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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212--779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
** TOP STORY August 28, 2014
------------------------------------------------------------
Jeremiah
The Prophet Jeremiah as depicted by Michelangelo.
** Jeremiah: Prophet of Sorrow-and Hope
------------------------------------------------------------
The Armenian Church liturgical calendar designates today as the feast
of St. Jeremiah: one of the major prophets of the Bible.
Jeremiah received his prophetic calling in a time of great promise:
the reign of the godly king Josiah, during which a lost book of Moses
(eventually known as Deuteronomy) was re-discovered, and a movement of
spiritual renewal awakened among the Hebrew people.
But the pious king died in battle; his successors were weak and
profligate; and Jeremiah's generation saw its worst fears realized:
the conquest of their holy city, Jerusalem, and the bitter exile of a
nation from its homeland.
Jeremiah documented his painful experiences in the Old Testament book
of his name, as well as in the aptly titled book of Lamentations. As a
result, he became known to the ages as the `weeping prophet.'
Yet even in defeat, Jeremiah was something other than a voice of
doom. To his people he spoke with the words of God; and they were
words of hope, not despair.
Click here (http://bit.ly/1tPcYik?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434) to learn more.
** Scripture of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Is 9:8-19
2 Cor 1:1-11
Mk 4:35-40
** Prayer of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Heavenly King, grant me your kingdom which you promised to your
beloved, and strengthen my heart to hate sin and to love you only and
to do your will. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great
sinner. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
------------------------------------------------------------
2 September: Holy Prophets Ezekiel, Ezra, and Zechariah, Father of John the Baptist
4 September: St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
------------------------------------------------------------
Armenian Church in Myanmar
St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in Yangon, Myanmar.
** An Armenian Outpost in Yangon
------------------------------------------------------------
Today's
BBC News Magazine features a profile of Myanmar's historic Armenian church.
Built in the mid-19th century, at the height of the Armenian presence
in southeast Asia, St. John the Baptist Church is now the last vestige
of the Armenian merchant community that once thrived in Yangon,
Myanmar's largest city.
Still, a handful of local residents are determined to keep the church
open and to preserve the badarak in this all but forgotten Armenian
outpost. `We're part Armenian," parishioner Rachel Minus told the BBC,
`and this church and its services mean a lot to us.'
Click here
(http://bbc.in/1nIMsCg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to read the article on BBC's website.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Boyajian Youth Choir Directors program
Gregory Zohrabian, a participant in this year's BYCDP, looks through
the Divine Liturgy pew book during the group's visit to the Diocesan
Center.
** Boyajian Youth Choir Directors Program
------------------------------------------------------------
The Sacred Music Council of the Eastern Diocese concluded its annual
=80=9CBoyajian Youth Choir Directors Program' (BYCDP) at St. Nersess
Seminary last week. Six young candidates participated in the week-long
program to study Armenian Church hymns, language, liturgical
traditions, and conducting. This year's focus was on the requiem
service and hymns related to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross.
Sacred Music Council chair Dn. Rubik Mailian led the program, teaching
music ministry, vocal music, and basic conducting gestures. Other
members of the Sacred Music Council who assisted Dn. Mailian were the
Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, and
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. The Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian supervised
the young people during their stay at St. Nersess Seminary.
On Wednesday, August 20, program participants traveled to the Diocesan
Center in New York to meet with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate. Archbishop Barsamian commended the students on their
dedication to learning the sacred music of the Armenian Church and
encouraged them to play an active role in their parish choirs.
The BYCDP is a three-year program to prepare young musicians for music
ministry in the church. Click here
(http://smu.gs/1sKg1qf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a gallery of photos.
FAR
Young artists in Tavush.
** Nourishing Minds Through Art
------------------------------------------------------------
More than 300 children in Armenia's Tavush region are now taking part
in a program of extracurricular activities-including Sunday School
classes, sports, dance, crafts, and art classes-thanks to the Fund for
Armenian Relief's `Breaking the Cycle of Poverty" program.
In art class, the children have learned to make still-life drawings,
paint scenes from nature, and knit colorful scarves and hats. Their
artwork is regularly displayed at FAR's regional office in Berd. Click
here
(http://bit.ly/1mYofb7?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to read more on FAR's blog.
The `Breaking the Cycle of Poverty" program was established by the
Mardigian Family Foundation through the largest-ever contribution made
to FAR. The five-year project addresses malnutrition, unemployment,
poverty, and infrastructure weaknesses in Armenia's northeastern
province.
