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Crossroads E-Newsletter - August 7, 2014

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  • Crossroads E-Newsletter - August 7, 2014

    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/


    August 7, 2014


    IN MEMORIAM

    SETRAK AGONIAN

    1940-2014

    His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious and Executive
    Councils of the Eastern Prelacy announce with sorrow the passing of
    Mr. Setrak Agonian, a long-time parishioner of St. Illuminator's
    Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in New York City. Mr. Agonian is survived
    by his wife, Didi.

    Setrak Agonian served as the chairman of the Cathedral's Building
    Committee and was a former member of the Board of Trustees. In 2009 he
    received the highest Prelacy award, `The Eagle of the Prelacy,'
    as the chairman of the Building Committee during the major renovation
    of the Cathedral, in recognition of his extraordinary service to the
    Cathedral and community.

    Viewing will take place on Sunday, August 10, at St. Illuminator's
    Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, from 3 to 5 pm. The
    Wake/Homecoming service, officiated by Bishop Anoushavan, will take
    place the same day from 7 to 9 pm, with a service at 8 pm. The funeral
    service, officiated by Archbishop Oshagan, will take place on Monday,
    August 11, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral at 10 am. Interment will
    follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Queens.

    Mr. Agonian was the recipient of several awards, including the Ellis
    Island Medal of Honor in 2011. For many years he was involved with the
    international sport of wrestling and the Olympics. He was the
    president of NYC Metropolitan Wrestling Association. He funded the
    expenses of Armenia's wrestling team making it possible for the team
    to participate in the Winter
    Olympics in Lillehammer in 1994.

    Mr. Agonian was the founder and the CEO of International Creative
    Metals, Inc. (ICM), and was the textbook example of a winner. An
    Armenian immigrant, he came to the United States from Bulgaria through
    the auspices of the American National Committee to Aid Homeless
    Armenians (ANCHA) when still in his teenage years with, as he would
    often say, `only six dollars and
    a sick mother.' He worked tirelessly to build a successful
    business. Today, throughout Manhattan his company's work can be found
    at some of the world's most famous architectural landmarks.

    In lieu-of-flowers donations may be made to St. Illuminator's Armenian
    Apostolic Cathedral.

    We pray to All-Merciful God to receive the soul of His faithful
    servant in
    eternal peace and bliss.

    PRELATE WILL PRESIDE AT MADAGH AND BLESSING OF GRAPES

    Archbishop Oshagan will preside at the Madagh offering and the
    Blessing of
    Grapes this Sunday, August 10, during the annual picnic sponsored by
    Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. The event will take
    place at Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts.

    TEACHERS' SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY ANEC

    The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) will sponsor a
    teachers' seminar to be held on August 23, at the Prelacy headquarters
    in New
    York, from 10 am-4 pm. All schools and teachers are invited to
    participate. The program will have the following lectures:

    Sossi Essajanian: `Supporting the Next Generation: Early Childhood
    Development, Best Practices, and the Armenian Language Teacher';
    Anahid Garmiryan: `To Be or Not to Be a Teacher: the Challenges of
    Bilingualism'

    For more information, please email ANEC at [email protected] or
    call (212) 689-7231/7810.

    SIAMANTO ACADEMY WILL RESUME ITS ACTIVITIES

    The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), jointly sponsored by
    the
    Prelacy and the Armenian Relief Society, sponsored for many years the
    Siamanto Academy for young adults. After a recent hiatus, the Academy
    is ready to resume its activities. The Academy offers courses on
    Armenian history, culture, and contemporary issues. Classes will take
    place on a monthly basis, every second Saturday, beginning in
    September at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian
    Apostolic Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), from 2 pm-5 pm. For
    additional information, please contact ANEC at
    [email protected].

    Anais Bayrakdarian and Der Aram at the camp in Dzaghgazor.

    A DATEV GRADUATE GOES TO DZAGHGAZOR

    Anais Bayrakdarian, a 17-year-old parishioner of St. Sarkis Church in
    Douglaston, New York, and a graduate of the Prelacy's St. Gregory of
    Datev Summer Institute, traveled to Armenia in July where she joined
    with fifty children from the Prelacy's Orphan Sponsorship Program at
    the week-long camp that takes place in Dzaghgazor, Armenia. Archpriest
    Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville,
    Massachusetts,
    has organized and directed this program for the past five years.

