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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/
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PRESIDE OVER
90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN PHILADELPHIA
This Sunday, October 27, Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in Philadelphia.
Following the Liturgy, His Eminence will preside over a luncheon in
celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the
Philadelphia parish and the 46th anniversary of the parish at its
current location. The luncheon,
which has been sold-out for several weeks, will take place in the
parish's beautiful Founders Hall that was dedicated three years ago.
St. Gregory Church at the current location on Ridge Avenue. The new
church
was consecrated in 1967.
An etching of St. Gregory Church at 16th and Oxford Streets where the
parish was founded 90 years ago.
Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian
ORDINATION IN LEBANON
Last Sunday the ordination of Deacon Mourad Chorbajian to the married
priesthood took place at St. Asdvazadzin Church in Bourdj Hamoud,
Lebanon. The ordination took place during the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Nareg Alemezian. Deacon Mourad was given
the name Torkom.
In his sermon Archbishop Nareg thanked His Holiness Aram I for
entrusting him with the honor of conducting this ordination. He also
offered words of congratulations to Archbishop Oshagan, noting that
the newly-ordained Der Torkom will begin his service with the Eastern
Prelacy.
Der Torkom will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December
1, following his 40-day retreat in Antelias, Lebanon.
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian officiated the ordination ceremony that
began Saturday evening and concluded Sunday during the Divine Liturgy.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN WILL CELEBRATE LITURGY IN WORCESTER;
INTRODUCE PARISH'S NEW PASTOR
This Sunday, October 27, Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts. His Grace will take this opportunity to introduce the
Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishyan, who will begin serving as pastor of the
parish.
Since his arrival in August, Father Sahag has been serving the Prelacy
as an outreach priest. Hayr Sourp was born in Yerevan, Armenia, in
1983. He studied at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias,
Lebanon, for nine years and was ordained a celibate priest in 2006. He
served the Catholicosate as the director of the archives, and a
lecturer at the Seminary. Most recently he served as pastor to the
Armenian community of Salonica, Greece.
NOVEMBER 17 EVENT IN HONOR OF MOTHERS
Throughout the year of 2013 parishes under the jurisdiction of the
Holy See of Cilicia have been celebrating the `Year of the Mother of
the Armenian Family.' With the end of the year approaching, the
Prelacy is sponsoring an appropriate culmination with a banquet on
Sunday, November
17, at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park, New
York. Reception is at 4 pm; dinner will follow at 5 pm. Donation for
the banquet is one hundred dollars.
The program will include music and poetry devoted to motherhood. The
program booklet will include articles, reflections, and poetry devoted
to mothers. In addition the booklet will include a section honoring
the founding members and current and past members of the Prelacy
Ladies Guild that has assumed the role of the `Mother of the Prelacy'
since the Guild
was established in 1974. The booklet will also list all of the
individuals
who have been honored as `Mother of the Year' by the Prelacy.
For information or reservations contact the Prelacy by telephone
(212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).
VICAR WILL ATTEND ROUNDTABLE TOMORROW;
DEPART FOR WCC ASSEMBLY IN KOREA ON MONDAY
Bishop Anoushavan will attend a Religion and Foreign Policy Roundtable
discussion on `Institutions, Education, and Religious Tolerance,'
tomorrow, Friday, October 25, organized by the Council on Foreign
Relations (CFR) in New York City.
On Monday he will travel to the Republic of Korea, where he will
attend the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in
Busan, beginning October 30 to November 8. The theme of the Assembly
is `God of life, lead us to justice and peace.' The Assembly will
bring together Christians from around the world.
There are 354 member churches in the WCC and nearly all are expected
to participate. Representatives of the Catholicosate of the Holy See
of Cilicia are: Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Archbishop Nareg
Alemezian, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Ms. Christine Arzoumanian,
Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian,
Ms. Nazeli Kandakarjian, Ms. Vanna Kitsinian, Ms. Teny Simonian, and
Ms. Irma Vartanian Balian.
His Holiness Aram I was moderator of the WCC from 1991 to 2006.
PRELATE MEETS WITH NY-NJ HAMAZKAYIN LEADERS
Executive members of the New York and New Jersey Hamazkayin Armenian
Educational and Cultural Society met with Archbishop Oshagan on Monday
at the Prelacy. They discussed national concerns and areas of
cooperation, especially in cultural and educational endeavors.
The Prelate with New York and New Jersey Hamazkayin members, from
left, Flora Kasbarian, Ani Tchaglassian, Hasmig Abrahamian, Archbishop
Oshagan, Dikran Kazanjian, Asdghig Sevag, Arevig Caprielian.
ST. HAGOP CHURCH IN RACINE CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Last Sunday, October 20, parishioners of St. Hagop Church, Racine,
Wisconsin, celebrated the parish's 75th anniversary. The Divine
Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan, who was assisted at the
altar by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, pastor of the parish. The Vicar's
sermon focused
on the message of Luke 8:21, `My mother and my brothers are those who
hear the word of God and do it,' that stresses our relationship
with God and our practice to be good Christians.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory banquet took place that
was attended by many parishioners and friends. Dr. Levon Saryan,
master of ceremonies, and vice chairman of the board of trustees
thanked the attendees and pledged to keep the torch lit for the years
to come. Dr. Mary Olson, a board member and banquet committee member
offered three toasts for the past, present, and future generations of
St. Hagop Church.
Der Daron's message focused on three truths: victory, vigilance, and
vision. `Let us continue to grow deeper, aim higher, and serve better
until we become the church that God intends us to be,' he said.
Bishop Anoushavan conveyed the blessings of the Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan, the congratulations of the Religious and Executive Councils,
and stressed the uniqueness of the family oriented church, where
Armenians by birth and by choice meet in harmony.
The Prelacy's Certificate of Merit was presented to Mrs. Jessie Toppe,
the eldest mother in the parish who will celebrate her 100th birthday
in December. Mrs. Toppe, hospitalized because of a recent fall, was
presented with the award personally by the vicar and pastor in the
hospital in the
presence of family and friends.
Bishop Anoushavan and Der Daron with altar servers and parishioners
after the Liturgy at St. Hagop Church, Racine.
Vicar and pastor present the Prelacy award to Mrs. Jessie Toppe.