Diocesan Director Search
** Search for Diocesan Director of Administration
------------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Diocese is searching for candidates for the position of
Director of Administration.
Based in New York City, the Director of Administration will be
responsible for the management and operations of the Diocesan Center;
management of the administrative, operations, and business staff; and
coordination of Diocesan programs, in accordance with the directives
and policies established by the Primate and Diocesan Council.
Click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/3aa6a0f8-e2cd-47a5-8439-7f8b64efead0.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Qualified applicants should send resume and cover
letter to the Primate's office at the e-mail address
[email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=Diocesa n%20Director%20Applicant)
.
** PARISH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Gregory of Narek Church, Cleveland, OH
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian blesses grapes on the Feast of Assumption
in Cleveland.
** Cleveland Parish Welcomes Ecumenical Director
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, welcomed Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese's Ecumenical Director, on Sunday, August
17: the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of God. Archbishop
Aykazian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the `Blessing of
Grapes' ceremony. He was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan,
parish pastor.
Later that afternoon, an ecumenical prayer service was held with the
participation of local church leaders and clergy. The prayer service
was organized as part of St. Gregory Church's 50th anniversary
celebration.
The day concluded with the annual church picnic featuring Armenian
food, games, and activities for kids. Click here
(http://stgregoryofnarek.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c4515b703f0e0c3c809d347d5&id=d66369df31&e= 2ac0ca6093&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view photos.
Ecumenical Prayer Service in Chicago
Fr. Aren Jebejian at Chicago's interfaith service last week.
** Prayers for Peace in Chicago
------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, August 18, the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, took part in an
interfaith prayer service in downtown Chicago.
Fr. Jebejian read Psalm 50 at the service, which drew more than 400
participants to pray for peace and to condemn the violence in the
Middle East and the recent turmoil in parts of the United States.
The service was organized by the interfaith organization Council of
Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago.
Bible Study
** Reading Luke in Cheltenham
------------------------------------------------------------
`What did two disheartened followers of Jesus talk about as they
departed Jerusalem after the crucifixion? And what gave them the
courage to return?'
Such questions were the focus of a four-week summer Bible study on the
Gospel of Luke at Holy Trinity Church in Cheltenham, PA. Led by the
Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor, and Nancy Basmajian, the
parish's director of adult Christian education, parishioners worked
together in small groups to explore passages from Luke's gospel.
Reading the story of the Road to Emmaus along with the parables of the
Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, the Bible-study group drew out a
common thread in Luke's gospel on the nature of discipleship and the
spiritual journey of following Christ, being transformed by him, and
committing oneself to his mission.
`I enjoyed this series because of its challenging questions and the
opportunity to hear other people share their views,' remarked parish
council treasurer Don Paretchan, who attended all four sessions. `I
also came to realize the importance of one's faith journey.'
Bible study at Holy Trinity has become a regular feature of parish
life. A six-week study on the Gospel of Mark is planned for the fall.
Garen Sendjian
Armenian basketball talent Garen Spendjian.
** Full Court Press to Cairo
------------------------------------------------------------
In a follow-up to a story we ran in December 2012 about the
establishment of the Armenia Basketball team, the Diocese's newsletter
has received word that team member Garen Spendjian has accepted a
position with the El Shams team of Cairo, Egypt.
Spendjian is a parishioner of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY. Most
recently he played on the Republic of Armenia's national basketball
team as it prepared to take part in Europe's Fédération Internationale
de Basket-ball (FIBA) competition. Under the leadership of head coach
Carl Bardakian, Spendjian and his Armenian teammates traveled to
Yerevan last summer to begin training for the FIBA event.
Now Spendjian is preparing for his new life in Egypt. Click here
(http://bit.ly/1zMzB80?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to read more about his career in the Armenia Basketball team
newsletter.
Concert in Minnesota
Karo Avakian at St. Sahag Church.
** An Evening of Opera in St. Paul
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN, hosted an evening with Los
Angeles-based opera singers Nadima and Karo Avakian on Saturday,
August 23. The couple gave a moving performance of arias by Puccini,
Dvorak, and Spendiaryan, among other composers.
On Sunday, the Avakians sang in the church choir during the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan,
parish pastor. Click here
(http://smu.gs/1qMs1p7?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view photos.