    Upon her return home, Anais wrote an essay about her
    experience. Apprehensive at first, Anais, expressed her concerns about
    how the others would respond to her presence. She writes: `...no
    sooner had the first day begun that any reservations I had were
    unfounded and absurd-the
    unbridled love and warm welcome I received was a wonderful assurance
    of that. As soon as I was introduced as an American visiting from the
    United States, cries of `Hello!' and `How are you?' accompanied by
    wide, toothy grins could be heard ringing throughout the camp
    not only on the first day, but for the entire duration of the
    program!' You can read Anais' account here
    (https://t.e2ma.net/click/wd94e/4f4cee/43ykjb).

    Some of the children in the Prelacy's Orphan Sponsorship Program who
    attended this summer's camp.

    BIBLE READINGS

    Bible readings for Sunday, August 10, Third Sunday of Transfiguration
    (Eve
    of the Fast of the Assumption), are Isaiah 7:1-9; 1 Corinthians
    13:11-14:5; Mark 2:1-12.

    When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he
    was
    at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for
    them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to
    them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried
    by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of
    the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug
    through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When
    Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, `Son, your sins are
    forgiven.' Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in
    their hearts, `Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is
    blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?' At once Jesus
    perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions
    among themselves; and he said to them, `Why do you raise such
    questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
    `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Stand
    up and take your mat and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son
    of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'-he said to the
    paralytic-`I say to you, stand up, take your mat and
    go to your home.' And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and
    went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and
    glorified God, saying, `We have never seen anything like this!' (Mark
    2:1-12)

    For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
    (https://t.e2ma.net/click/wd94e/4f4cee/kwzkjb).

    THE HOLY FOREFATHERS

    The commemoration of groups of saints is a common practice in the
    Armenian
    Church. Today, August 7, the Armenian Church commemorates as a group
    the Holy Forefathers, namely, Adam, Abel, Seth, Enosh, Enoch, Noah,
    Melchizedek,
    Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Eleazar, Joshua, Samuel,
    Samson, Jephthah, Barak, Gideon, and other holy patriarchs.

    TWO HUNDRED HOLY FATHERS OF THE

    ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF EPHESUS

    This Saturday, August 9, the Armenian Church commemorates the 200 Holy
    Fathers of the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Ephesus, the third general
    ecumenical council, was convened by order of Emperor Theodosius II to
    settle the Nestorian heresy. A large number of high-ranking church
    leaders attended, headed by Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria. The
    principle decision of the Council was the condemnation of
    Nestorius. The Council excommunicated Nestorius and condemned the
    heresy, confirmed the Nicene Creed, and approved the title
    of Theotokos (God-bearer) for the Virgin Mary.

    The Armenian Church accepted the canons and decisions of the council
    and designated a day in the liturgical calendar on the Saturday of the
    Paregentan of the Assumption to commemorate the holy fathers. The
    Armenian Church recognizes the first three ecumenical councils: Nicaea
    (325); Constantinople (381); and Ephesus (431), with special days in
    the liturgical calendar for all three.

    Ephesus is an ancient Greek city that later became the chief city of
    the Roman province of Asia at the crossroads of the coastal route
    between Smyrna
    and Cyzicus. The Temple of Ardemis in the city was one of the great
    wonders of the ancient world. St. Paul took Christianity to Ephesus
    (Acts 18:18-19). He stayed there for two years during his third
    missionary journey.

    Ephesus is one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of
    Revelation. In chapter 2, Jesus praises the people of Ephesus for
    their perseverance and hard work, however admonishes them for
    forgetting their first love; their Christianity had become a faithful
    ritual rather than a relationship of love to the Lord. Ephesus, now
    located within Turkey in the province of Izmir, is a popular
    destination for international tourists.

    PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF THE

    ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

    This Sunday, August 10, is the Paregentan, or Eve of the Fast of the
    Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. This is a five-day period of
    fasting (Monday to Friday) that precedes the Feast of the Assumption
    of the Holy Mother which is next Sunday, August 17. Paregentan, which
    means `good living,' is a day of enjoyment and feasting before the
    beginning of the
    fasting period.

    NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE

    CATHOLICOS INVITED TO JUSTICE & PEACE CONFERENCE

    His Holiness Aram I received a delegation from South Korea last week,
    who invited him to attend an international conference on Justice and
    Peace that
    will take place in Seoul, South Korea. The newly appointed Ecumenical
    Officer of the Catholicosate, Very Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian
    attended the meeting. His Holiness welcomed the guests and their plan
    for the conference and said, `Presently, many people, like the
    Armenians, continue to demand their human rights. It is my firm
    conviction that there cannot be peace without justice.' The Catholicos
    said that religions must work for just peace through deeper
    involvement in interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

    NEW CLERGY APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED

    His Holiness Aram I announced the following new appointments of
    clergy:

    (1) Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Pontifical Vicar, Diocese of Cyprus.

