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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/
April 17, 2014
The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY 10016
tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem
(Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder)
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Christ is risen from the dead, alleluia!
To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia!
To him that enlightened the world, alleluia!
PRELATE'S EASTER MESSAGE
`BEHOLD THE BREATH OF RESURRECTION'
He is not here; for he has been raised.
(Matthew 28:6)
Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, were greeted with these
words when they went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, in
accordance with the Hebrew custom. There they were astonished when the
earth moved because of a strong earthquake, and the angel rolled back
the stone at the entrance of the tomb. With confusion, fear, and
doubt, they heard the angel's voice say, `Do not be afraid; I know
that you are looking for
Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised from
the dead. Go quickly and tell his disciples, `He has been raised from
the dead.'' (Mt 28:5,7Õ=95
Imagine the spiritual turmoil of the two Marys. They had always
followed Jesus throughout his ministry. They were with Jesus in front
of the cross. They were with Jesus when his body was placed in the
tomb. And they had come
to the tomb for a final time to be with him and to anoint his
body. But they found the tomb empty. The words that Jesus often spoke
that three days hence he would be resurrected rang in their ears, this
time with the echo of
the empty tomb.
`Go quickly and tell his disciples.' Here was the directive for the
spread of the Gospel that began on the morning of the Resurrection
with the angel's proclamation that later became, and remains, the
faith of the Church and the Faithful. Because, as Paul the apostle
preached, without faith in the Resurrection `our proclamation has been
in vain and your faith is futile,' (1 Cor 15:14, 17).
The Resurrection gave joy to the women, who entered the grotto and did
not
find Jesus. This first happiness became the exultation of the faithful
throughout the centuries. It is with this joy that we greet one
another on the
morning of resurrection, believing that Jesus' Resurrection is the
promise of resurrection for all who live for Jesus and who die for and
with Jesus. `Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your
sting?' (1 Cor 15:55), proclaimed the faithful, because they had
received assurance of new life with Christ.
Our people repeated the same proclamation when they found themselves
in the decisive time of witness and martyrdom. With this faith we
persevered; with this faith we presented ourselves as a sacrifice to
God. With this same faith we, the worthy posterity of our forefathers,
survived, endured, and created.
On the occasion of Holy Easter 2014, when we think of the secret of
our people's resurrection and endurance, without doubt, the most
persuasive and powerful testimony is found in the truth and faith
given to us by Jesus' Resurrection. On the eve of the 100th
anniversary of the Genocide, when as a resurrected nation we remember
and we struggle, we are obligated to make our just demands our
weapons, fighting against death, catastrophe, and evil. We endured
with the idea of resurrection, becoming stronger and singing of
victory. And now is the time for Christ's Resurrection to become the
faith of each and every Armenian in order to affirm and strengthen our
collective resurrection as a people and fatherland.
`Behold the breath of resurrection, my massacred nation.' (Vahan
Tekeyan)
In the words of the same poet, with `sacred defiance,' henceforth it
is time for the breath of resurrection to give us awareness, give us
life, to hammer into our spirits the proper consciousness to be
masters of our cause, to be the executors of the legacy of the
martyrs, and thus give them heavenly peace.
Our cataclysmic martyrs, faithful to the belief of resurrection, were
sacrificed to the Genocide.
On the morning of Resurrection, let us illuminate their tortured and
martyred souls with our struggle and faithfulness.
Last month, the lives of our brothers and sisters in Kessab were once
again in peril, with the same manner of persecution, with the same
intention, and with the instigation of the same enemy. Just as one
hundred years ago the native Armenian people were uprooted from their
ancestral land, today with the very same intention our peaceful,
constructive, and innocent compatriots are being uprooted from Kessab,
the city whose breath and heartbeat are
Armenian. Once again our resurrected faith and our hope of survival
and victory are faced with evil and evil's intrigue. We believe that
just
as we resisted the greatest catastrophe of Genocide, the Kessabtzis
will endure and with their strong willpower will return to their
ancestral homes,
fields, and businesses, girded by the same hope.
Christ is risen from the dead.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN
Prelate
PRELATE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Archbishop Oshagan's Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday, April 13, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy
and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen's Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
Holy Thursday, April 17, His Eminence will preside over the Washing of
the
Feet and Tenebrae services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
Holy Friday, April 18, His Eminence will preside at the Entombment
Service
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Holy Saturday, April 19, His Eminence will preside at the Easter Eve
Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Easter Sunday, April 20, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New
York City.
VICAR'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Bishop Anoushavan's Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday, April 13, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the Sermon and preside over the `Opening of the Gates'
ceremony at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
Holy Thursday, April 17, His Grace will attend the Eucharistic Divine
Liturgy and preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services
at All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.
Holy Friday, April 18, His Grace will preside over the Entombment
Service and deliver the sermon at St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin.
Holy Saturday, April 19, His Grace will preside over Easter Eve
Liturgy at
St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois.
Easter Sunday, April 20, His Grace will celebrate the Easter Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory Church, Granite City,
Illinois.
HOLY WEEK VISITS BY PRELATE
During Holy Week Archbishop Oshagan always visits the New York
Armenian Home in Flushing, New York, the Armenian Nursing &
Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, New Jersey, and the Hovnanian
Armenian School in New Milford, New Jersey. The visits took place on
Monday and Tuesday, April 14 and 15.
His Eminence was accompanied by the Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, and the clergymen serving in the metropolitan area of New
York and New Jersey, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey. Joining the clergy at some of the visits were Dn. Shant
Kazanjain and Dn. Kevork Hadjian.