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Mark Church | Springfield, MA
St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, will host its annual Armenian Fest
on Sunday, August 31, from 12 to 7 p.m. on church grounds.
Enjoy shish kebob, losh kebab, and chicken; Armenian sweets; and other
traditional favorites. Entertainment will include performances by the
Ansbigian Armenian band and the September Girls of Wilbraham. For
information, call the church at (413) 783-5793.
Holy Martyrs Church | Bayside, NY
Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, will host its annual Oceania
Street Festival on Saturday, September 6 (from 12 to 8 p.m.), and
Sunday, September 7 (from 12 to 6 p.m.).
The festival features Armenian food, street vendors, dance
performances, games for kids, a raffle, and other activities. The
Vosbikian Band will entertain guests on Saturday, and the Onnik
Dinkjian band will perform on Sunday. Click here
(http://bit.ly/XWnFVQ?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its annual
picnic on September 13 and 14.
Enjoy live Armenian music and dancing under large tents on church
grounds. Dinner on Saturday night will feature kheyma; on Sunday
guests will be served chicken. Armenian shish and losh kebab will also
be available.
Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/images/ea6bcf7e-5538-4e4a-b104-e0179e370674.jpg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer. For more information, visit www.armenianpicnic.com,
or call the church at (401) 272-7712.
Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host the Trinity Family
Festival on Sunday, September 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. on church grounds.
Join the parish for an afternoon of food and fellowship. The day will
feature traditional Armenian food, music by the Greg Krikorian
Ensemble, face-painting and other activities for children, and a
`tavloo challenge.' The blessing of madagh will take place at 4 p.m.
Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Holy_Trinity_Festival_Flyer_2014.pdf?utm_source=Ea stern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or contact the church office at (617)
354-0632, or via e-mail at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY
Registration and the first day of St. Vartan Armenian School will take
place Saturday, September 20, at 10 a.m. Classes are geared towards
children ages 2 to 14, with bi-lingual sessions available. For
information, contact the school principal Shakeh Kadehjian at (718)
729-7265, or e-mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
The Kirikian Armenian Saturday School of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ, will resume classes on Saturday, September 20. The school offers
Armenian language and culture instruction. Registration for new
students will be held on the first day of class. Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/KASFlyer_01.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
Church of Our Saviour | Worcester, MA
The Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, will sponsor its 21st
annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday September 22, at the Sterling
Country Club in Sterling, MA. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. An
awards banquet will follow the day's tournament. Sponsorship
opportunities are available. Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Golf_Tourney_2014.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to learn more and to download registration materials.
** YOUTH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Jerusalem Students at St. Nersess Seminary
Nanar Nakashian and Dikran Enoyan with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
** Jerusalem Students Spend Summer at St. Nersess
------------------------------------------------------------
Two students of the Sts. Tarkmanchatz School of Jerusalem's Armenian
Patriarchate took part in the annual summer conferences at St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary this year.
Nanar Nakashian and Dikran Enoyan joined dozens of other summer
conference participants for Bible study sessions, daily worship,
lectures from clergy and lay leaders, Armenian language instruction,
as well as sports and outings.
This is the ninth year of the unique program, which gives students
from Sts. Tarkmanchatz School an opportunity to study at St. Nersess
Seminary during the summer months. The program was created and
continues to be organized by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Nersess Seminary.
Click here
(http://bit.ly/1q9c9AA?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to visit the seminary's website and to read more.
** EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events at the Zohrab Information Center
** Fall Series at the Diocese's Zohrab Center
------------------------------------------------------------
The Diocese's Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center has announced
its fall schedule of cultural events.
The series opens on Wednesday, September 10, with the screening of the
film Garod (`Yearning') by Frunze Dovlatyan. Released in 1990, the
film explores such topics as nationalism and genocide through the
lives of villagers on the Armenia-Turkish border in the 1930s. Writer
and filmmaker Christopher Atamian will give a brief introduction at
the September 10 screening.
Other events scheduled for the fall include discussions of Armenian
architecture, a talk on the canonization of the martyrs of the
Armenian Genocide, an evening of poetry, and a presentation on the
Armenian community of Azerbaijan. Click here
(http://bit.ly/VTiKD2?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view the full schedule.
Prayer Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
** Come Pray at St. Vartan Cathedral
------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning on Tuesday, September 2, morning and evening prayer services
will take place every Tuesday through Friday at St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral, under the leadership of the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon
Kiledjian, cathedral dean, and clergy of the Diocese.