WHITINSVILLE PARISHIONERS WALK FOR NEEDY
Last Saturday St. Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
once
again took part in the National Crop Walk organized by Church World
Services. Thirteen parishioners joined with more than 150 walkers from
eleven churches in Whitinsville on a three-mile walk to raise funds
for food and supplies for the needy.
Archpriest Aram Stepanian, pastor, reports that it was a sunny day and
everyone enjoyed walking together and fulfilling Jesus'
teachings. Along the way from Whitinsville to Uxbridge, the walkers
were offered apples and water. At their destination they were given
sandwiches and dessert. St. Asdvadzadzin Church raised more than $400
for the worthy project.
Parishioners of St. Asdvadzadzin Church joined with 150 participants
from eleven area churches for the charity walk.
The St. Asdvadzadzin contingent raised more than $400.
`LIFE BY THE CAGE' PRESENTED
Last Friday `Life by the Cage,' a play by Samuel Kosyan, staged and
directed by Dr. Herand Markarian took place at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, New York. The event was sponsored by the New York Hamazkayin
Cultural Association.
The director with clergy guests and cast members after the
performance.
MUSICAL ARMENIA DEADLINE EXTENDED
Recognizing the importance of discovering and promoting the careers of
exceptionally talented, but not well known, young Armenian musicians
from all over the world, the Eastern Prelacy launched the Musical
Armenia annual concert series in 1982. For more than thirty years the
program has remained true to its objective by encouraging young
Armenian artists and presenting them in recital at Weill Recital Hall
at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
All young soloists and ensembles with at least one member of Armenian
descent are invited to apply. Priority will be given to applicants
currently living or studying in the United States. The deadline for
applications has been extended to October 30, 2013.
For more information and application for the 2014 Musical Armenia
concert click here (http://e2.ma/click/syatd/4f4cee/47tr4).
BIBLE STUDY ON ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO ROMANS
The eight-week Bible study program on St. Paul's Letter to the Romans,
begins tonight and will continue on subsequent Thursdays up to
December 19, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New
York City. The Bible studies are being presented by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council
(AREC), and is sponsored by AREC and the Cathedral. For information
contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810, [email protected], or the
Cathedral at 212-689-5880, [email protected].
NEW PRELACY PUBLICATION TO BE PRESENTED
The Prelacy recently published Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian's
monumental `Commentary on the Nicene Creed,' in a bilingual English
and Armenian edition. The English translation was prepared by Deacon
Shant Kazanjian, executive director of the Prelacy's Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). This important work is based on a
series of lectures delivered by Archbishop Zareh, of blessed memory,
and was published in Armenian in Aleppo in 2008. A presentation of
this new bilingual edition
will take place on Wednesday, November 13, at 7 pm, at the Prelacy
offices, 138 E. 39th Street, New York City.
This important work explains the Nicene Creed line by line, word by
word, in accordance to the orthodox faith; it presents the beliefs of
the Christian faith that are essential for every believer. Each
theological and biblical term is carefully examined and compared.
Admission is free. Please RSVP by email ([email protected]) or
telephone at 212-689-7810. For more information click here
(http://e2.ma/click/syatd/4f4cee/k0ur4).
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, October 27, Seventh Sunday of the
Exaltation of
the Holy Cross, Discovery of the Holy Cross, are: Wisdom 14:1-8;
Isaiah 33:22-34; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; Matthew 24:27-36.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is
written,
`I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the
discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the
scribe? Where is the debater of his age? Has not God made foolish the
wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did
not know
God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our
proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and
Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling
block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom
of God. (1 Corinthians 18-24).
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/syatd/4f4cee/0svr4).
TWELVE HOLY TEACHERS OF THE CHURCH
This Saturday, October 26, the Armenian Church remembers the Twelve
Holy Teachers (Doctors) of the Church, namely: Hierotheus of Athens,
Dionysius the Areopagite, Sylvester of Rome, Athanasius of Alexandria,
Cyril of Jerusalem, Ephrem the Syrian, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of
Nyssa, Gregory the Theologian, Epiphanius of Cyprus, John Chrysostom,
and Cyril of Alexandria.
The "Khodageradz Surp Nshan" Reliquary which houses a piece of the
Holy Cross in its center.
FEAST OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, October 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of
the
Discovery of the Holy Cross (Giut Khatchi). Empress Helena, mother of
Constantine and a devout Christian, wanted to find the True Cross. She
went to Golgotha (Calvary), which had become an obscure and neglected
place. According to some chronicles, it was an informed Jew named Juda
who pointed out the location. After excavation at the site, three
wooden crosses were found.
In order to identify the True Cross, the three crosses were
successively placed on the body of a youth who had just died. When one
of the crosses was placed on him, the young man came back to
life. This was determined to be the True Cross. The commemoration of
this event take place on the Sunday closest to October 26, and can
vary from October 23 to 29.
Christ's exact burial site was also located, and the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher was built on that spot in 335. The church was destroyed
by fire in 614 when the Persians invaded Jerusalem; it was
subsequently rebuilt. The current dome dates back to 1870. Three
denominations (Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Russian
Orthodox) administer and maintain the church and surrounding grounds,
unfortunately not always harmoniously. Agreements strictly regulate
times and places of worship for each denomination. Ironically, for
centuries a Muslim family has been the custodian of the keys to the
church, which is within the walled Old City of Jerusalem.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
CATHOLICOS ADDRESSES GENOCIDE COMMITTEE
His Holiness Aram I addressed the Armenian Genocide Committee in
Brussels during the closing dinner of the conference organized by the
committee. Addressing the assembled dignitaries and delegates, His
Holiness said: =80=9CThe values we cherish as a nation and our common
challenges should outweigh our differences and provide the framework
for common action by all Armenians. We must not only seek the
recognition of the Genocide and reparations; we must also work
together to build a sustainable Karabagh and a strong Armenia.'
The Catholicos then urged everyone to help work through the problems
in Armenia and focus on nation building. `The Armenian Church,' he
said, `has supported the aspirations of our people for freedom and
independence throughout history and continues to do so today.' He
concluded by saying that the Church is committed to strengthening the
independence of Armenia and Karabagh and working towards the just
resolution of the Armenian Cause.
HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH EU REPRESENTATIVES
During the time His Holiness Aram I was in Brussels to address the 3rd
Conference of the Armenian Genocide Committees in Europe, he met with
representatives of countries and institutions.