    (2) Very Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian, Director, Office of Ecumenical
    Relations and Head of the Communications office.

    (3) Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Dean, of Theological Seminary.

    (4) Very Rev. Fr. Paren Vartanian, Grand Sacristan, Cathedral of
    St. Gregory the Illuminator.

    (5) Very Rev. Fr. Vaghinak Meloyan, Director, Program for the
    Formation of
    married priests.

    YOUTH COMMITTEE MEETS WITH CATHOLICOS

    The Youth Committee of the Catholicosate met last week with His
    Holiness Aram I. The members of the committee were accompanied by
    Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian, director of the Youth Department.

    The committee presented its activity report and the findings of the
    survey
    they had carried out with its 50 members. The purpose of the survey
    was to
    identify the expectations of youth from the church. It was decided
    that after the compilation of the report and identification of
    priorities, the committee would expand its study to all other dioceses
    of the Catholicosate.

    His Holiness thanked the members of the committee for the study and
    said,
    `Armenian youth are the life force and future of our church and
    society. They should not remain passive members, but should
    participate in and contribute to all aspects of our community life.'
    He assured the committee that he was committed to empowering the youth
    who are ready to act in order to safeguard the memory, traditions, and
    values of the Armenian people.

    CATHOLICOS MEETS WITH PATRIARCH

    His Holiness Aram met with Patriarch Ignatius Aphram II of the Syriac
    Orthodox Church at the summer residence of the Catholicosate in
    Bikfaya, Lebanon. Also present at the meeting were Very Rev. Fr. Paren
    Vartanian, Grand Sacristan, and Rev. Torkom Donoyan, dean of the
    Seminary. The Catholicos and Patriarch discussed the situation of
    Christians in Syria and Iraq, the forthcoming International Ecumenical
    Conference on the Middle East, issues related to the on-going
    bilateral theological dialogues with the World Anglican
    Communion and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and the imperative of
    strengthening the historical ties between the two churches.

    CATHOLICOS ARAM MONITORS AID TO SYRIAN ARMENIANS

    His Holiness Aram I continues to monitor the humanitarian assistance
    and rehabilitation programs for the Armenians in Syria. Most recently,
    Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Peria (Syria)
    met with His Holiness in Antelias and briefed him on the current
    situation of the Armenian community in Aleppo, Damascus, Jezireh,
    Latakia, and Kessab, and also reported about humanitarian assistance
    and rehabilitation efforts underway.

    The Catholicos expressed his appreciation of the work of the
    committees and praised their courage in defending the rights of the
    Armenian communities. After meeting with the Catholicos, Archbishop
    Shahan went to Tartous where he met with the clergy and lay
    leadership. He later also traveled to Latakia and Kessab and other
    areas in Syria. In each area the Archbishop conveyed the support and
    concern of the Catholicos and Armenians worldwide.

    Archbishop Shahan celebrated the Holy Liturgy in Kessab on July 27 and
    anointed the newly restored altar of the church that had been
    desecrated during the recent occupation.

    SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER

    The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, require
    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
    (https://t.e2ma.net/click/wd94e/4f4cee/0o0kjb) AND SELECT SYRIAN
    ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
    DONATION TO:

    Armenian Prelacy

    138 E. 39th Street

    New York, NY 10016

    Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief

    Thank you for your help

    THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY

    (Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee [ANEC])

    Fall of Artzvashen (August 8, 1992)

    The Soviet policy of `divide and rule' created ethnic enclaves (piece
    of land surrounded by foreign territory) under various pretexts, such
    as the incorporation in Azerbaijan of the highlands of the
    historically Armenian region of Gharabagh as an autonomous region (the
    lowlands were
    directly annexed to that country). It also created exclaves (piece of
    land
    politically attached to a larger piece, but surrounded by foreign
    territory), such as Artzvashen, part of the Gegharkunik province of
    Armenia.

    The village of Artzvashen was founded in 1854 with the name of
    Bashkend by
    Armenians from Shamshadin, although an inscription on the
    St. Hovhannes church of the village, dated to 1607, attests to an
    earlier Armenian presence
    on the site.

    The encircled land is the location of Artzvashen which is now in the
    hands
    of the Azeris.

    The population of the village was entirely of Armenian origin. It had
    a surrounding territory of 40 square kilometers (15.5 square miles)
    and enjoyed
    a town status in the 1980s, managing four factories. This included a
    branch of Haygorg, the Armenian state carpet company.

    In May 1991, during the last months of the Soviet Union, when the
    conflict
    for Gharabagh had already started, the inhabitants of the village
    surrendered their weapons to Soviet military units to avert an
    imminent occupation.