The Morning Service (Aravodyan zham) will begin at 8 a.m., and the
Evening Service (Yeregoyan zham) will begin at 6 p.m. Each service
will last 30 minutes and include psalmody, prayers, and hymns.
All members of the Armenian Church, along with their friends, family,
and work colleagues, are warmly invited to join in the Armenian
Church's prayer to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bike for Independence Day
** Ride for Armenian Independence
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and the Permanent Mission of the
Republic of Armenia to the United Nations will host a bike ride in New
York in observance of Armenia's Independence Day next month.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, beginning at 9:30
a.m. Riders will proceed from 34th Street to West 12th Street and
return to the cathedral for lunch.
Vasken Melikian, Lebanon cycling champion and Guinness World Record
holder for towing a car by bicycle the farthest distance, will be the
day's featured participant.
The event is free, but prospective participants are asked to RSVP by
Wednesday, September 17, by contacting Maria Barsoumian at the
Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710, ext. 136, or at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212--779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
** TOP STORY August 28, 2014
------------------------------------------------------------
Jeremiah
The Prophet Jeremiah as depicted by Michelangelo.
** Jeremiah: Prophet of Sorrow-and Hope
------------------------------------------------------------
The Armenian Church liturgical calendar designates today as the feast
of St. Jeremiah: one of the major prophets of the Bible.
Jeremiah received his prophetic calling in a time of great promise:
the reign of the godly king Josiah, during which a lost book of Moses
(eventually known as Deuteronomy) was re-discovered, and a movement of
spiritual renewal awakened among the Hebrew people.
But the pious king died in battle; his successors were weak and
profligate; and Jeremiah's generation saw its worst fears realized:
the conquest of their holy city, Jerusalem, and the bitter exile of a
nation from its homeland.
Jeremiah documented his painful experiences in the Old Testament book
of his name, as well as in the aptly titled book of Lamentations. As a
result, he became known to the ages as the `weeping prophet.'
Yet even in defeat, Jeremiah was something other than a voice of
doom. To his people he spoke with the words of God; and they were
words of hope, not despair.
Click here (http://bit.ly/1tPcYik?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434) to learn more.
** Scripture of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Is 9:8-19
2 Cor 1:1-11
Mk 4:35-40
** Prayer of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Heavenly King, grant me your kingdom which you promised to your
beloved, and strengthen my heart to hate sin and to love you only and
to do your will. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great
sinner. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
------------------------------------------------------------
2 September: Holy Prophets Ezekiel, Ezra, and Zechariah, Father of John the Baptist
4 September: St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
------------------------------------------------------------
Armenian Church in Myanmar
St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in Yangon, Myanmar.
** An Armenian Outpost in Yangon
------------------------------------------------------------
Today's
BBC News Magazine features a profile of Myanmar's historic Armenian church.
Built in the mid-19th century, at the height of the Armenian presence
in southeast Asia, St. John the Baptist Church is now the last vestige
of the Armenian merchant community that once thrived in Yangon,
Myanmar's largest city.
Still, a handful of local residents are determined to keep the church
open and to preserve the badarak in this all but forgotten Armenian
outpost. `We're part Armenian," parishioner Rachel Minus told the BBC,
`and this church and its services mean a lot to us.'
Click here
(http://bbc.in/1nIMsCg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to read the article on BBC's website.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Boyajian Youth Choir Directors program
Gregory Zohrabian, a participant in this year's BYCDP, looks through
the Divine Liturgy pew book during the group's visit to the Diocesan
Center.
** Boyajian Youth Choir Directors Program
------------------------------------------------------------
The Sacred Music Council of the Eastern Diocese concluded its annual
=80=9CBoyajian Youth Choir Directors Program' (BYCDP) at St. Nersess
Seminary last week. Six young candidates participated in the week-long
program to study Armenian Church hymns, language, liturgical
traditions, and conducting. This year's focus was on the requiem
service and hymns related to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross.
Sacred Music Council chair Dn. Rubik Mailian led the program, teaching
music ministry, vocal music, and basic conducting gestures. Other
members of the Sacred Music Council who assisted Dn. Mailian were the
Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, and
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. The Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian supervised
the young people during their stay at St. Nersess Seminary.
On Wednesday, August 20, program participants traveled to the Diocesan
Center in New York to meet with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate. Archbishop Barsamian commended the students on their
dedication to learning the sacred music of the Armenian Church and
encouraged them to play an active role in their parish choirs.