At a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador of Lebanon to Brussels, the
Catholicos met with representatives of the Lebanese community in
Brussels, representatives of the Vatican, and others. His Holiness
thanked the Ambassador for the invitation, and his kind words about
the Lebanese Armenian community during his welcoming address.
The Catholicos met with representatives of various countries at a
dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Armenia to the European Union in
honor of His Holiness and Pako Sahakian, President of Karabagh. During
their address to the gathering, both the Catholicos and President
Sahakian spoke about the Armenian Genocide, its recognition by Turkey,
and obligations for reparations. They both stated that Armenians, in
Armenia, the Diaspora, or Karabagh, would express their demand for
justice with one voice.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Fall of Kars (October 30, 1920)
The Turkish nationalist movement headed by Mustafa Kemal, with
headquarters in Ankara, did not recognize the Treaty of Sevres signed
by the legal government of the Ottoman Empire on August 10,
1920. Barely a month later, on September 23, Turkish armed forces
under the command of General Kiazim Karabekir started an attack,
without mediating a war declaration, against the Republic of
Armenia. A month later, again, the fortress of Kars-the most important
bulwark of the Southern Caucasus-would fall almost without a fight to
the advancing troops.
Kars, the capital of an Armenian medieval kingdom ruled by a branch of
the Bagratuni family, had changed hands several times over the past
hundred years. After being briefly occupied by Russian troops in 1855
during the Crimea War of 1854-1856, it was occupied again during the
Russian-Turkish war of 1877 and annexed to the Russian Empire as a
result of the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. It fell to the advancing
Turkish troops in March 1918 and was re-conquered by the troops of the
newly born Republic of Armenia after the Turkish retreat following the
end of World War I.
The young commander of the fortress, Col. Mazmanian, gave the order of
attack to his soldiers, who refused to follow his orders and, instead,
deserted. Confronted with the shameful desertion, Mazmanian took his
own life with his revolver in the sight of his soldiers. According to
the memoirs of Karabekir and other sources, the Kemalist soldiers and
the Turkish, Kurdish, Muslim, and Armenian Bolshevik rebels occupied
the entire city in three hours, took hundreds of Armenian officers and
soldiers as prisoners, seized an enormous quantity of war material
(cannons, projectiles, weapons, and bullets) and massacred thousands
of people among the civil population; in 1920-1921, the Turks would
kill a total of 20,000 Armenians in the city and the province of
Kars. Years later, Garegin Nejdeh, who headed the successful defense
of Zangezur against the attacks of Azerbaijanis and Bolsheviks from
1919-1921, would write: `The shame of Kars is not only of the
government of the Republic of Armenia, but of the entire Armenian
people. The armies measure their forces and clash, but the nations are
the winners or the losers. Under the walls of Kars, not only the
Armenian soldier and the general were defeated, but also the entire
Armenian people, lacking spirit of fight and bravery."
The effects of the fall of Kars would be catastrophic. Despite
Armenian heroic resistance in other places, two weeks later,
Alexandropol (now Gumri) fell to the Turks, which practically reached
the outskirts of Yerevan from the west. The cabinet of Prime Minister
Hamo Ohanjanian fell, and Simon Vratzian became Prime Minister of a
coalition cabinet, which lasted scarcely a week. On November 29, 1920,
Bolshevik forces entered Armenia from the east, and the Armenian
government, confronting the menace of destruction, chose the lesser of
two evils and power was transferred to the Communists on December
2. Armenia would enter the Soviet Union in 1922 as part of the
Federative Republic of Transcaucasia.
The trauma of the fall was masterfully addressed by poet Yeghishe
Charents, a native of Kars, in his only novel, Yerkir Nayiri (Land of
Nayiri), published in 1926. The fall of Kars still remains a polemical
one in the historiography of the Republic of Armenia.
Note: Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
A general view of modern Kars with the central Armenian church in the
foreground and the fortress in the background.
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Talent Weighs a Lot
People look for talent everywhere, starting with talent shows in
elementary school. Interestingly, we have the same word talent in
Armenian, only pronounced a little differently: daghant
(Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤). The use of gh instead of l shows that the word
appeared in Classical Armenian when the Greek λ (l) was written down
as Õ² (gh).
Both English and Armenian, therefore, share the same ultimate origin:
Greek Ï=84άλανÏ=84ον (talanton), a word that meant `scale' and
`weight,' and also indicated a certain amount of weight (26 kilograms
or 57 pounds), as well as the monetary sum equivalent to a talent of
gold or silver. When Carthago lost the Second Punic War (218-203 A.C.)
to Rome, it had to pay the exorbitant amount of 10,000 gold talents (=
570,000 pounds)!
The Armenian translation of the Bible already showed the figurative
meaning of daghant as `ability or skill.' But, while Armenian borrowed
the word directly from Greek, English used an intermediary, the plural
form of Latin talentum, and the figurative meaning was reinforced by
the Old French talent (`will, inclination, desire').
If you want to delve into the gradations of a talent, the Armenian
language gives you several choices, from the bottom to the top:
Õ¡Õ¶Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (andaghant) `untalented'
Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¡Ö=82Õ¸Ö=80 (daghantavor)
`talented'
Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¡Õ·Õ¡Õ¿ (daghantashad) `much talented'
Õ´Õ¥Õ®Õ¡Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (medzadaghant) `of great talent'
Õ¢Õ¡Õ¦Õ´Õ¡Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (pazmadaghant) `multi-talented'
However, the limit between a multi-talented person and a
Õ°Õ¡Õ¶Õ³Õ¡Ö=80 (hanjar `genius') is a matter for others, not for this
column.
Note: Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner' are on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE AND THE ARMENIAN ORPHAN RUG
By Hagop Martin Deranian
In 1925, Dr. John H. Finley, Vice Chairman of the executive committee
of the Near East Relief, presented a rug made by Armenian orphans to
US President Calvin Coolidge. In making the presentation, Dr Finley
said that the orphans `have tied into it the gratitude of tens of
thousands of children to you and to America. And what they have tied
into it will never be untied.... It is sent to adorn the dearest of
our temples, the White House of our President.'
In accepting the rug, President Coolidge said, `The rug has a place of
honor in the White House, where it will be a daily symbol of good-will
on earth.'
The rug is large (eleven feet seven inches by eighteen feet five
inches) and is estimated to contain four and one-half million
knots. An inscription on the reverse side of the rug reads: `Made by
Armenian girls in the Ghazir, Syria, [now Lebanon] orphanage of the
Near East Relief and presented as a Golden Rule token of appreciation
to President Coolidge.'