    Indeed, Azerbaijan was prone to occupy those portions of Armenian
    territory that were completely landlocked, and one of them was
    Artzvashen. After a four-day resistance headed by the unit 016 of
    motorized artillery of Vanadzor, Artzvashen was surrendered to
    Azerbaijani armed forces on August 8, 1992. According to The New York
    Times, Azerbaijan announced the `liberation' of the town, destroying
    enemy tanks and weaponry, and killing 300 Armenian `brigands,' while
    Armenian reports did not mention any dead, but said that 29 people
    were `missing without trace.' The bodies of 12 Armenian soldiers were
    later delivered; one of
    the Azerbaijani colonels declared: `They fought until the last
    bullet. They are the pride of your nation.'

    The Armenian population was given one hour to evacuate the
    village. According to the Regional Administration of Gegharkunik, 719
    families (around 2,800 people) were displaced after its occupation. A
    total of 664 families resettled in the towns of Chambarak and nearby
    villages, and the rest went to other provinces. The migrants were not
    considered a separate commune, but the government of the Republic
    decided to create a separate working staff, financed by the national
    budget. This staff takes care of problems related to documents and
    workbooks of displaced people, as well as claims of property rights
    and improvement of living conditions.

    Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be
    read on the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).

    FROM THE BOOKSTORE

    The Prelacy Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
    Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories,
    historical novels, memoirs, eye witness testimonies, essays, and
    poetry. From now through next April we will feature one or two books
    each week from the Bookstore's collection.

    Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the

    Century-Long Struggle for Justice

    By Michael Bobelian

    This book chronicles the struggle for justice after the Armenian
    Genocide and analyzes the reasons why justice is still
    missing. Carefully threading archival sources, interviews, and
    secondary literature, the author constructs a must-read narrative that
    illuminates the lack of substantial official recognition in America
    until this day.

    Hardcover, $15.00 plus shipping & handling

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    To order these or other books contact the Prelacy bookstore by email
    ([email protected]) or by telephone (212-689-7810.

    LIGHTS OUT ACROSS BRITAIN MARK
    100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT WAR

    Lights all across Great Britain were switched off for one hour on
    Monday evening, August 4, in a tribute to the dead of the Great War,
    now called World War I. The tribute is based on a statement made in
    1914 by Lord Edward Grey, the Foreign Minister, who on the eve of the
    war said, `The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see
    them lit again in our lifetime.'

    The total number of casualties in World War I was over 37 million,
    with more than 16 million deaths and 20 million wounded making it one
    of the deadliest conflicts in human history.

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    August 10-Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
    Annual Picnic at Camp Haiastan, 12 noon to 6 pm. Under the auspices of
    His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Games and the Bouncing
    Bubble for children. Delicious shish, lost and chicken kebab
    dinners. Choreg and Armenian pastries. Live music by Michael Gregian
    and Ensemble. Madagh and Blessing of the Grapes at 3:300 m with
    participation of New England clergy. For information: 401-831-6399.

    August 10-Annual Church Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, Holy
    Trinity Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. Join us
    for a fun
    filled day and enjoy our delicious food, music by DJ Shaheen,
    backgammon tournament, children's activities. Begins at
    noon. Admission is free. For information [email protected] or
    508-852-2414.

    August 15-17-Armenian Fest / Blessing of Grapes, All Saints Church,
    1701 N. Greenwood Road, Glenview, Illinois. Armenian food, desserts,
    beer
    and wine, dancing, activities for kids, raffle. Life music Friday,
    Saturday, & Sunday. Mr. Ash's magic show Saturday. Friday 6 pm to 10
    pm happy hour; Saturday 5 pm-11pm; Sunday 1pm to 7 pm. Blessing of the
    Grapes on
    Sunday at 4:30 pm. Free admission.

    August 17-Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God and
    Blessing of the Grapes, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
    Street, New York City. Followed by luncheon and cultural program
    featuring singer Rouben Voskanyan. Organized by Cathedral's Ladies
    Guild.

    August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual
    Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes.

    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.

    August 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual
    Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, 1-5 pm at Saddle River County Park,
    Wild Duck Pond area. Music, delicious Armenian food and desserts, arts
    and
    crafts, and playground for children, cards, and tavloo, and more.

    August 17-Feast of Assumption, Blessing of Grapes, and Madagh, Soorp
    Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.