Archbishop Oshagan led the traditional Home Blessing service at each
place. In the two homes for the elderly, the Prelate washed the feet
of the elders noting that this year is the Year of the Elderly as
designated by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
The Prelate and clergy also paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Onnic and
Vergin Marashian, in Oradell, New Jersey. Mr. Marashian served as
chairman of the Prelacy's Executive Council for many years.
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME: At the home in Flushing, New York, Archbishop
Oshagan led the traditional Home Blessing service and washed the feet
of the elderly including Dikran Tavitian, 102 years old (above), and
Yeretzgin Azniv
Guiragossian, 102 years ago (below).
ARMENIAN NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER: In Emerson, New Jersey,
His Eminence led the Home Blessing ceremony and washed the feet of the
elderly, including 101-year-old Baidzar Bayramian.(Above & below)
HOVNANIAN SCHOOL: Following the Home Blessing service, students
presented a program to the delight of their guests.
VISIT WITH MARASHIANS: Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and Der
Hovnan visit with Onnic and Vergin Marashian.
99th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE WILL BE
COMMEMORATED AT ST. ILLUMINATOR'S CATHEDRAL
The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will be commemorated at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, next
Thursday, April 24. With Archbishop Oshagan presiding, a Solemn Divine
Liturgy and Requiem Service will be celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan
who will also
deliver the Sermon. The Liturgy will begin at 10:30 am.
Following the church services, a `Walk to Honor our Martyrs,' will
commence from the Cathedral at 12:30 pm to the United Nations. The
`walk' is organized by the New York ARF and the ANC of New York.
PRELATE AND VICAR VISIT NEWLY ELECTED PATRIARCH
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan visited the newly elected
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Moran Mor Ignatius Ephrem II,
on Monday, April 14, at the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church
in Teaneck, New Jersey. At the time of his election, which took place
on March 31 in Lebanon,
the Patriarch was the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of the Eastern
United States.
The Patriarch returned to the United States on April 5, for a short
time and was welcomed by honored guests and dignitaries as well as
hundreds of well-wishers. He will return to the Middle East where the
Syriac Orthodox Church is headquartered. Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian
attended the reception on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan.
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan with the newly elected
Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, Moran Mor Ignatius Ephrem II,
on April 14.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New
Jersey, represented Archbishop Oshagan at the welcoming reception at
St. Mark's Cathedral in Teaneck, New Jersey. The Patriarch was
previously the Metropolitan of the Eastern United States.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING AT ST. STEPHEN CHURCH (CONNECTICUT)
The annual meeting of St. Stephen's Church in New Britain,
Connecticut, took place recently with an appointed Board of Trustees
that includes
current and new members. The community is in the process of reviving
its liturgical and community life and is being assisted in this
endeavor by Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, chairman of the Prelacy's
Relgious Council.
PALM SUNDAY IN ILLINOIS
The Palm Sunday procession at All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois.
PALM SUNDAY IN DOUGLASTON
The celebrant Bishop Anoushavan with Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der
Kaloustian, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, and parishioners at St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York, following the Liturgy.
PALM SUNDAY AT THE CATHEDRAL
Parishioners at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, take the
blessed palms.
PALM SUNDAY IN PHILLY
Palm Sunday procession at St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE
IN FINAL LENTEN VESPER SERVICE IN PHILLY
In the last of the Lenten Vesper services, Sunday School students of
St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia, actively participated in the
worship service. Students from ages 6 through teen years, dressed in
church gowns, prayed the Lord's Prayer, sang nine verses of St. Nerses
the Graceful's `Nayats Seerov' (Look with Love), individually read
from his 24 penitential prayers entitled `Havadov Khosdovaneem' (In
Faith I Confess), and in unison prayed for peace, strength of faith,
protection from all dangers, and God's mercy for all His people.
Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor, thanked the students for
their attendance and reminded the congregants that everyone should be
as open and approach God in the same manner. He challenged the
students to remember two words, light and darkness, pointing out that
the prayers they read had elements of light and darkness in them, and
reminded the students of their reaction to the `darkness' they
experienced during the power outages this past winter. A shared Lenten
meal completed the uplifting evening.
Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian with the students who participated in
the Lenten Vesper service on April 11.
EASTER: THE MOVEABLE FEAST THAT IS UNITED THIS YEAR
Easter is the holiest of the holy days for Christendom. Since the time
of the early church, determining the date of Easter has been a matter
of dispute. The date is calculated to be on the Sunday immediately
following the Full Moon after the Equinox (canon established by the
Council of Nicea in 325
AD). Most of Christendon, including the Armenian Church (except in
Jerusalem), follows the Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox Churches
still use the Julian calendar (for calculating the date of
Easter). The dates rarely coincide. This year the `rarity' has
occurred and the two Easters coincide.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
In the Armenian tradition, the day following each of the five major
feast days, is Memorial Day, or Remembrance of the
Dead. Traditionally, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated on this day, and
afterwards the faithful visit the graves of their loved ones that are
blessed by the priest with chants and incense.
SAVE THE DATES FOR NRA
The 2014 National Representative Assembly (NRA), along with the Clergy
Conference, and the Conference of the National Association of Ladies
Guilds (NALG), will take place May 13-17, hosted by St. Sarkis Church,
Dearborn, Michigan. Delegates and guests will find more information
here (http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/on7jeb).
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH
St. Gregory of Datev Institute will hold its 28th annual summer
program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 29 to July 6, 2014. The program is
sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC).
For information and registration, please visit the Prelacy website
(armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev).
