His first work was the
reconstruction of the Armenian church of St. Catherine in
St. Petersburg in 1904-1906. Following the excavations of Nikolai Marr
in Ani, he projected the museum of Ani in 1908, which was not
realized.
He would develop a very successful career as architect in Russia. His
blueprints for different building in various cities of Russia from
1907-1913 (the house of Scherbatov in Moscow, in 1911-1913, won the
golden medal of the City Duma) applied the forms of classicism and
Russian architecture of the eighteenth and early nineteenth
centuries. He was elected full member of the Russian Art Academy in
1914 and became president of the Council of the Russian Art Academy,
with status of vice-president of the Academy, in 1917.
The independence of Armenia in 1918 opened a new page in his life. He
moved to Yerevan in 1919 to serve his country. He designed the
coat-of-arms of the Republic, together with painter Hakob Kojoyan,
which was restored as Armenia's national coat of arms in
1992. Following the sovietization of Armenia, he left for Iran in 1921
and accepted the invitation of the Soviet Armenian government to
return in 1923.
Thereafter, and until his death on February 11, 1936 in Yerevan, he
developed a very active professional life. In 1923 he was designated
deputy chairman of the State Planning Committee. He became chairman of
the Committee for Conservation of Monuments in 1924.
In the same year, he created the master plan of the city of Yerevan,
which signaled the beginning of Soviet city construction in
Armenia. It was conceived for a city of 150,000 inhabitants (Yerevan
had 25,000 at the time of the first Republic) and became the basis for
the subsequent blueprints of the city. In 1934 he started the project
for `Great Yerevan' (500,000 inhabitants), which remained unfinished.
He also designed the plans for various cities between 1925 and 1933,
including Gumri, Vagharshapat, Stepanakert, Gavar, and Hrazdan among
others. He designed and built in Yerevan the morgue of the Medical
Institute (1926-1933), the astronomical observatory (1930-1933), the
National Library (1932-1938), and others, and his talent as a great
architect was recognized particularly with his master plan of Yerevan,
and the buildings of the Government House (1932-1941, State Prize of
the USSR in 1942) and the Opera and
Ballet Theater and Concert Hall (1926-1953).
These two buildings predetermined and conditioned the architectonical
solutions for the most important urban points of Yerevan: the ensemble
of the Republic Square (State Prize of Armenia in 1970), the area
adjacent to the Opera Theater (the blueprint won the Great Golden
Medal of the World Exhibition of 1937 in Paris), and the construction
of the Northern Avenue, recently executed. Tamanian's creations
reinterpreted the principles of classical Armenian architecture with
new quality, and opened new ways to develop their traditions in what
has been called the `Tamanian School.' In 1936, Poet Yeghishe Charents
wrote his poem `Vision of Death,' the third one with this title, in
memory of the recently deceased architect. He started with the
following lines:
`He saw a solar city...
As a sundial, drawn upon the blue side of pure marble,
here is the map of the city.
Avenues, streets, extending in circles,
and in the center, a granite altar reaching to the sky.'
NEW PROJECT TO DOCUMENT GENOCIDE
Libra-6 Productions, Inc., a USA based not-for-profit organization
that pursues humanitarian values through theater, art, and cultural
events, recently announced a new project, `Testimonies-the Voices of
the People.' Descendants of the Armenian genocide are invited to
submit
the true experiences of their ancestors' ordeals during the Armenian
Genocide. The accounts that are accepted will be published in a series
of volumes. Submissions should be between 250 to 3,750 words. For
additional
information click here (http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/0okoz).
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/wdx7c/4f4cee/ghloz) 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.
SPRING
Spring begins next Wednesday, March 20.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 15-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, `Liturgy, Education
& Tradition Series.' The Disciples of Jesus: Judas, Peter & John, A
Meditation by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church. Fellowship Hour by the Yeraz Dance Ensemble. Vespers 6:30 pm,
Lecture 7:30 pm; Q&A 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15 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.
March 16-Exploring the Eucharist (Soorp Badarak), one-day seminar,
10 am to 3 pm, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia. Speaker: Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). Free and open to the
public. Registration required: 215-482-9200,
[email protected].