The BYCDP is a three-year program to prepare young musicians for music
ministry in the church. Click here
(http://smu.gs/1sKg1qf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a gallery of photos.
FAR
Young artists in Tavush.
** Nourishing Minds Through Art
------------------------------------------------------------
More than 300 children in Armenia's Tavush region are now taking part
in a program of extracurricular activities-including Sunday School
classes, sports, dance, crafts, and art classes-thanks to the Fund for
Armenian Relief's `Breaking the Cycle of Poverty" program.
In art class, the children have learned to make still-life drawings,
paint scenes from nature, and knit colorful scarves and hats. Their
artwork is regularly displayed at FAR's regional office in Berd. Click
here
(http://bit.ly/1mYofb7?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to read more on FAR's blog.
The `Breaking the Cycle of Poverty" program was established by the
Mardigian Family Foundation through the largest-ever contribution made
to FAR. The five-year project addresses malnutrition, unemployment,
poverty, and infrastructure weaknesses in Armenia's northeastern
province.
Diocesan Director Search
** Search for Diocesan Director of Administration
------------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Diocese is searching for candidates for the position of
Director of Administration.
Based in New York City, the Director of Administration will be
responsible for the management and operations of the Diocesan Center;
management of the administrative, operations, and business staff; and
coordination of Diocesan programs, in accordance with the directives
and policies established by the Primate and Diocesan Council.
Click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/3aa6a0f8-e2cd-47a5-8439-7f8b64efead0.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Qualified applicants should send resume and cover
letter to the Primate's office at the e-mail address
[email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=Diocesa n%20Director%20Applicant)
.
** PARISH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Gregory of Narek Church, Cleveland, OH
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian blesses grapes on the Feast of Assumption
in Cleveland.
** Cleveland Parish Welcomes Ecumenical Director
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, welcomed Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese's Ecumenical Director, on Sunday, August
17: the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of God. Archbishop
Aykazian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the `Blessing of
Grapes' ceremony. He was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan,
parish pastor.
Later that afternoon, an ecumenical prayer service was held with the
participation of local church leaders and clergy. The prayer service
was organized as part of St. Gregory Church's 50th anniversary
celebration.
The day concluded with the annual church picnic featuring Armenian
food, games, and activities for kids. Click here
(http://stgregoryofnarek.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c4515b703f0e0c3c809d347d5&id=d66369df31&e= 2ac0ca6093&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view photos.
Ecumenical Prayer Service in Chicago
Fr. Aren Jebejian at Chicago's interfaith service last week.
** Prayers for Peace in Chicago
------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, August 18, the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, took part in an
interfaith prayer service in downtown Chicago.
Fr. Jebejian read Psalm 50 at the service, which drew more than 400
participants to pray for peace and to condemn the violence in the
Middle East and the recent turmoil in parts of the United States.
The service was organized by the interfaith organization Council of
Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago.
Bible Study
** Reading Luke in Cheltenham
------------------------------------------------------------
`What did two disheartened followers of Jesus talk about as they
departed Jerusalem after the crucifixion? And what gave them the
courage to return?'
Such questions were the focus of a four-week summer Bible study on the
Gospel of Luke at Holy Trinity Church in Cheltenham, PA. Led by the
Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor, and Nancy Basmajian, the
parish's director of adult Christian education, parishioners worked
together in small groups to explore passages from Luke's gospel.
Reading the story of the Road to Emmaus along with the parables of the
Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, the Bible-study group drew out a
common thread in Luke's gospel on the nature of discipleship and the
spiritual journey of following Christ, being transformed by him, and
committing oneself to his mission.
`I enjoyed this series because of its challenging questions and the
opportunity to hear other people share their views,' remarked parish
council treasurer Don Paretchan, who attended all four sessions. `I
also came to realize the importance of one's faith journey.'
Bible study at Holy Trinity has become a regular feature of parish
life. A six-week study on the Gospel of Mark is planned for the fall.
Garen Sendjian
Armenian basketball talent Garen Spendjian.
** Full Court Press to Cairo
------------------------------------------------------------
In a follow-up to a story we ran in December 2012 about the
establishment of the Armenia Basketball team, the Diocese's newsletter
has received word that team member Garen Spendjian has accepted a
position with the El Shams team of Cairo, Egypt.