(http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/4f8jeb)
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, April 20, Easter Sunday are: Acts 1:15-26;
Mark
16:2-8
Evening Gospels: Luke 24:13-36; John 20:1-18; John 5:24-30; John
19:31-37;
John 20:19-25
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd
numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, `Friends, the
scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David
foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested
Jesus-for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this
ministry.' (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his
wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all
his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of
Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama,
that is, Field of Blood.) For it is written in the book of Psalms,
`Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in
it'; and `Let another take his position of overseers.' So one of the
men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus
went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the
day when he was taken up from us=80'one of these must become a witness
with us to his resurrection.' So they proposed two, Joseph called
Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they
prayed and said, `Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one
of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and
apostleship from which Judas turned aside
to go to his own place.' And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell
on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:15-26)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/k88jeb).
ORGAN RECITAL IN PHILADELPHIA
St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia, presented an extraordinary Lenten
concert that featured renowned organist Ara Eloian, as well as Maroush
Nigon, soprano; Vartan Gabrielian, bass-baritone; and Elizabeth Clark,
soprano. The
program was a beautifully crafted and diverse genre of Lenten music
that included works by Bach, Dupre, Mulet, Hageman, Rossini, and
Hovhaness. Included also were the traditional
Armenian hymn of Holy Week, `Oor Es Mayr Eem' (Where are You, My
Mother), and the evening drew to a close with Mr. Eloian playing
=80=9CPrayer of St. Gregory' by Alan Hovhaness and `Hayr Mer' (The
Lord's Prayer) with the full sound of the organ and with the audience
joining in the singing. A lovely and lavish reception followed in the
church's Terhanian Hall.
Ara Eloian at the organ playing the Lord's Prayer with the vocal
participation of the audience.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Death of Avetis Aharonian
(April 20, 1948)
Avetis Aharonian, known as the `singer of Armenian sorrow,' was one of
the popular names of Eastern Armenian literature in the first half of
the twentieth century. He was equally noted for his active
participation in the revolutionary movement and the first Republic of
Armenia.
Aharonian was born in 1866 in the village of Igdir Mava, in the
district of Surmalu, which would be lost to Turkey after the Moscow
and Kars treaties
of 1921. He graduated from the Gevorgian Lyceum of Etchmiadzin in
1886, and taught for a few years. He became a member of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation in the 1890s and in 1897 he departed to
Europe, where he graduated from the literature course of the
University of Lausanne (Switzerland) in 1901. His first stories on
Western Armenian emigrants and the movement of
national liberation, published in the A.R.F. organ Droshak, attracted
the attention of the readers. His most famous stories on these
subjects are collected in the volume On the Road to Freedom (1908) and
would make him the successor to novelist Raffi (1835-1888) as an
inspiration for the Armenian liberation movement.
In 1902 he returned to the Caucasus and became the principal of the
Nersesian Lyceum of Tiflis from 1907-1909. The persecution started by
the Russian
government against revolutionary parties, including the A.R.F.,
targeted him and he was arrested and jailed for two years. Due to his
poor health, he
was liberated and went first to Constantinople and then to Europe for
treatment. He returned to the Caucasus before World War I, and in 1917
he was elected president of the Armenian National Council in
Tiflis. After the independence of Armenia, he was elected a Parliament
member and then president.
He went to Paris in 1919, where he headed the Delegation of the
Republic of Armenia that signed the Treaty of Sevres in 1920. He also
participated in
the conventions of London (1921) and Lausanne (1922-1923). He wrote
down his reflections on the Armenian Cause in a book called From
Sardarabad to Sevres and Lausanne (1943).
He had to stay abroad after the establishment of the Soviet regime in
Armenia, where his works were banned. Besides his political
activities, Aharonian continued writing a steady flow of stories,
novellas, literary and political studies, memoirs,
travelogues. Symbolist in some of his works and romantic in some
others, his emotional style appealed to the heart of the masses and
made him particularly cherished among Armenian readers throughout the
world, even after his death.
It may be said that he fell on the line of duty. He was one of the
keynote
speakers at an event organized by Hamazkayin in Marseilles on February
11,
1934, before an audience of 2,000 people. His speech started with the
following paragraph: `Armenian people, you have to know that this is a
waiting situation. You have to believe that you will return to the
land of your ancestors, your braves. We have not come here to stay; we
have come here to return...' He had just reached the fourth paragraph
of his speech, when he was silenced by a stroke. He lived for the next
fourteen years in Marseilles, unable to speak or write.
He passed away on April 20, 1948, and was buried in the cemetery of
Père Lachaise, in Paris. His collected works were published in 10
volumes in
Boston and Venice between 1947 and 1951.
After the independence of Armenia, his name was returned to the
homeland. His works have been published over the years and a street in
Yerevan bears his name.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
99th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION AT TIMES SQUARE
The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will once again be
marked at
a gathering at Times Square, 43rd Street and Broadway, New York
City=80'the crossroads of the world. The gathering will take place
Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 4 pm.
The event is sponsored by the Knights & Daughters of Vartan and
co-sponsored by AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National
Committee of America, ADL-Ramgavars, and Armenian Council of America,
and with the participation of the 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, Mid-Atlantic ACYOA, AYF-YOARF, Armenian Youth
Organizations, and University Armenian Clubs.
Free bus transportation to & from Times Square from New York and New
Jersey is available. For information go to kofv.org and click on April
24.
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, need our
financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers, your
hearts, and your pocketbooks.
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://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/009jeb)
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
LENTEN LECTURES ON THE WEB
Videos of five of the Lenten Lectures can be accessed through the
Prelacy's web page (armenianprelacy.org), or you can just click here
(http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/gtakeb).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Easter Eve Day, Holy
Communion & Breakfast for the children.
April 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Easter Eve Dinner, 8
pm, salmon dinner with all the trimmings and evening of
fellowship. $30 per person. For reservations and information:
718-224-2275.