March 22-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, `Liturgy, Education
& Tradition Series.' What Does it Mean to be a Good Samaritan in the
21st Century? A lecture by Professor Marilyn Martone, Ph.D.,
St. John's University. Fellowship Hour by the Young Adults
Group. Vespers 6:30 pm, Lecture 7:30 pm; Q&A 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.
April 2-International Children's Book Day at the Armenian Library &
Museum of America (ALMA), 65 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts,
with author Lucine Kasbarian and book review editor Wilda Williams,
7:30
pm. Suggested donation: $5. Copies of Lucine Kasbarian's books will be
available for purchase. For information: Caroline Ly, Programs Manager
([email protected]).
April 6-Pan Armenian Youth Alliance presents `Syrian Armenian Benefit
Concert,' under the auspices of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America and the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
and sponsorship of ACYOA, AGBU, AMAA, AYF, Columbia ASA, Fordham
Armenian Club, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, Hovnanian Alumni, Hye Doon,
Knights of Vartan, Rutgers ASA, Tekeyan. Featuring, Hamazkayin Dance
Group, Yeraz Dance Ensemble, Antranig Dance Ensemble, Akhtamar Dance
Ensemble, Jaq Hagopian, Garo Gomidas, Eduardo Diamante, Nishan
Tchaghasbanian, Antoinette Kassas, Alyne Corrigan, and
others. Felician College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New
Jersey. Tickets $35 and $50.
April 13-Second Annual Benefit Dance sponsored by the Armenian
Churches of Worcester County. Proceeds benefit worthy Armenian
charities, including the Armenian community in Syria. The host
churches are: Armenian Church of the Martyrs; Armenian Church of Our
Savior; Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church; Soorp Asdvadzadzin
Armenian Apostolic Church.
April 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual
Membership Meeting, immediately after the Divine Liturgy.
April 17-28-Online Charity Auction by Armenian Relief Society Eastern
USA, to benefit worldwide programs of the ARS Eastern USA. To bid on
auction items or make online donations visit
www.biddingforgood.com/arseastusa
(http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/w9loz) or contact committee at
[email protected].
April 19-The 30th Musical Armenia concert, Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York City. Featured
artists: Narine Ojakhyan, soprano and Nune Melikiian,
violin. Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
April 21-98th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Times Square
(43rd and Broadway, New York), 2 to 4 pm, organized by the
Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and
co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian
Council of America, and the Armenian Democratic
League-Ramgavars. Participating organizations: Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Catholic
Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, the Mid-Atlantic Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America, Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian youth
organizations, and Armenian university and college clubs.
May 7-`Treasured Objects,' an illustrated interactive lecture by
Dr. Susan Pattie, at Graduate Center at the City University of New
York Middle East and Middle Eastern American Center, 365 Fifth Avenue,
New York City, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Copies of her most recent book,
`Treasured Objects: Armenian Life in the Ottoman Empire,' coauthored
with colleagues at the Armenian Institute in London, will be available
for purchase. For information: [email protected].
May 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Mother's Day
celebration organized by the Senior Citizens Committee.
May 16, 17, 18-National Representative Assembly hosted by Soorp Khatch
Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
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).
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[email protected] to your address book.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web: http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
March 14, 2013
CATHOLICOS ARAM CONGRATULATES POPE FRANCIS
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, sent a
message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis shortly after
his election yesterday. Catholicos Aram, with `profound spiritual joy
and in the spirit of Christian love and fellowship,' expressed the
hope that at these challenging times facing the Roman Catholic Church,
his election will bring new hope towards the Church's mission and
witness. The Catholicos also expressed the hope that `the simplicity
of His Holiness' life, his particular emphasis on the `church of
poor,' and firm commitment to the pastoral outreach of the church will
generate a new vitality for the Catholic Church's evangelistic
engagement.'
Referring to the ecumenical involvement of the Catholic Church,
Catholicos Aram expressed the hope that it will `acquire even broader
articulation on global, regional, and local levels,' and the
ecumenical collaboration that is deeply rooted in the history between
the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Church of Rome will
continue =80=9Cwith renewed impetus.'
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected the 266th
pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday by the conclave of 115
cardinals eligible to vote.