The odyssey of the rug made by orphans in the orphanage in Ghazir is
told in this slim, but informative book. Dr. Deranian tells the rug's
story from start to the present day. Currently it is in storage in the
White House and rarely sees the light of day.
76 pages, softcover, with photographs
$10.00 plus shipping & handling
To place an order contact the Prelacy Bookstore by phone
(212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).
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/syatd/4f4cee/glwr4) 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.
Thank you for your help.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 24 to December 19-St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, an 8-week
Bible study program beginning Thursday, October 24, and continuing on
Thursdays up to December 19 (no session on Thanksgiving, November
28). Sessions will be presented by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive
Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Sessions
will take place at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street,
New York City, 7:15-8:00 pm, Presentation; 8:00-8:45 pm, Q/A &
Discussion. Registration is required. Register at
www.armenianprelacy.org or contact the Prelacy 212-689-7810, or the
Cathedral at 212-689-5880.
October 26-Annual Fall Fair sponsored by St. Gregory Church of
Merrimack Valley, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, 10 am
to 7 pm. Armenian foods and pastries, along with gift tables, white
elephant, raffles and games. Fun for the whole family.
October 27-90th anniversary celebration of St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
Prelate. Immediately after the Divine Liturgy at the church's Founders
Hall, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128.
October 27-`Truth or Consequences: Challenges to Armenia's
Environmental Safety,' at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator's Cathedral,
221 E. 27th Street, New York City, at 2 pm. Documentary Film and Q&A,
and guest speakers Yeghia Nersessian, Anna Aghlamazyan, and Levon
Galstyan, representing the Pan-Armenian Environmental
Front. Opportunity to meet three activists on the frontlines of
environmental issues in Armenia today.
October 27-A Showcase of Talent, Art Exhibition and Sale, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York.
November 2-70th Anniversary of All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.
November 1 & 2-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 57th
Annual Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm, at Armenian Cultural &
Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown. Delicious
meals (take-out available), Armenian pastries, gourmet, Harvest Store,
Books, Raffles, Attic Treasures, Auctions, and more. For information:
617-924-7562 or on Facebook.
November 2 & 3-Armenian Fest 2013, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, presents its Armenian Food Festival at Rhodes on the
Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston. Featuring chicken, losh, and shish
kebabs, and kufta dinners, Armenian delicacies, dancing to live music,
arts and crafts, flea market, gift baskets, children's corner, country
store, jewelry, silent auction, hourly raffles, and grand prize,
$2,000. Children's dance group will perform on Saturday and Sunday at
5 pm. Armenian food and pastry are available all day. Saturday, noon
to 9 pm; Sunday, noon to 8 pm. Free admission and parking. For
information: 401-831-6399.
November 7-Avak luncheon, noon, Jaffarian Hall, St. Gregory Church,
158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker, Dr. Edward
Khantzian, clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School,
`Impressions of a Keynote Visit to Armenia.'
November 10-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, presents The Way We Were Ensemble of New York/New
Jersey in their performance of `The Gamavors,' at 2 pm in the church
hall. Coffee and reception with cast will follow performance. Tickets:
$20 adults; $10 children under 12. For tickets: Mary Derderian,
[email protected] or 781-762-4253.
November 13-Book presentation and reception for `Commentary on the
Nicene Creed' by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, of blessed
memory. Bilingual edition of this important work will be presented
under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan at the Prelacy offices, 138
East 39th Street, New York City. English translation was prepared by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian.
November 15-16-17-Annual Bazaar, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
November 16-Public Relations seminar for New England parishes,
directed by Tom Vartabedian, at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, beginning at 10 am. Speakers include: Stephen Kurkjian,
three-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist from the Boston Globe,
and Khatchig Mouradian, editor of The Armenian Weekly.
November 16 & 17-Annual ART IN FALL Exhibition featuring national and
international Armenian artists, Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New
Milford, New Jersey. Fine art including oils, mixed media,
photography, and sculpture in classic, modern, and contemporary styles
by 27 artists. Opening Reception, Saturday, 7 to 10 pm. Cocktails and
Hors D'oeuvres, $30 donation. Sunday, 1 to 4 pm, Refreshments, $15
donation.
November 17-Banquet and Program celebrating the `Year of the Armenian
Mother,' organized by the Eastern Prelacy, at Terrace in the Park,
Flushing Meadows Park, New York. Watch for details.
November 22 & 23-Fall Food Festival at Holy Trinity Armenian Church,
635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. Join us on Friday from 5
pm to 8 pm and Saturday from noon to 4 pm for shish, losh, chicken
kebob, or kheyma dinners. Country Store and Bake Table. Stock up on
katah, choreg, manti, porov kufta, simit, and much more.
November 24-Special program following the Divine Liturgy presented by
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian commemorating the passing of Catholicos
Zareh I (50th) and Catholicos Khoren I (30th) will take place at
St. Stephen's Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts.
November 24-Ladies Guild Annual Bazaar, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
December 6-Anniversary celebration by Lowell `Aharonian' Gomideh, 6:30
pm, St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts; dinner and
program honoring 50-year members Steve Dulgarian and Joe Dagdigian;
remembering the 25th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia; soloist
Nina Hovsepian, accompanied by Mary Barooshian. Donation: $20 adults;
$10 students.
December 7-Annual Church Bazaar of St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, will take place at Christian Reform
Church, 25 Cross Street, Whitinsville. For information: 508-234-3677.
December 7-Annual Holiday Bake Sale, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis
Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian &
American pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Café. For
information or pre-orders, 847-244-4573.
December 7-ARS New York Erebouni chapter presents dinner & dancing
honoring the Mother of the Armenian Family, St. Sarkis Church, Main
Hall, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. Featuring Steve
Karageozian and his Band. Full mezze and dinner. Donation $60 adults;
$20 children age 5 to 12; under age 5 free. For tickets and
reservations: Nayda, 516-739-0805 or Vicky 516-365-0971.
December 15-Simply Christmas Concert, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
February 1, 2014-Valentine's Day Dinner Dance, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
February 24-26, 2014-Annual Clergy Ghevontiantz Gathering hosted by
Holy Cross Church, 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York.
March 28, 2014-Musical Armenia Concert presented by Eastern Prelacy
and Prelacy Ladies Guild, at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm.