April 24-`Walk to Honor our Martyrs,' organized by
the New York ARF and the ANC of New York, under the auspices of His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East
27th Street, New York City. Badarak and Hokehankist, 10:30 am to 12
noon. Walk
begins 12:30 pm from the Cathedral. For information:
[email protected] or 212-689-5880.
April 24-99th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide with the
participation of the four Armenian churches in greater Detroit, at
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Vespers service at 7 pm
followed by Requiem Service and Madagh.
April 25-St. Illuminator's Cathedral presents a solo concert at 7:30
pm, featuring tenor Kevork Hadjian in commemoration of the 99th
anniversary of the Genocide. For information: 212-689-5880.
April 26-Armenian Relief Society, Agnouni, Bergen, Shake, and Spitak
New Jersey chapters, present Emmy award winner, Bared Maronian, in his
new documentary film, `Women of 1915,' 7:30 pm, Sts. Vartanantz
Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Donation $50
(light meal will be served). For information: Arpi Misserlian
973-907-2898; Talin Daghlian 201-446-2316.
April 26-Armenian Genocide Walk in Philadelphia. Registration 12 noon
at Independence Visitor Center (Market Street between 5th and 6th
Streets). Walk begins at 1 pm, followed by program at 2 pm. Featured
speakers: George Aghjayan, `Why Western Armenia'; Pennsylvania State
Senator Daylin Leach, representative of the 17th District. Free bus
transportation from St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Church and St. Gregory
Church. For information: [email protected] and
www.armeniangenocidewalk.com.
April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley
observance, 3 pm, North Andover High School, 430 Osgood St., Arev
Armenian Folk Ensemble performing; joint requiem service by MV
Armenian churches; reception to follow; complimentary admission.
April 27-Annual Times Square Gathering, in commemoration of the 99th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Sponsored by the Knights and
Daughters of Vartan with the support and participation of all churches
and organizations. Free bus transportation from area Armenian
churches, and other locations.
May 1-Avak luncheon at noon, St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street,
North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker: Tom Vartabedian, `A 50-Year
Retrospective into Armenian American Journalism,' with stores and
photos.
May 9-Armenian Relief Society Mayr Chapter of New York presents
=80=9CA Mother's Day Dinner Dance,' featuring the Akhtamar
Dance Ensemble and music by Khajag, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue, Woodside, New York. Adults $40; children (under 10) $15. For
reservations: Anais, 718-392-6982 or Anahid 718-263-9325.
May 10-Unveiling of new genocide memorial by Lowell City Hall,
sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Monument Committee of Merrimack
Valley, 10 am, downtown procession, followed by program at City Hall
and reception in St. Ann's Church at noon. Musical interlude by
soloist Sevan Dulgarian. Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, MC.
May 10-`Remembering Zahrad' on the 90th anniversary of his
birth. Sponsored by the Esayan-Getronagan Alumni of New York, 8 pm
at Kalustyan Hall, Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, Bayside, New
York.
Featuring: Arto Krimian, Dr. Herand Markarian, Zivart Balikjian, Berge
Turabian. Admission is free.
May 11-Mothers Day Brunch organized by the Board of Trustees of
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, following the Divine
Liturgy. Program will follow. Admission by donation.
May 16-Eastern Prelacy's National Representative Assembly (NRA)
banquet hosted by St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) at Double Tree Hotel
Banquet Hall, 5801 Southfield Service Drive, Detroit. Cocktails 7 pm;
dinner
8 pm. Ticket donation, $50. For reservations contact the church
office, 313-336-6200 before May 9.
May 21-Benefit for Boston's Armenian Heritage Park, =80=9CChefs Party
for Our Park!' Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 6:30 pm,
with participation of more than 15 of Boston's top chefs. Go to
www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org for information.
May 13-17-Clergy Conference and National Representative Assembly, and
Annual Conference of the National Association of Ladies' Guilds
(NALG) of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan.
May 18-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday school
year-end hantes, 4 pm.
May 24-96th anniversary of Armenian independence sponsored by Lowell
`Aharonian' ARF, 6 pm, St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North
Andover, Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, and speaker, Baku
pogrom survivor Anna Turcotte, author of `Nowhere, A story of Exile.'
Admission: $20 adults; $10 students.
May 31-The Armenian Bar Association presents a panel discussion about
`Ongoing Legal Efforts and Challenges to Preserve Armenian Antiquities
and Cultural Property,' at Association of the Bar of the City of New
York, 42 West 44th Street, New York City (between 5th and 6th
Avenues), 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Free admission. For information: Denise
Darmanian [email protected] or 917-848-0968.
June 1-Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
June 16-17-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Sunday School Teens
Seminar at Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center, Clarkston,
Michigan.
June 24-26-Vacation Bible Camp for preschool (age 4) to 6th grade
students at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, from 10 am to 2
pm. Religious activities, lessons, crafts, and games. For information:
313-336-6200.
June 29 - July 6, 2014: St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program
for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information, contact the AREC office at
212.689.7810
or at [email protected].
July 14-39th Annual St. Sarkis Golf & Tennis Classic, Meadowbrook
Country Club, Northville, Michigan. $250 donation for golf breakfast,
lunch, and banquet. $125 donation banquet only. Reservations:
313-336-6200.
August 17-St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) Grape Blessing Family Fun
Picnic at Kensington Park, Kensington, Michigan. Good food, music,
biking, soccer, dancing, magician, swimming, playscape, kids games,
door prizes, face painting, tavloo tournament and more.
October 3-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday
School Dinner Dance Gala.