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON SATURDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the New England Regional
Conference for members of the Boards of Trustees, Pastors, and
delegates to the National Representative Assembly, this Saturday,
March 16. The conference is being hosted by St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts.
The Prelate as well as the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, and members of
the Prelacy's Religious and Executive Councils will attend the
conference that will start at 10 am and conclude at 4 pm. Eight
parishes in the New England area have been invited to participate in
the annual conference and encouraged to ask questions and gain better
understanding of each other and to find ways to work together.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO MONTREAL
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Montreal where from March 17 to 22,
he will join with Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian in a week-long Bible
translation session.
MUSICAL ARMENIA 2013
The 30th Musical Armenia concert will take place Friday, April 19, 8
pm, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Featured
artists are: Narine Ojakhyan (soprano) and Nune Melikian (violin).
Tickets ($25) may be purchased through the box office at 212-247-7800,
or through the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
YOUNG ADULTS JOIN TO AID SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
WITH BENEFIT CONCERT ON APRIL 6
According to the United Nations this week the number of Syrian
refugees passed the one million mark. In an op-ed article in the New
York Times
on March 5, Antonio Guterres, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees,
called it `A milestone in human tragedy.' Our large and vibrant
Armenian community in Syria is part of that human tragedy.
Determined to help, young adults from the metropolitan area joined
forces in a Pan Armenian Youth Alliance and have organized a benefit
concert for the Syrian Armenian community. The entire metro area
community is supporting this benefit concert that will feature four
Armenian dance groups and more than 16 artists. The event will take
place on Saturday, April 6 at
7 pm, at Felician College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey.
The concert is under the auspices of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern Diocese), the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern
Prelacy), and is sponsored by the following organizations: ACYOA,
AGBU, AMAA, ARS, AYF, Columbia University Armenian Students, Fordham
University Armenian Club, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, Hovnanian School
Alumni, Hye Doon, Knights of
Vartan, Rutgers Armenian Students Association, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association.
Dance groups participating include Hamazkayin Dance Group, Yeraz Dance
Ensemble, Antranig Dance Ensemble, and Akhtamar Dance Ensemble.
Artists participating include: Jaq Hagopian, Garo Gomidas, Eduardo
Diamante, Nishan Tchaghatsbanian, Antoinette Kassas, Alyne Corrigan,
Rubik Vardanyan, Vicken Makoushian, Samvel Nerisyan, Armine Vardanyan,
Anoosh Barclay, Hasmik Mekhanedjian, Karine Ojakhyan, Anahit Zakaryan,
Karine Poghosyan, and Diana Vasilyan. Appo Jabarian will serve as the
Master of Ceremonies, along with remarks by Garbis Kazanjian, and
poetry recitation by Karine Kocharyan.
Tickets that are priced at $35 and $50 can be purchased by contacting
the following individuals:
Talar Ardzivian, (631) 807-7398
Anahid Kaprielian, (551) 427-8765
Lori Pilibosian, (248) 321-2043
Maral Kaprielian, (201) 289-6486
George Khorozian, (201) 390-5678
Hagop Hagopian, (201) 736-1078
Or through the Prelacy office by email ([email protected]) or
telephone (212-689-7810, Ext. 26).
PRELACY LENTEN PROGRAM CONTINUES
The fifth of a six-part Lenten Program took place last night, March
13, at St. Illuminator's Armenian Cathedral, presided over by His
Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General. The lecturer was Christian
Education Coordinator of the Eastern Diocese, Elise Antreassian, who
spoke on =80=9CMothers as Midwives: Raising Children of Faith.'
Mrs. Antreassian spoke about how mothers metaphorically act as
midwives helping their children go from one reality to another, moving
from one
stage of development to the next. Faith is also developmental, a
series of
transitions, she said, moving through stages. She briefly explained
the characteristics of the different stages of faith development, from
early childhood to adulthood. She then focused on childhood and
offered practical suggestions on what mothers can do to facilitate
faith development in their children.
Next Wednesday, March 20, the last lecture of the series will be
presented by Maggie Kouyoumdjian, Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School
Director of Ridgefield, New Jersey; she will speak on `Lessons from
Famous Mothers from the Bible - A Brief Reflection.'
The Lenten program is sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies' Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral.