June 1, 2014-Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
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/
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PRESIDE OVER
90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN PHILADELPHIA
This Sunday, October 27, Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in Philadelphia.
Following the Liturgy, His Eminence will preside over a luncheon in
celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the
Philadelphia parish and the 46th anniversary of the parish at its
current location. The luncheon,
which has been sold-out for several weeks, will take place in the
parish's beautiful Founders Hall that was dedicated three years ago.
St. Gregory Church at the current location on Ridge Avenue. The new
church
was consecrated in 1967.
An etching of St. Gregory Church at 16th and Oxford Streets where the
parish was founded 90 years ago.
Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian
ORDINATION IN LEBANON
Last Sunday the ordination of Deacon Mourad Chorbajian to the married
priesthood took place at St. Asdvazadzin Church in Bourdj Hamoud,
Lebanon. The ordination took place during the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Nareg Alemezian. Deacon Mourad was given
the name Torkom.
In his sermon Archbishop Nareg thanked His Holiness Aram I for
entrusting him with the honor of conducting this ordination. He also
offered words of congratulations to Archbishop Oshagan, noting that
the newly-ordained Der Torkom will begin his service with the Eastern
Prelacy.
Der Torkom will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December
1, following his 40-day retreat in Antelias, Lebanon.
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian officiated the ordination ceremony that
began Saturday evening and concluded Sunday during the Divine Liturgy.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN WILL CELEBRATE LITURGY IN WORCESTER;
INTRODUCE PARISH'S NEW PASTOR
This Sunday, October 27, Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts. His Grace will take this opportunity to introduce the
Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishyan, who will begin serving as pastor of the
parish.
Since his arrival in August, Father Sahag has been serving the Prelacy
as an outreach priest. Hayr Sourp was born in Yerevan, Armenia, in
1983. He studied at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias,
Lebanon, for nine years and was ordained a celibate priest in 2006. He
served the Catholicosate as the director of the archives, and a
lecturer at the Seminary. Most recently he served as pastor to the
Armenian community of Salonica, Greece.
NOVEMBER 17 EVENT IN HONOR OF MOTHERS
Throughout the year of 2013 parishes under the jurisdiction of the
Holy See of Cilicia have been celebrating the `Year of the Mother of
the Armenian Family.' With the end of the year approaching, the
Prelacy is sponsoring an appropriate culmination with a banquet on
Sunday, November
17, at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park, New
York. Reception is at 4 pm; dinner will follow at 5 pm. Donation for
the banquet is one hundred dollars.
The program will include music and poetry devoted to motherhood. The
program booklet will include articles, reflections, and poetry devoted
to mothers. In addition the booklet will include a section honoring
the founding members and current and past members of the Prelacy
Ladies Guild that has assumed the role of the `Mother of the Prelacy'
since the Guild
was established in 1974. The booklet will also list all of the
individuals
who have been honored as `Mother of the Year' by the Prelacy.
For information or reservations contact the Prelacy by telephone
(212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).
VICAR WILL ATTEND ROUNDTABLE TOMORROW;
DEPART FOR WCC ASSEMBLY IN KOREA ON MONDAY
Bishop Anoushavan will attend a Religion and Foreign Policy Roundtable
discussion on `Institutions, Education, and Religious Tolerance,'
tomorrow, Friday, October 25, organized by the Council on Foreign
Relations (CFR) in New York City.
On Monday he will travel to the Republic of Korea, where he will
attend the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in
Busan, beginning October 30 to November 8. The theme of the Assembly
is `God of life, lead us to justice and peace.' The Assembly will
bring together Christians from around the world.
There are 354 member churches in the WCC and nearly all are expected
to participate. Representatives of the Catholicosate of the Holy See
of Cilicia are: Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Archbishop Nareg
Alemezian, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Ms. Christine Arzoumanian,
Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian,
Ms. Nazeli Kandakarjian, Ms. Vanna Kitsinian, Ms. Teny Simonian, and
Ms. Irma Vartanian Balian.
His Holiness Aram I was moderator of the WCC from 1991 to 2006.
PRELATE MEETS WITH NY-NJ HAMAZKAYIN LEADERS
Executive members of the New York and New Jersey Hamazkayin Armenian
Educational and Cultural Society met with Archbishop Oshagan on Monday
at the Prelacy. They discussed national concerns and areas of
cooperation, especially in cultural and educational endeavors.
The Prelate with New York and New Jersey Hamazkayin members, from
left, Flora Kasbarian, Ani Tchaglassian, Hasmig Abrahamian, Archbishop
Oshagan, Dikran Kazanjian, Asdghig Sevag, Arevig Caprielian.
ST. HAGOP CHURCH IN RACINE CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Last Sunday, October 20, parishioners of St. Hagop Church, Racine,
Wisconsin, celebrated the parish's 75th anniversary. The Divine
Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan, who was assisted at the
altar by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, pastor of the parish. The Vicar's
sermon focused
on the message of Luke 8:21, `My mother and my brothers are those who
hear the word of God and do it,' that stresses our relationship
with God and our practice to be good Christians.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory banquet took place that
was attended by many parishioners and friends. Dr. Levon Saryan,
master of ceremonies, and vice chairman of the board of trustees
thanked the attendees and pledged to keep the torch lit for the years
to come. Dr. Mary Olson, a board member and banquet committee member
offered three toasts for the past, present, and future generations of
St. Hagop Church.
Der Daron's message focused on three truths: victory, vigilance, and
vision. `Let us continue to grow deeper, aim higher, and serve better
until we become the church that God intends us to be,' he said.
Bishop Anoushavan conveyed the blessings of the Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan, the congratulations of the Religious and Executive Councils,
and stressed the uniqueness of the family oriented church, where
Armenians by birth and by choice meet in harmony.
The Prelacy's Certificate of Merit was presented to Mrs. Jessie Toppe,
the eldest mother in the parish who will celebrate her 100th birthday
in December. Mrs. Toppe, hospitalized because of a recent fall, was
presented with the award personally by the vicar and pastor in the
hospital in the
presence of family and friends.
Bishop Anoushavan and Der Daron with altar servers and parishioners
after the Liturgy at St. Hagop Church, Racine.
Vicar and pastor present the Prelacy award to Mrs. Jessie Toppe.
WHITINSVILLE PARISHIONERS WALK FOR NEEDY
Last Saturday St. Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
once
again took part in the National Crop Walk organized by Church World
Services. Thirteen parishioners joined with more than 150 walkers from
eleven churches in Whitinsville on a three-mile walk to raise funds
for food and supplies for the needy.