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/
April 17, 2014
The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY 10016
tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem
(Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder)
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Christ is risen from the dead, alleluia!
To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia!
To him that enlightened the world, alleluia!
PRELATE'S EASTER MESSAGE
`BEHOLD THE BREATH OF RESURRECTION'
He is not here; for he has been raised.
(Matthew 28:6)
Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, were greeted with these
words when they went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, in
accordance with the Hebrew custom. There they were astonished when the
earth moved because of a strong earthquake, and the angel rolled back
the stone at the entrance of the tomb. With confusion, fear, and
doubt, they heard the angel's voice say, `Do not be afraid; I know
that you are looking for
Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised from
the dead. Go quickly and tell his disciples, `He has been raised from
the dead.'' (Mt 28:5,7Õ=95
Imagine the spiritual turmoil of the two Marys. They had always
followed Jesus throughout his ministry. They were with Jesus in front
of the cross. They were with Jesus when his body was placed in the
tomb. And they had come
to the tomb for a final time to be with him and to anoint his
body. But they found the tomb empty. The words that Jesus often spoke
that three days hence he would be resurrected rang in their ears, this
time with the echo of
the empty tomb.
`Go quickly and tell his disciples.' Here was the directive for the
spread of the Gospel that began on the morning of the Resurrection
with the angel's proclamation that later became, and remains, the
faith of the Church and the Faithful. Because, as Paul the apostle
preached, without faith in the Resurrection `our proclamation has been
in vain and your faith is futile,' (1 Cor 15:14, 17).
The Resurrection gave joy to the women, who entered the grotto and did
not
find Jesus. This first happiness became the exultation of the faithful
throughout the centuries. It is with this joy that we greet one
another on the
morning of resurrection, believing that Jesus' Resurrection is the
promise of resurrection for all who live for Jesus and who die for and
with Jesus. `Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your
sting?' (1 Cor 15:55), proclaimed the faithful, because they had
received assurance of new life with Christ.
Our people repeated the same proclamation when they found themselves
in the decisive time of witness and martyrdom. With this faith we
persevered; with this faith we presented ourselves as a sacrifice to
God. With this same faith we, the worthy posterity of our forefathers,
survived, endured, and created.
On the occasion of Holy Easter 2014, when we think of the secret of
our people's resurrection and endurance, without doubt, the most
persuasive and powerful testimony is found in the truth and faith
given to us by Jesus' Resurrection. On the eve of the 100th
anniversary of the Genocide, when as a resurrected nation we remember
and we struggle, we are obligated to make our just demands our
weapons, fighting against death, catastrophe, and evil. We endured
with the idea of resurrection, becoming stronger and singing of
victory. And now is the time for Christ's Resurrection to become the
faith of each and every Armenian in order to affirm and strengthen our
collective resurrection as a people and fatherland.
`Behold the breath of resurrection, my massacred nation.' (Vahan
Tekeyan)
In the words of the same poet, with `sacred defiance,' henceforth it
is time for the breath of resurrection to give us awareness, give us
life, to hammer into our spirits the proper consciousness to be
masters of our cause, to be the executors of the legacy of the
martyrs, and thus give them heavenly peace.
Our cataclysmic martyrs, faithful to the belief of resurrection, were
sacrificed to the Genocide.
On the morning of Resurrection, let us illuminate their tortured and
martyred souls with our struggle and faithfulness.
Last month, the lives of our brothers and sisters in Kessab were once
again in peril, with the same manner of persecution, with the same
intention, and with the instigation of the same enemy. Just as one
hundred years ago the native Armenian people were uprooted from their
ancestral land, today with the very same intention our peaceful,
constructive, and innocent compatriots are being uprooted from Kessab,
the city whose breath and heartbeat are
Armenian. Once again our resurrected faith and our hope of survival
and victory are faced with evil and evil's intrigue. We believe that
just
as we resisted the greatest catastrophe of Genocide, the Kessabtzis
will endure and with their strong willpower will return to their
ancestral homes,
fields, and businesses, girded by the same hope.
Christ is risen from the dead.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN
Prelate
PRELATE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Archbishop Oshagan's Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday, April 13, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy
and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen's Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
Holy Thursday, April 17, His Eminence will preside over the Washing of
the
Feet and Tenebrae services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
Holy Friday, April 18, His Eminence will preside at the Entombment
Service
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Holy Saturday, April 19, His Eminence will preside at the Easter Eve
Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Easter Sunday, April 20, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New
York City.
VICAR'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Bishop Anoushavan's Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday, April 13, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the Sermon and preside over the `Opening of the Gates'
ceremony at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
Holy Thursday, April 17, His Grace will attend the Eucharistic Divine
Liturgy and preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services
at All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.
Holy Friday, April 18, His Grace will preside over the Entombment
Service and deliver the sermon at St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin.
Holy Saturday, April 19, His Grace will preside over Easter Eve
Liturgy at
St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois.
Easter Sunday, April 20, His Grace will celebrate the Easter Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory Church, Granite City,
Illinois.
HOLY WEEK VISITS BY PRELATE
During Holy Week Archbishop Oshagan always visits the New York
Armenian Home in Flushing, New York, the Armenian Nursing &
Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, New Jersey, and the Hovnanian
Armenian School in New Milford, New Jersey. The visits took place on
Monday and Tuesday, April 14 and 15.
His Eminence was accompanied by the Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, and the clergymen serving in the metropolitan area of New
York and New Jersey, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey. Joining the clergy at some of the visits were Dn. Shant
Kazanjain and Dn. Kevork Hadjian.