Elise Antreassian, the fifth lecturer in the Prelacy's Lenten series,
spoke about how mothers attend to the growth of their children from
infancy to adulthood including faith development.
SEMINAR EXPLORES THE EUCHARIST
On Saturday, March 9, Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
director Dn. Shant Kazanjian conducted a 4-hour seminar for Sunday
School teachers from New York and New Jersey. The event was hosted by
St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City and began with a Sunrise
Service (Arevakal) at the church led by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian
(pastor of the Cathedral) and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian (pastor of
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey), assisted by deacons
Shant Kazanjian and Vahan Kouyoumdjian, M.D. The seminar explored the
Eucharist (Soorp Badarak), beginning with a historical and scriptural
overview of the liturgy (in general and Armenian) followed by an
exploration into each part. Dn. Shant used a video of
a typical service to analyze and explain what is done during each part
and
its meaning.
Dn. Shant Kazanjian explains the parts of the Liturgy to seminar
participants.
Participants in Seminar on the Liturgy that took place last Saturday.
SEMINAR IN PHILADELPHIA WILL EXPLORE THE EUCHARIST
At the invitation of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Pastor, and Board of
Trustees of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Prelacy's Director of Christian
Education, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, will conduct a seminar on the Soorp
Badarak, this
Saturday, March 16, from 10:00am - 3:00pm.
The seminar is free and open to the public. Registration is
required. For registration and information, please contact the church
office at (215) 482-9200 or at [email protected].
ANEC DIRECTOR WILL BE IN PROVIDENCE
Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Director of the Armenian National Education
Committee (ANEC), will visit the parish of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island, this weekend. On Saturday he will present a
three-part seminar for the teachers of the parish's Mourad Saturday
School. The three areas covered in the seminar are: The `Secret World'
of the Armenian Language; Lesson Plans Utilizing the Historical Atlas
of Armenia; Teaching Armenian as a Second Language.
On Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy, Dr. Matiossian will make a
presentation for the general public about the newly published
Historical Atlas of Armenia at Sts. Vartanantz Church's Aramian
Auditorium.
POPULAR ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
The popular The Way We Were Ensemble presented its new musical,
=80=9CThe Hye Legion,' at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
last Sunday afternoon. The Ensemble presents the story of the Armenian
Legion in World War I (Gamavoor) with song and dance.
The Armenian Legion, part of the French Foreign Legion, came into
existence in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide to fight with the
French
and British forces in the Middle East. The Armenians were promised
autonomy in the region of Cilicia (southern Turkey), an area occupied
by France. Thousands of Armenians from various social, political, and
economic groups banded together to fight with the British and French
armies and to work toward (they thought) the goal of an autonomous
Armenia in Cilicia.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian with the
members of The Way We Were Ensemble at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, March 17, Sixth Sunday of Lent, Advent,
are: Isaiah 66:1-24; Colossians 2:8-3:17; Matthew 22:34-23:39.
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they
gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to
test him. Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He
said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and
first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this
question: What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he? They said
to him, The son of David. He said to them, How is it then that David
by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at
my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet? If David thus
calls him Lord,
how can he be his son? No one was able to give him an answer, nor from
that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, The scribes and
the Pharisees sit on Moses seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you
and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what
they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on
the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a
finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for
they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love
to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the
synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to
have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for
you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your
father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. Nor are
you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the
Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt
themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be
exalted. (Matthew 22:34-23:12)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/43ioz).
SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, March 25, is the sixth and final Sunday of Great Lent,
known as Sunday of Advent (Galstyan Kiraki). On Advent Sunday we are
asked to ponder the mystery of the first coming of Christ and
especially his second coming which is a fundamental tenet of our
Christian faith, and which is mentioned in the prayers read this
Sunday. Christ came to the world for the salvation of humankind. We
are told to be ready at all times because He
will come again for the judgment of sinners, and when the righteous
will become worthy of entering the Kingdom of God. `Then people will
see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He
will send out his angels and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the ends of the
earth to the ends of heaven.' (Mark 13:26-27)
Advent Sunday has its own special hymn, which proclaims that the
apostles knew the mystery of the advent of Christ. The story of the
expulsion
from paradise is repeated and an appeal is made to Christ to ask the
Heavenly Father to establish peace on earth. Sunday of Advent is in
preparation of the following Sunday, Palm Sunday, which is the
celebration of the glorious entry of our Lord into Jerusalem and the
beginning of Holy Week.