    August 23-Teachers' seminar sponsored by the Armenian Education
    Committee (ANEC), at the Prelacy offices in New York, 10 am to 4
    pm. All schools and teachers are invited to participate. Lecturers:
    Sossi Essajanian, `Supporting the Next Generation: Early Childhood
    Development, Best Practices, and the Armenian Language Teacher' and
    Anahid Garmiryan, `To Be or Not to be a Teacher: The Challenges of
    Bilingualism.' For information: [email protected] or
    212-689-7810.

    August 30-Concert, `Baroque & Before,' featuring Lucine Musaelian and
    Joyce Chen, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 E.
    27th Street, New York City, at 5 pm.

    September 7-Picnic Festival, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
    158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, featuring musicians
    Leon Janikian, Jason Naroian, Johnny Berberian, and John Arzigian;
    presentation by Siroun Dance Ensemble of Central Massachusetts. 12:30
    to 5:30 pm, church
    grounds. Shish, losh, and chicken kebab dinners, veggie plates,
    Armenian pastries, family games and activities.

    September 7-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and Hartford,
    Connecticut, Annual Church Picnic after Sunday services will take
    place
    at The Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New Britain. Armenian
    music, dancing, and food.

    September 7-Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York, Annual Armenian Picnic,
    12pm to 4 pm. Shish Kebob dinner, Lahmajoun for sale, Armenian
    pastries, live music. For info: [email protected].

    September 7-Lecture `Mkhitar Heratsi,' by Dr. Gregory Kazanjian, at 1
    pm, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York
    City. Organized by Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York.

    September 12-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 2nd Annual
    =80=9CTaste of the Mediterranean' Wine Tasting Fundraiser, 4 to 6 pm
    at Uncork in downtown Racine. Event will again feature 6 wines for
    tasting,
    a `mezze' table, silent auction items, and 50/50 raffle. Cost of the
    event is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Last year's even was a
    sell-out, so get your tickets early. For tickets and/or information
    contact Mary M. Olson by email ([email protected]).

    September 18, 19, 20-2014 Fall Food Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
    Bethesda, Maryland.

    September 14-St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New
    York, Annual Picnic on the church grounds following church
    services. Admission is free. Enjoy excellent kebabs and
    salads. Terrific entertainment for everyone and special activities for
    children in the `KidZone.' Music, food, and friends...a wonderful
    afternoon. For information 718-224-2275.

    September 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 12th
    Annual Golf Classic, River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New
    Jersey. Rain or Shine. 11 am registration and Grilled Lunch Buffet; 1
    pm Tee Off. Format: Shotgun Scramble (All player levels welcome). Golf
    Outing Reservation: $195; limited to first 128 paid golf
    reservations. Reservation includes: Grilled lunch buffet, dinner
    banquet, golf, cart, and range balls. Contests and
    Prizes. Sponsorships available. For information: 201-943-2950.

    September 21-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
    Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Tea party at noon in the church
    hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Brought back by
    popular demand. Guest speaker from the Bigelow Tea Company. Goodie
    bags for all. Raffle prize is being provided by Armeny Custom Jewelry
    Design.

    September 21-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, `Designer Bag Bingo'
    luncheon in Founders' Hall at 2 pm. Fifteen lucky
    winners of designer bags, including top labels, Gucci, Prada, Fendi,
    Laboutin, Judith Leiber, Chanel, and others. Join us for a fun game of
    Bingo, Chinese auction, and enjoy the lavish Chanel inspired theme and
    décor, along with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. Ticket
    sales limited. For reservations and information: Cissy DerHagopian
    856-313-6848; Donna Walter 484-354-0388.

    October 3-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday
    School Dinner Dance Gala.

    October 4-Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Diran Khosrofian and
    Deacon Harold Nazarian, at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode
    Island, by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.

    October 19-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, His
    Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will ordain sub-deacon Ara Stepanian
    during the Divine Liturgy and preside over the parish's 57th Annual
    Banquet.

    October 12-15-Prelacy Clergy Gathering for Reflection and Renewal at
    St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.

    November 7 & 8-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 58th
    Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at Armenian Cultural & Educational
    Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts. Meals served from
    11:30 am to 8:30 pm (take out is available). Enjoy delicious meals,
    Armenian pastries, gourmet items, arts and crafts, books, raffles,
    attic treasures. For information: 617-924-7562.

    November 21, 22, 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
    Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners
    (chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made
    delicacies; Boutique
    Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for children;
    Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun; Take-out
    available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional Kavourma
    dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For
    information: 201-943-2950.

    December 6-2014 Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
    Bethesda, Maryland.

    December 7-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
    Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the
    church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk and tasting
    will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock, Connecticut,
    owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger.

    Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
    site.

    To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
    add
    [email protected] to your address book.

    Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
    credit Crossroads as the source.

    Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
    their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
    [email protected]


    From: Baghdasarian
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