Archbishop Oshagan led the traditional Home Blessing service at each
place. In the two homes for the elderly, the Prelate washed the feet
of the elders noting that this year is the Year of the Elderly as
designated by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
The Prelate and clergy also paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Onnic and
Vergin Marashian, in Oradell, New Jersey. Mr. Marashian served as
chairman of the Prelacy's Executive Council for many years.
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME: At the home in Flushing, New York, Archbishop
Oshagan led the traditional Home Blessing service and washed the feet
of the elderly including Dikran Tavitian, 102 years old (above), and
Yeretzgin Azniv
Guiragossian, 102 years ago (below).
ARMENIAN NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER: In Emerson, New Jersey,
His Eminence led the Home Blessing ceremony and washed the feet of the
elderly, including 101-year-old Baidzar Bayramian.(Above & below)
HOVNANIAN SCHOOL: Following the Home Blessing service, students
presented a program to the delight of their guests.
VISIT WITH MARASHIANS: Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and Der
Hovnan visit with Onnic and Vergin Marashian.
99th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE WILL BE
COMMEMORATED AT ST. ILLUMINATOR'S CATHEDRAL
The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will be commemorated at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, next
Thursday, April 24. With Archbishop Oshagan presiding, a Solemn Divine
Liturgy and Requiem Service will be celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan
who will also
deliver the Sermon. The Liturgy will begin at 10:30 am.
Following the church services, a `Walk to Honor our Martyrs,' will
commence from the Cathedral at 12:30 pm to the United Nations. The
`walk' is organized by the New York ARF and the ANC of New York.
PRELATE AND VICAR VISIT NEWLY ELECTED PATRIARCH
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan visited the newly elected
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Moran Mor Ignatius Ephrem II,
on Monday, April 14, at the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church
in Teaneck, New Jersey. At the time of his election, which took place
on March 31 in Lebanon,
the Patriarch was the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of the Eastern
United States.
The Patriarch returned to the United States on April 5, for a short
time and was welcomed by honored guests and dignitaries as well as
hundreds of well-wishers. He will return to the Middle East where the
Syriac Orthodox Church is headquartered. Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian
attended the reception on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan.
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan with the newly elected
Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, Moran Mor Ignatius Ephrem II,
on April 14.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New
Jersey, represented Archbishop Oshagan at the welcoming reception at
St. Mark's Cathedral in Teaneck, New Jersey. The Patriarch was
previously the Metropolitan of the Eastern United States.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING AT ST. STEPHEN CHURCH (CONNECTICUT)
The annual meeting of St. Stephen's Church in New Britain,
Connecticut, took place recently with an appointed Board of Trustees
that includes
current and new members. The community is in the process of reviving
its liturgical and community life and is being assisted in this
endeavor by Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, chairman of the Prelacy's
Relgious Council.
PALM SUNDAY IN ILLINOIS
The Palm Sunday procession at All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois.
PALM SUNDAY IN DOUGLASTON
The celebrant Bishop Anoushavan with Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der
Kaloustian, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, and parishioners at St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York, following the Liturgy.
PALM SUNDAY AT THE CATHEDRAL
Parishioners at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, take the
blessed palms.
PALM SUNDAY IN PHILLY
Palm Sunday procession at St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE
IN FINAL LENTEN VESPER SERVICE IN PHILLY
In the last of the Lenten Vesper services, Sunday School students of
St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia, actively participated in the
worship service. Students from ages 6 through teen years, dressed in
church gowns, prayed the Lord's Prayer, sang nine verses of St. Nerses
the Graceful's `Nayats Seerov' (Look with Love), individually read
from his 24 penitential prayers entitled `Havadov Khosdovaneem' (In
Faith I Confess), and in unison prayed for peace, strength of faith,
protection from all dangers, and God's mercy for all His people.
Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor, thanked the students for
their attendance and reminded the congregants that everyone should be
as open and approach God in the same manner. He challenged the
students to remember two words, light and darkness, pointing out that
the prayers they read had elements of light and darkness in them, and
reminded the students of their reaction to the `darkness' they
experienced during the power outages this past winter. A shared Lenten
meal completed the uplifting evening.
Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian with the students who participated in
the Lenten Vesper service on April 11.
EASTER: THE MOVEABLE FEAST THAT IS UNITED THIS YEAR
Easter is the holiest of the holy days for Christendom. Since the time
of the early church, determining the date of Easter has been a matter
of dispute. The date is calculated to be on the Sunday immediately
following the Full Moon after the Equinox (canon established by the
Council of Nicea in 325
AD). Most of Christendon, including the Armenian Church (except in
Jerusalem), follows the Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox Churches
still use the Julian calendar (for calculating the date of
Easter). The dates rarely coincide. This year the `rarity' has
occurred and the two Easters coincide.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
In the Armenian tradition, the day following each of the five major
feast days, is Memorial Day, or Remembrance of the
Dead. Traditionally, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated on this day, and
afterwards the faithful visit the graves of their loved ones that are
blessed by the priest with chants and incense.
SAVE THE DATES FOR NRA
The 2014 National Representative Assembly (NRA), along with the Clergy
Conference, and the Conference of the National Association of Ladies
Guilds (NALG), will take place May 13-17, hosted by St. Sarkis Church,
Dearborn, Michigan. Delegates and guests will find more information
here (http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/on7jeb).
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH
St. Gregory of Datev Institute will hold its 28th annual summer
program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 29 to July 6, 2014. The program is
sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC).
For information and registration, please visit the Prelacy website
(armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev).