The terrible manifestation of your glory which will be in your second
coming David foresaw and announced beforehand by the Holy Spirit's
inspiration, God will come openly, fire will burn before him. Then, O
Jesus, spare us, have compassion, O Christ, and have mercy.
Mother of God unwedded, bride of heaven on earth, when in the sight
of light you sit at the right hand of your only-begotten beseech him
for us to deliver us from the awful flame, to number us with the
righteous that we also may sing glory with the heavenly ones.
(Canon for the Sixth Sunday of Great Lent from the Liturgical Canons
of the Armenian Church)
ST. GREGORY'S COMMITMENT TO THE PIT
During Great Lent, saint days are commemorated only on
Saturdays. During the remainder of the year saints can be honored on
Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, or Saturdays. Never on Wednesdays or Fridays, these being
fasting days.
This Saturday, March 17, the Armenian Church celebrates one of the
three days in its liturgical calendar devoted to St. Gregory the
Illuminator, the patron saint of the Armenian Church. The three days
are: Entrance into the Pit; Emergence from the Pit; and Discovery of
his remains. This Saturday is the commemoration of his commitment to
the Deep Pit (Khor Virab).
Gregory maintained his faith and refused to renounce Christ. As a
result he endured many tortures and his final punishment was
banishment into
a deep pit where he remained for a period of thirteen or more
years. Miraculously he survived, thanks to his faith and a woman
(identity unknown) who
lowered food and water into the pit.
The Monastery of Khor Virab is a popular destination for tourists and
pilgrims who visit Armenia. The monastery was built on the exact
location where St. Gregory was imprisoned. The pit is accessible and
it is possible for visitors to climb down the ladder (27 steep steps)
into the pit. The church, named Sourp Astvatsatsin, dates to the 17th
century. The area is one of the most beautiful in Armenia and provides
stunning views of Ararat. The area surrounding Khor Virab is the site
of the ancient Armenian capital,
Artashat, founded by King Artashes I about 180 BC.
Come, let us exalt on this day the spreader of the spiritual light to
us who sat in darkness, the holy patriarch Gregory. Come, you children
instructed by him, exalt on this day the distributor to the sons of
Torgom of the undefiled gifts of the Holy Spirit who gave us a new
birth as sons of the light. Come, you children instructed by him,
exalt on this day the interpreter of the divine word in the land of
Armenia. On this day the Church and her
children sing with the angels, on this day of memory of the
enlightener ascribing glory to God in the highest.
(Canon to St. Gregory the Illuminator, Commitment to the Pit, from the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church)
PILGRIMAGE DAY IN ANTELIAS
This Sunday, March 17, is a day of pilgrimage at the Holy See of
Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, in honor of the Armenian Church's patron
saint, St. Gregory the Illuminator. Thousands of pilgrims come to the
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator for the Liturgy and
impressive procession of the relics of St. Gregory housed in a golden
arm.
CATHOLICOS RECEIVES VICE PRIME MINISTER
His Holiness Aram I received Arthur Aghabekian, the Vice Prime
Minister of Karabagh at the Catholicosate last Tueday. During the
meeting the Vice Prime Minister briefed His Holiness on the current
efforts of the government of Nagorno Karabagh to build-up the young
country. They also discussed future plans.
His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the
government in the areas of politics, economics, and social affairs,
and congratulated the President, Bako Sahakian, for his
leadership. The Catholicos assured Mr. Aghabekian that the
Catholicosate of Cilicia would be part of
the young country's journey.
ENTHRONEMENT OF ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX PATRIARCH
Archbishop Avak Assadourian and Bishop Ashod Menatsakanian from the
Holy See of Etchmiadzin and Archbishops Gorun Babian and Nareg
Alemezian from the Holy See of Cilicia represented the Armenian Church
at the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Abuna Mathias in Addis
Ababa.
During the ceremony, Archbishop Gorun presented the message of Aram
I. His Holiness described the long historical relationship between the
two
sister churches and particularly the recent close relations with the
late Patriarch Abuna Paulos. The Catholicos said he looked forward to
working with the new patriarch with that same spirit.