Archpriest Aram Stepanian, pastor, reports that it was a sunny day and
everyone enjoyed walking together and fulfilling Jesus'
teachings. Along the way from Whitinsville to Uxbridge, the walkers
were offered apples and water. At their destination they were given
sandwiches and dessert. St. Asdvadzadzin Church raised more than $400
for the worthy project.
Parishioners of St. Asdvadzadzin Church joined with 150 participants
from eleven area churches for the charity walk.
The St. Asdvadzadzin contingent raised more than $400.
`LIFE BY THE CAGE' PRESENTED
Last Friday `Life by the Cage,' a play by Samuel Kosyan, staged and
directed by Dr. Herand Markarian took place at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, New York. The event was sponsored by the New York Hamazkayin
Cultural Association.
The director with clergy guests and cast members after the
performance.
MUSICAL ARMENIA DEADLINE EXTENDED
Recognizing the importance of discovering and promoting the careers of
exceptionally talented, but not well known, young Armenian musicians
from all over the world, the Eastern Prelacy launched the Musical
Armenia annual concert series in 1982. For more than thirty years the
program has remained true to its objective by encouraging young
Armenian artists and presenting them in recital at Weill Recital Hall
at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
All young soloists and ensembles with at least one member of Armenian
descent are invited to apply. Priority will be given to applicants
currently living or studying in the United States. The deadline for
applications has been extended to October 30, 2013.
For more information and application for the 2014 Musical Armenia
concert click here (http://e2.ma/click/syatd/4f4cee/47tr4).
BIBLE STUDY ON ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO ROMANS
The eight-week Bible study program on St. Paul's Letter to the Romans,
begins tonight and will continue on subsequent Thursdays up to
December 19, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New
York City. The Bible studies are being presented by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council
(AREC), and is sponsored by AREC and the Cathedral. For information
contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810, [email protected], or the
Cathedral at 212-689-5880, [email protected].
NEW PRELACY PUBLICATION TO BE PRESENTED
The Prelacy recently published Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian's
monumental `Commentary on the Nicene Creed,' in a bilingual English
and Armenian edition. The English translation was prepared by Deacon
Shant Kazanjian, executive director of the Prelacy's Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). This important work is based on a
series of lectures delivered by Archbishop Zareh, of blessed memory,
and was published in Armenian in Aleppo in 2008. A presentation of
this new bilingual edition
will take place on Wednesday, November 13, at 7 pm, at the Prelacy
offices, 138 E. 39th Street, New York City.
This important work explains the Nicene Creed line by line, word by
word, in accordance to the orthodox faith; it presents the beliefs of
the Christian faith that are essential for every believer. Each
theological and biblical term is carefully examined and compared.
Admission is free. Please RSVP by email ([email protected]) or
telephone at 212-689-7810. For more information click here
(http://e2.ma/click/syatd/4f4cee/k0ur4).
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, October 27, Seventh Sunday of the
Exaltation of
the Holy Cross, Discovery of the Holy Cross, are: Wisdom 14:1-8;
Isaiah 33:22-34; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; Matthew 24:27-36.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is
written,
`I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the
discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the
scribe? Where is the debater of his age? Has not God made foolish the
wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did
not know
God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our
proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and
Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling
block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom
of God. (1 Corinthians 18-24).
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/syatd/4f4cee/0svr4).
TWELVE HOLY TEACHERS OF THE CHURCH
This Saturday, October 26, the Armenian Church remembers the Twelve
Holy Teachers (Doctors) of the Church, namely: Hierotheus of Athens,
Dionysius the Areopagite, Sylvester of Rome, Athanasius of Alexandria,
Cyril of Jerusalem, Ephrem the Syrian, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of
Nyssa, Gregory the Theologian, Epiphanius of Cyprus, John Chrysostom,
and Cyril of Alexandria.
The "Khodageradz Surp Nshan" Reliquary which houses a piece of the
Holy Cross in its center.
FEAST OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, October 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of
the
Discovery of the Holy Cross (Giut Khatchi). Empress Helena, mother of
Constantine and a devout Christian, wanted to find the True Cross. She
went to Golgotha (Calvary), which had become an obscure and neglected
place. According to some chronicles, it was an informed Jew named Juda
who pointed out the location. After excavation at the site, three
wooden crosses were found.
In order to identify the True Cross, the three crosses were
successively placed on the body of a youth who had just died. When one
of the crosses was placed on him, the young man came back to
life. This was determined to be the True Cross. The commemoration of
this event take place on the Sunday closest to October 26, and can
vary from October 23 to 29.
Christ's exact burial site was also located, and the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher was built on that spot in 335. The church was destroyed
by fire in 614 when the Persians invaded Jerusalem; it was
subsequently rebuilt. The current dome dates back to 1870. Three
denominations (Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Russian
Orthodox) administer and maintain the church and surrounding grounds,
unfortunately not always harmoniously. Agreements strictly regulate
times and places of worship for each denomination. Ironically, for
centuries a Muslim family has been the custodian of the keys to the
church, which is within the walled Old City of Jerusalem.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
CATHOLICOS ADDRESSES GENOCIDE COMMITTEE
His Holiness Aram I addressed the Armenian Genocide Committee in
Brussels during the closing dinner of the conference organized by the
committee. Addressing the assembled dignitaries and delegates, His
Holiness said: =80=9CThe values we cherish as a nation and our common
challenges should outweigh our differences and provide the framework
for common action by all Armenians. We must not only seek the
recognition of the Genocide and reparations; we must also work
together to build a sustainable Karabagh and a strong Armenia.'
The Catholicos then urged everyone to help work through the problems
in Armenia and focus on nation building. `The Armenian Church,' he
said, `has supported the aspirations of our people for freedom and
independence throughout history and continues to do so today.' He
concluded by saying that the Church is committed to strengthening the
independence of Armenia and Karabagh and working towards the just
resolution of the Armenian Cause.
HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH EU REPRESENTATIVES
During the time His Holiness Aram I was in Brussels to address the 3rd
Conference of the Armenian Genocide Committees in Europe, he met with
representatives of countries and institutions.
At a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador of Lebanon to Brussels, the
Catholicos met with representatives of the Lebanese community in
Brussels, representatives of the Vatican, and others. His Holiness
thanked the Ambassador for the invitation, and his kind words about
the Lebanese Armenian community during his welcoming address.