(http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/4f8jeb)
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, April 20, Easter Sunday are: Acts 1:15-26;
Mark
16:2-8
Evening Gospels: Luke 24:13-36; John 20:1-18; John 5:24-30; John
19:31-37;
John 20:19-25
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd
numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, `Friends, the
scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David
foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested
Jesus-for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this
ministry.' (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his
wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all
his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of
Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama,
that is, Field of Blood.) For it is written in the book of Psalms,
`Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in
it'; and `Let another take his position of overseers.' So one of the
men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus
went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the
day when he was taken up from us=80'one of these must become a witness
with us to his resurrection.' So they proposed two, Joseph called
Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they
prayed and said, `Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one
of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and
apostleship from which Judas turned aside
to go to his own place.' And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell
on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:15-26)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/k88jeb).
ORGAN RECITAL IN PHILADELPHIA
St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia, presented an extraordinary Lenten
concert that featured renowned organist Ara Eloian, as well as Maroush
Nigon, soprano; Vartan Gabrielian, bass-baritone; and Elizabeth Clark,
soprano. The
program was a beautifully crafted and diverse genre of Lenten music
that included works by Bach, Dupre, Mulet, Hageman, Rossini, and
Hovhaness. Included also were the traditional
Armenian hymn of Holy Week, `Oor Es Mayr Eem' (Where are You, My
Mother), and the evening drew to a close with Mr. Eloian playing
=80=9CPrayer of St. Gregory' by Alan Hovhaness and `Hayr Mer' (The
Lord's Prayer) with the full sound of the organ and with the audience
joining in the singing. A lovely and lavish reception followed in the
church's Terhanian Hall.
Ara Eloian at the organ playing the Lord's Prayer with the vocal
participation of the audience.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Death of Avetis Aharonian
(April 20, 1948)
Avetis Aharonian, known as the `singer of Armenian sorrow,' was one of
the popular names of Eastern Armenian literature in the first half of
the twentieth century. He was equally noted for his active
participation in the revolutionary movement and the first Republic of
Armenia.
Aharonian was born in 1866 in the village of Igdir Mava, in the
district of Surmalu, which would be lost to Turkey after the Moscow
and Kars treaties
of 1921. He graduated from the Gevorgian Lyceum of Etchmiadzin in
1886, and taught for a few years. He became a member of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation in the 1890s and in 1897 he departed to
Europe, where he graduated from the literature course of the
University of Lausanne (Switzerland) in 1901. His first stories on
Western Armenian emigrants and the movement of
national liberation, published in the A.R.F. organ Droshak, attracted
the attention of the readers. His most famous stories on these
subjects are collected in the volume On the Road to Freedom (1908) and
would make him the successor to novelist Raffi (1835-1888) as an
inspiration for the Armenian liberation movement.
In 1902 he returned to the Caucasus and became the principal of the
Nersesian Lyceum of Tiflis from 1907-1909. The persecution started by
the Russian
government against revolutionary parties, including the A.R.F.,
targeted him and he was arrested and jailed for two years. Due to his
poor health, he
was liberated and went first to Constantinople and then to Europe for
treatment. He returned to the Caucasus before World War I, and in 1917
he was elected president of the Armenian National Council in
Tiflis. After the independence of Armenia, he was elected a Parliament
member and then president.
He went to Paris in 1919, where he headed the Delegation of the
Republic of Armenia that signed the Treaty of Sevres in 1920. He also
participated in
the conventions of London (1921) and Lausanne (1922-1923). He wrote
down his reflections on the Armenian Cause in a book called From
Sardarabad to Sevres and Lausanne (1943).
He had to stay abroad after the establishment of the Soviet regime in
Armenia, where his works were banned. Besides his political
activities, Aharonian continued writing a steady flow of stories,
novellas, literary and political studies, memoirs,
travelogues. Symbolist in some of his works and romantic in some
others, his emotional style appealed to the heart of the masses and
made him particularly cherished among Armenian readers throughout the
world, even after his death.
It may be said that he fell on the line of duty. He was one of the
keynote
speakers at an event organized by Hamazkayin in Marseilles on February
11,
1934, before an audience of 2,000 people. His speech started with the
following paragraph: `Armenian people, you have to know that this is a
waiting situation. You have to believe that you will return to the
land of your ancestors, your braves. We have not come here to stay; we
have come here to return...' He had just reached the fourth paragraph
of his speech, when he was silenced by a stroke. He lived for the next
fourteen years in Marseilles, unable to speak or write.
He passed away on April 20, 1948, and was buried in the cemetery of
Père Lachaise, in Paris. His collected works were published in 10
volumes in
Boston and Venice between 1947 and 1951.
After the independence of Armenia, his name was returned to the
homeland. His works have been published over the years and a street in
Yerevan bears his name.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
99th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION AT TIMES SQUARE
The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will once again be
marked at
a gathering at Times Square, 43rd Street and Broadway, New York
City=80'the crossroads of the world. The gathering will take place
Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 4 pm.
The event is sponsored by the Knights & Daughters of Vartan and
co-sponsored by AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National
Committee of America, ADL-Ramgavars, and Armenian Council of America,
and with the participation of the 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, Mid-Atlantic ACYOA, AYF-YOARF, Armenian Youth
Organizations, and University Armenian Clubs.
Free bus transportation to & from Times Square from New York and New
Jersey is available. For information go to kofv.org and click on April
24.
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, need our
financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers, your
hearts, and your pocketbooks.
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://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/009jeb)
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
LENTEN LECTURES ON THE WEB
Videos of five of the Lenten Lectures can be accessed through the
Prelacy's web page (armenianprelacy.org), or you can just click here
(http://t.e2ma.net/click/82cme/4f4cee/gtakeb).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Easter Eve Day, Holy
Communion & Breakfast for the children.