INTENSIVE COURSES IN WESTERN ARMENIAN
After a series of consultations on the usage of the Western Armenian
language, His Holiness Aram I nominated a committee of specialists to
study its current usage in the Diaspora. The committee, in cooperation
with the Catholicosate's Armenian Studies department established the
first
six-month intensive course that began in January and continues to May
2013. The course is being taught by specialists and includes studies
in diction, language structure, and grammar, writing, speech, and
current mistakes.
All of the previous `This Week in Armenian History' entries are now on
the Prelacy's web page. Go to www.armenianprelacy.org
(http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/kwjoz) and click on the icon.
Birth of Alexander Tamanian (March 16, 1878)
Alexander Tamanian was the founder of Armenian modern architecture.
His vision for Yerevan was going to turn the village-like capital of
Armenia in the 1920s into a modern city.
Tamanian was born in Krasnodar (Northern Caucasus). He graduated from
the Arts Academy of St. Petersburg in 1904. His first work was the
reconstruction of the Armenian church of St. Catherine in
St. Petersburg in 1904-1906. Following the excavations of Nikolai Marr
in Ani, he projected the museum of Ani in 1908, which was not
realized.
He would develop a very successful career as architect in Russia. His
blueprints for different building in various cities of Russia from
1907-1913 (the house of Scherbatov in Moscow, in 1911-1913, won the
golden medal of the City Duma) applied the forms of classicism and
Russian architecture of the eighteenth and early nineteenth
centuries. He was elected full member of the Russian Art Academy in
1914 and became president of the Council of the Russian Art Academy,
with status of vice-president of the Academy, in 1917.
The independence of Armenia in 1918 opened a new page in his life. He
moved to Yerevan in 1919 to serve his country. He designed the
coat-of-arms of the Republic, together with painter Hakob Kojoyan,
which was restored as Armenia's national coat of arms in
1992. Following the sovietization of Armenia, he left for Iran in 1921
and accepted the invitation of the Soviet Armenian government to
return in 1923.
Thereafter, and until his death on February 11, 1936 in Yerevan, he
developed a very active professional life. In 1923 he was designated
deputy chairman of the State Planning Committee. He became chairman of
the Committee for Conservation of Monuments in 1924.
In the same year, he created the master plan of the city of Yerevan,
which signaled the beginning of Soviet city construction in
Armenia. It was conceived for a city of 150,000 inhabitants (Yerevan
had 25,000 at the time of the first Republic) and became the basis for
the subsequent blueprints of the city. In 1934 he started the project
for `Great Yerevan' (500,000 inhabitants), which remained unfinished.
He also designed the plans for various cities between 1925 and 1933,
including Gumri, Vagharshapat, Stepanakert, Gavar, and Hrazdan among
others. He designed and built in Yerevan the morgue of the Medical
Institute (1926-1933), the astronomical observatory (1930-1933), the
National Library (1932-1938), and others, and his talent as a great
architect was recognized particularly with his master plan of Yerevan,
and the buildings of the Government House (1932-1941, State Prize of
the USSR in 1942) and the Opera and
Ballet Theater and Concert Hall (1926-1953).
These two buildings predetermined and conditioned the architectonical
solutions for the most important urban points of Yerevan: the ensemble
of the Republic Square (State Prize of Armenia in 1970), the area
adjacent to the Opera Theater (the blueprint won the Great Golden
Medal of the World Exhibition of 1937 in Paris), and the construction
of the Northern Avenue, recently executed. Tamanian's creations
reinterpreted the principles of classical Armenian architecture with
new quality, and opened new ways to develop their traditions in what
has been called the `Tamanian School.' In 1936, Poet Yeghishe Charents
wrote his poem `Vision of Death,' the third one with this title, in
memory of the recently deceased architect. He started with the
following lines:
`He saw a solar city...
As a sundial, drawn upon the blue side of pure marble,
here is the map of the city.
Avenues, streets, extending in circles,
and in the center, a granite altar reaching to the sky.'