The Catholicos met with representatives of various countries at a
dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Armenia to the European Union in
honor of His Holiness and Pako Sahakian, President of Karabagh. During
their address to the gathering, both the Catholicos and President
Sahakian spoke about the Armenian Genocide, its recognition by Turkey,
and obligations for reparations. They both stated that Armenians, in
Armenia, the Diaspora, or Karabagh, would express their demand for
justice with one voice.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Fall of Kars (October 30, 1920)
The Turkish nationalist movement headed by Mustafa Kemal, with
headquarters in Ankara, did not recognize the Treaty of Sevres signed
by the legal government of the Ottoman Empire on August 10,
1920. Barely a month later, on September 23, Turkish armed forces
under the command of General Kiazim Karabekir started an attack,
without mediating a war declaration, against the Republic of
Armenia. A month later, again, the fortress of Kars-the most important
bulwark of the Southern Caucasus-would fall almost without a fight to
the advancing troops.
Kars, the capital of an Armenian medieval kingdom ruled by a branch of
the Bagratuni family, had changed hands several times over the past
hundred years. After being briefly occupied by Russian troops in 1855
during the Crimea War of 1854-1856, it was occupied again during the
Russian-Turkish war of 1877 and annexed to the Russian Empire as a
result of the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. It fell to the advancing
Turkish troops in March 1918 and was re-conquered by the troops of the
newly born Republic of Armenia after the Turkish retreat following the
end of World War I.
The young commander of the fortress, Col. Mazmanian, gave the order of
attack to his soldiers, who refused to follow his orders and, instead,
deserted. Confronted with the shameful desertion, Mazmanian took his
own life with his revolver in the sight of his soldiers. According to
the memoirs of Karabekir and other sources, the Kemalist soldiers and
the Turkish, Kurdish, Muslim, and Armenian Bolshevik rebels occupied
the entire city in three hours, took hundreds of Armenian officers and
soldiers as prisoners, seized an enormous quantity of war material
(cannons, projectiles, weapons, and bullets) and massacred thousands
of people among the civil population; in 1920-1921, the Turks would
kill a total of 20,000 Armenians in the city and the province of
Kars. Years later, Garegin Nejdeh, who headed the successful defense
of Zangezur against the attacks of Azerbaijanis and Bolsheviks from
1919-1921, would write: `The shame of Kars is not only of the
government of the Republic of Armenia, but of the entire Armenian
people. The armies measure their forces and clash, but the nations are
the winners or the losers. Under the walls of Kars, not only the
Armenian soldier and the general were defeated, but also the entire
Armenian people, lacking spirit of fight and bravery."
The effects of the fall of Kars would be catastrophic. Despite
Armenian heroic resistance in other places, two weeks later,
Alexandropol (now Gumri) fell to the Turks, which practically reached
the outskirts of Yerevan from the west. The cabinet of Prime Minister
Hamo Ohanjanian fell, and Simon Vratzian became Prime Minister of a
coalition cabinet, which lasted scarcely a week. On November 29, 1920,
Bolshevik forces entered Armenia from the east, and the Armenian
government, confronting the menace of destruction, chose the lesser of
two evils and power was transferred to the Communists on December
2. Armenia would enter the Soviet Union in 1922 as part of the
Federative Republic of Transcaucasia.
The trauma of the fall was masterfully addressed by poet Yeghishe
Charents, a native of Kars, in his only novel, Yerkir Nayiri (Land of
Nayiri), published in 1926. The fall of Kars still remains a polemical
one in the historiography of the Republic of Armenia.
Note: Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
A general view of modern Kars with the central Armenian church in the
foreground and the fortress in the background.
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Talent Weighs a Lot
People look for talent everywhere, starting with talent shows in
elementary school. Interestingly, we have the same word talent in
Armenian, only pronounced a little differently: daghant
(Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤). The use of gh instead of l shows that the word
appeared in Classical Armenian when the Greek λ (l) was written down
as Õ² (gh).
Both English and Armenian, therefore, share the same ultimate origin:
Greek Ï=84άλανÏ=84ον (talanton), a word that meant `scale' and
`weight,' and also indicated a certain amount of weight (26 kilograms
or 57 pounds), as well as the monetary sum equivalent to a talent of
gold or silver. When Carthago lost the Second Punic War (218-203 A.C.)
to Rome, it had to pay the exorbitant amount of 10,000 gold talents (=
570,000 pounds)!
The Armenian translation of the Bible already showed the figurative
meaning of daghant as `ability or skill.' But, while Armenian borrowed
the word directly from Greek, English used an intermediary, the plural
form of Latin talentum, and the figurative meaning was reinforced by
the Old French talent (`will, inclination, desire').
If you want to delve into the gradations of a talent, the Armenian
language gives you several choices, from the bottom to the top:
Õ¡Õ¶Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (andaghant) `untalented'
Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¡Ö=82Õ¸Ö=80 (daghantavor)
`talented'
Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¡Õ·Õ¡Õ¿ (daghantashad) `much talented'
Õ´Õ¥Õ®Õ¡Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (medzadaghant) `of great talent'
Õ¢Õ¡Õ¦Õ´Õ¡Õ¿Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (pazmadaghant) `multi-talented'
However, the limit between a multi-talented person and a
Õ°Õ¡Õ¶Õ³Õ¡Ö=80 (hanjar `genius') is a matter for others, not for this
column.
Note: Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner' are on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE AND THE ARMENIAN ORPHAN RUG
By Hagop Martin Deranian
In 1925, Dr. John H. Finley, Vice Chairman of the executive committee
of the Near East Relief, presented a rug made by Armenian orphans to
US President Calvin Coolidge. In making the presentation, Dr Finley
said that the orphans `have tied into it the gratitude of tens of
thousands of children to you and to America. And what they have tied
into it will never be untied.... It is sent to adorn the dearest of
our temples, the White House of our President.'
In accepting the rug, President Coolidge said, `The rug has a place of
honor in the White House, where it will be a daily symbol of good-will
on earth.'
The rug is large (eleven feet seven inches by eighteen feet five
inches) and is estimated to contain four and one-half million
knots. An inscription on the reverse side of the rug reads: `Made by
Armenian girls in the Ghazir, Syria, [now Lebanon] orphanage of the
Near East Relief and presented as a Golden Rule token of appreciation
to President Coolidge.'