April 19-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Easter Eve Dinner, 8
pm, salmon dinner with all the trimmings and evening of
fellowship. $30 per person. For reservations and information:
718-224-2275.
April 24-`Walk to Honor our Martyrs,' organized by
the New York ARF and the ANC of New York, under the auspices of His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East
27th Street, New York City. Badarak and Hokehankist, 10:30 am to 12
noon. Walk
begins 12:30 pm from the Cathedral. For information:
[email protected] or 212-689-5880.
April 24-99th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide with the
participation of the four Armenian churches in greater Detroit, at
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Vespers service at 7 pm
followed by Requiem Service and Madagh.
April 25-St. Illuminator's Cathedral presents a solo concert at 7:30
pm, featuring tenor Kevork Hadjian in commemoration of the 99th
anniversary of the Genocide. For information: 212-689-5880.
April 26-Armenian Relief Society, Agnouni, Bergen, Shake, and Spitak
New Jersey chapters, present Emmy award winner, Bared Maronian, in his
new documentary film, `Women of 1915,' 7:30 pm, Sts. Vartanantz
Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Donation $50
(light meal will be served). For information: Arpi Misserlian
973-907-2898; Talin Daghlian 201-446-2316.
April 26-Armenian Genocide Walk in Philadelphia. Registration 12 noon
at Independence Visitor Center (Market Street between 5th and 6th
Streets). Walk begins at 1 pm, followed by program at 2 pm. Featured
speakers: George Aghjayan, `Why Western Armenia'; Pennsylvania State
Senator Daylin Leach, representative of the 17th District. Free bus
transportation from St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Church and St. Gregory
Church. For information: [email protected] and
www.armeniangenocidewalk.com.
April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley
observance, 3 pm, North Andover High School, 430 Osgood St., Arev
Armenian Folk Ensemble performing; joint requiem service by MV
Armenian churches; reception to follow; complimentary admission.
April 27-Annual Times Square Gathering, in commemoration of the 99th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Sponsored by the Knights and
Daughters of Vartan with the support and participation of all churches
and organizations. Free bus transportation from area Armenian
churches, and other locations.
May 1-Avak luncheon at noon, St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street,
North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker: Tom Vartabedian, `A 50-Year
Retrospective into Armenian American Journalism,' with stores and
photos.
May 9-Armenian Relief Society Mayr Chapter of New York presents
=80=9CA Mother's Day Dinner Dance,' featuring the Akhtamar
Dance Ensemble and music by Khajag, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Avenue, Woodside, New York. Adults $40; children (under 10) $15. For
reservations: Anais, 718-392-6982 or Anahid 718-263-9325.
May 10-Unveiling of new genocide memorial by Lowell City Hall,
sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Monument Committee of Merrimack
Valley, 10 am, downtown procession, followed by program at City Hall
and reception in St. Ann's Church at noon. Musical interlude by
soloist Sevan Dulgarian. Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, MC.
May 10-`Remembering Zahrad' on the 90th anniversary of his
birth. Sponsored by the Esayan-Getronagan Alumni of New York, 8 pm
at Kalustyan Hall, Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, Bayside, New
York.
Featuring: Arto Krimian, Dr. Herand Markarian, Zivart Balikjian, Berge
Turabian. Admission is free.
May 11-Mothers Day Brunch organized by the Board of Trustees of
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, following the Divine
Liturgy. Program will follow. Admission by donation.
May 16-Eastern Prelacy's National Representative Assembly (NRA)
banquet hosted by St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) at Double Tree Hotel
Banquet Hall, 5801 Southfield Service Drive, Detroit. Cocktails 7 pm;
dinner
8 pm. Ticket donation, $50. For reservations contact the church
office, 313-336-6200 before May 9.
May 21-Benefit for Boston's Armenian Heritage Park, =80=9CChefs Party
for Our Park!' Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 6:30 pm,
with participation of more than 15 of Boston's top chefs. Go to
www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org for information.
May 13-17-Clergy Conference and National Representative Assembly, and
Annual Conference of the National Association of Ladies' Guilds
(NALG) of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan.
May 18-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday school
year-end hantes, 4 pm.
May 24-96th anniversary of Armenian independence sponsored by Lowell
`Aharonian' ARF, 6 pm, St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North
Andover, Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, and speaker, Baku
pogrom survivor Anna Turcotte, author of `Nowhere, A story of Exile.'
Admission: $20 adults; $10 students.
May 31-The Armenian Bar Association presents a panel discussion about
`Ongoing Legal Efforts and Challenges to Preserve Armenian Antiquities
and Cultural Property,' at Association of the Bar of the City of New
York, 42 West 44th Street, New York City (between 5th and 6th
Avenues), 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Free admission. For information: Denise
Darmanian [email protected] or 917-848-0968.
June 1-Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
June 16-17-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Sunday School Teens
Seminar at Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center, Clarkston,
Michigan.
June 24-26-Vacation Bible Camp for preschool (age 4) to 6th grade
students at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, from 10 am to 2
pm. Religious activities, lessons, crafts, and games. For information:
313-336-6200.
June 29 - July 6, 2014: St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program
for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information, contact the AREC office at
212.689.7810
or at [email protected].
July 14-39th Annual St. Sarkis Golf & Tennis Classic, Meadowbrook
Country Club, Northville, Michigan. $250 donation for golf breakfast,
lunch, and banquet. $125 donation banquet only. Reservations:
313-336-6200.
August 17-St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) Grape Blessing Family Fun
Picnic at Kensington Park, Kensington, Michigan. Good food, music,
biking, soccer, dancing, magician, swimming, playscape, kids games,
door prizes, face painting, tavloo tournament and more.
October 3-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday
School Dinner Dance Gala.
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]