NEW PROJECT TO DOCUMENT GENOCIDE
Libra-6 Productions, Inc., a USA based not-for-profit organization
that pursues humanitarian values through theater, art, and cultural
events, recently announced a new project, `Testimonies-the Voices of
the People.' Descendants of the Armenian genocide are invited to
submit
the true experiences of their ancestors' ordeals during the Armenian
Genocide. The accounts that are accepted will be published in a series
of volumes. Submissions should be between 250 to 3,750 words. For
additional
information click here (http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/0okoz).
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/wdx7c/4f4cee/ghloz) 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.
SPRING
Spring begins next Wednesday, March 20.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 15-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, `Liturgy, Education
& Tradition Series.' The Disciples of Jesus: Judas, Peter & John, A
Meditation by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church. Fellowship Hour by the Yeraz Dance Ensemble. Vespers 6:30 pm,
Lecture 7:30 pm; Q&A 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15 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.
March 16-Exploring the Eucharist (Soorp Badarak), one-day seminar,
10 am to 3 pm, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia. Speaker: Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). Free and open to the
public. Registration required: 215-482-9200,
[email protected].
March 22-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, `Liturgy, Education
& Tradition Series.' What Does it Mean to be a Good Samaritan in the
21st Century? A lecture by Professor Marilyn Martone, Ph.D.,
St. John's University. Fellowship Hour by the Young Adults
Group. Vespers 6:30 pm, Lecture 7:30 pm; Q&A 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.
April 2-International Children's Book Day at the Armenian Library &
Museum of America (ALMA), 65 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts,
with author Lucine Kasbarian and book review editor Wilda Williams,
7:30
pm. Suggested donation: $5. Copies of Lucine Kasbarian's books will be
available for purchase. For information: Caroline Ly, Programs Manager
([email protected]).
April 6-Pan Armenian Youth Alliance presents `Syrian Armenian Benefit
Concert,' under the auspices of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America and the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
and sponsorship of ACYOA, AGBU, AMAA, AYF, Columbia ASA, Fordham
Armenian Club, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, Hovnanian Alumni, Hye Doon,
Knights of Vartan, Rutgers ASA, Tekeyan. Featuring, Hamazkayin Dance
Group, Yeraz Dance Ensemble, Antranig Dance Ensemble, Akhtamar Dance
Ensemble, Jaq Hagopian, Garo Gomidas, Eduardo Diamante, Nishan
Tchaghasbanian, Antoinette Kassas, Alyne Corrigan, and
others. Felician College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New
Jersey. Tickets $35 and $50.
April 13-Second Annual Benefit Dance sponsored by the Armenian
Churches of Worcester County. Proceeds benefit worthy Armenian
charities, including the Armenian community in Syria. The host
churches are: Armenian Church of the Martyrs; Armenian Church of Our
Savior; Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church; Soorp Asdvadzadzin
Armenian Apostolic Church.
April 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual
Membership Meeting, immediately after the Divine Liturgy.
April 17-28-Online Charity Auction by Armenian Relief Society Eastern
USA, to benefit worldwide programs of the ARS Eastern USA. To bid on
auction items or make online donations visit
www.biddingforgood.com/arseastusa
(http://e2.ma/click/wdx7c/4f4cee/w9loz) or contact committee at
[email protected].
April 19-The 30th Musical Armenia concert, Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York City. Featured
artists: Narine Ojakhyan, soprano and Nune Melikiian,
violin. Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
April 21-98th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Times Square
(43rd and Broadway, New York), 2 to 4 pm, organized by the
Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and
co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian
Council of America, and the Armenian Democratic
League-Ramgavars. Participating organizations: Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Catholic
Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, the Mid-Atlantic Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America, Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian youth
organizations, and Armenian university and college clubs.
May 7-`Treasured Objects,' an illustrated interactive lecture by
Dr. Susan Pattie, at Graduate Center at the City University of New
York Middle East and Middle Eastern American Center, 365 Fifth Avenue,
New York City, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Copies of her most recent book,
`Treasured Objects: Armenian Life in the Ottoman Empire,' coauthored
with colleagues at the Armenian Institute in London, will be available
for purchase. For information: [email protected].
May 12-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Mother's Day
celebration organized by the Senior Citizens Committee.
May 16, 17, 18-National Representative Assembly hosted by Soorp Khatch
Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
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).
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]