The odyssey of the rug made by orphans in the orphanage in Ghazir is
told in this slim, but informative book. Dr. Deranian tells the rug's
story from start to the present day. Currently it is in storage in the
White House and rarely sees the light of day.
76 pages, softcover, with photographs
$10.00 plus shipping & handling
To place an order contact the Prelacy Bookstore by phone
(212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).
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/syatd/4f4cee/glwr4) 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.
Thank you for your help.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 24 to December 19-St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, an 8-week
Bible study program beginning Thursday, October 24, and continuing on
Thursdays up to December 19 (no session on Thanksgiving, November
28). Sessions will be presented by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive
Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Sessions
will take place at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street,
New York City, 7:15-8:00 pm, Presentation; 8:00-8:45 pm, Q/A &
Discussion. Registration is required. Register at
www.armenianprelacy.org or contact the Prelacy 212-689-7810, or the
Cathedral at 212-689-5880.
October 26-Annual Fall Fair sponsored by St. Gregory Church of
Merrimack Valley, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, 10 am
to 7 pm. Armenian foods and pastries, along with gift tables, white
elephant, raffles and games. Fun for the whole family.
October 27-90th anniversary celebration of St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
Prelate. Immediately after the Divine Liturgy at the church's Founders
Hall, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128.
October 27-`Truth or Consequences: Challenges to Armenia's
Environmental Safety,' at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator's Cathedral,
221 E. 27th Street, New York City, at 2 pm. Documentary Film and Q&A,
and guest speakers Yeghia Nersessian, Anna Aghlamazyan, and Levon
Galstyan, representing the Pan-Armenian Environmental
Front. Opportunity to meet three activists on the frontlines of
environmental issues in Armenia today.
October 27-A Showcase of Talent, Art Exhibition and Sale, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York.
November 2-70th Anniversary of All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.
November 1 & 2-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 57th
Annual Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm, at Armenian Cultural &
Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown. Delicious
meals (take-out available), Armenian pastries, gourmet, Harvest Store,
Books, Raffles, Attic Treasures, Auctions, and more. For information:
617-924-7562 or on Facebook.
November 2 & 3-Armenian Fest 2013, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, presents its Armenian Food Festival at Rhodes on the
Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston. Featuring chicken, losh, and shish
kebabs, and kufta dinners, Armenian delicacies, dancing to live music,
arts and crafts, flea market, gift baskets, children's corner, country
store, jewelry, silent auction, hourly raffles, and grand prize,
$2,000. Children's dance group will perform on Saturday and Sunday at
5 pm. Armenian food and pastry are available all day. Saturday, noon
to 9 pm; Sunday, noon to 8 pm. Free admission and parking. For
information: 401-831-6399.
November 7-Avak luncheon, noon, Jaffarian Hall, St. Gregory Church,
158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker, Dr. Edward
Khantzian, clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School,
`Impressions of a Keynote Visit to Armenia.'
November 10-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, presents The Way We Were Ensemble of New York/New
Jersey in their performance of `The Gamavors,' at 2 pm in the church
hall. Coffee and reception with cast will follow performance. Tickets:
$20 adults; $10 children under 12. For tickets: Mary Derderian,
[email protected] or 781-762-4253.
November 13-Book presentation and reception for `Commentary on the
Nicene Creed' by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, of blessed
memory. Bilingual edition of this important work will be presented
under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan at the Prelacy offices, 138
East 39th Street, New York City. English translation was prepared by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian.
November 15-16-17-Annual Bazaar, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
November 16-Public Relations seminar for New England parishes,
directed by Tom Vartabedian, at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, beginning at 10 am. Speakers include: Stephen Kurkjian,
three-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist from the Boston Globe,
and Khatchig Mouradian, editor of The Armenian Weekly.
November 16 & 17-Annual ART IN FALL Exhibition featuring national and
international Armenian artists, Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New
Milford, New Jersey. Fine art including oils, mixed media,
photography, and sculpture in classic, modern, and contemporary styles
by 27 artists. Opening Reception, Saturday, 7 to 10 pm. Cocktails and
Hors D'oeuvres, $30 donation. Sunday, 1 to 4 pm, Refreshments, $15
donation.
November 17-Banquet and Program celebrating the `Year of the Armenian
Mother,' organized by the Eastern Prelacy, at Terrace in the Park,
Flushing Meadows Park, New York. Watch for details.
November 22 & 23-Fall Food Festival at Holy Trinity Armenian Church,
635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. Join us on Friday from 5
pm to 8 pm and Saturday from noon to 4 pm for shish, losh, chicken
kebob, or kheyma dinners. Country Store and Bake Table. Stock up on
katah, choreg, manti, porov kufta, simit, and much more.
November 24-Special program following the Divine Liturgy presented by
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian commemorating the passing of Catholicos
Zareh I (50th) and Catholicos Khoren I (30th) will take place at
St. Stephen's Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts.
November 24-Ladies Guild Annual Bazaar, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
December 6-Anniversary celebration by Lowell `Aharonian' Gomideh, 6:30
pm, St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts; dinner and
program honoring 50-year members Steve Dulgarian and Joe Dagdigian;
remembering the 25th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia; soloist
Nina Hovsepian, accompanied by Mary Barooshian. Donation: $20 adults;
$10 students.
December 7-Annual Church Bazaar of St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, will take place at Christian Reform
Church, 25 Cross Street, Whitinsville. For information: 508-234-3677.
December 7-Annual Holiday Bake Sale, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis
Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian &
American pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Café. For
information or pre-orders, 847-244-4573.
December 7-ARS New York Erebouni chapter presents dinner & dancing
honoring the Mother of the Armenian Family, St. Sarkis Church, Main
Hall, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. Featuring Steve
Karageozian and his Band. Full mezze and dinner. Donation $60 adults;
$20 children age 5 to 12; under age 5 free. For tickets and
reservations: Nayda, 516-739-0805 or Vicky 516-365-0971.
December 15-Simply Christmas Concert, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York.
February 1, 2014-Valentine's Day Dinner Dance, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
February 24-26, 2014-Annual Clergy Ghevontiantz Gathering hosted by
Holy Cross Church, 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York.
March 28, 2014-Musical Armenia Concert presented by Eastern Prelacy
and Prelacy Ladies Guild, at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm.
June 1, 2014-Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
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Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]