Spendjian is a parishioner of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY. Most
recently he played on the Republic of Armenia's national basketball
team as it prepared to take part in Europe's Fédération Internationale
de Basket-ball (FIBA) competition. Under the leadership of head coach
Carl Bardakian, Spendjian and his Armenian teammates traveled to
Yerevan last summer to begin training for the FIBA event.
Now Spendjian is preparing for his new life in Egypt. Click here
(http://bit.ly/1zMzB80?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to read more about his career in the Armenia Basketball team
newsletter.
Concert in Minnesota
Karo Avakian at St. Sahag Church.
** An Evening of Opera in St. Paul
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN, hosted an evening with Los
Angeles-based opera singers Nadima and Karo Avakian on Saturday,
August 23. The couple gave a moving performance of arias by Puccini,
Dvorak, and Spendiaryan, among other composers.
On Sunday, the Avakians sang in the church choir during the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan,
parish pastor. Click here
(http://smu.gs/1qMs1p7?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view photos.
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Mark Church | Springfield, MA
St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, will host its annual Armenian Fest
on Sunday, August 31, from 12 to 7 p.m. on church grounds.
Enjoy shish kebob, losh kebab, and chicken; Armenian sweets; and other
traditional favorites. Entertainment will include performances by the
Ansbigian Armenian band and the September Girls of Wilbraham. For
information, call the church at (413) 783-5793.
Holy Martyrs Church | Bayside, NY
Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, will host its annual Oceania
Street Festival on Saturday, September 6 (from 12 to 8 p.m.), and
Sunday, September 7 (from 12 to 6 p.m.).
The festival features Armenian food, street vendors, dance
performances, games for kids, a raffle, and other activities. The
Vosbikian Band will entertain guests on Saturday, and the Onnik
Dinkjian band will perform on Sunday. Click here
(http://bit.ly/XWnFVQ?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its annual
picnic on September 13 and 14.
Enjoy live Armenian music and dancing under large tents on church
grounds. Dinner on Saturday night will feature kheyma; on Sunday
guests will be served chicken. Armenian shish and losh kebab will also
be available.
Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/images/ea6bcf7e-5538-4e4a-b104-e0179e370674.jpg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer. For more information, visit www.armenianpicnic.com,
or call the church at (401) 272-7712.
Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host the Trinity Family
Festival on Sunday, September 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. on church grounds.
Join the parish for an afternoon of food and fellowship. The day will
feature traditional Armenian food, music by the Greg Krikorian
Ensemble, face-painting and other activities for children, and a
`tavloo challenge.' The blessing of madagh will take place at 4 p.m.
Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Holy_Trinity_Festival_Flyer_2014.pdf?utm_source=Ea stern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or contact the church office at (617)
354-0632, or via e-mail at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY
Registration and the first day of St. Vartan Armenian School will take
place Saturday, September 20, at 10 a.m. Classes are geared towards
children ages 2 to 14, with bi-lingual sessions available. For
information, contact the school principal Shakeh Kadehjian at (718)
729-7265, or e-mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
The Kirikian Armenian Saturday School of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ, will resume classes on Saturday, September 20. The school offers
Armenian language and culture instruction. Registration for new
students will be held on the first day of class. Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/KASFlyer_01.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
Church of Our Saviour | Worcester, MA
The Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, will sponsor its 21st
annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday September 22, at the Sterling
Country Club in Sterling, MA. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. An
awards banquet will follow the day's tournament. Sponsorship
opportunities are available. Click here
(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Golf_Tourney_2014.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to learn more and to download registration materials.
** YOUTH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Jerusalem Students at St. Nersess Seminary
Nanar Nakashian and Dikran Enoyan with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
** Jerusalem Students Spend Summer at St. Nersess
------------------------------------------------------------
Two students of the Sts. Tarkmanchatz School of Jerusalem's Armenian
Patriarchate took part in the annual summer conferences at St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary this year.
Nanar Nakashian and Dikran Enoyan joined dozens of other summer
conference participants for Bible study sessions, daily worship,
lectures from clergy and lay leaders, Armenian language instruction,
as well as sports and outings.
This is the ninth year of the unique program, which gives students
from Sts. Tarkmanchatz School an opportunity to study at St. Nersess
Seminary during the summer months. The program was created and
continues to be organized by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Nersess Seminary.
Click here
(http://bit.ly/1q9c9AA?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to visit the seminary's website and to read more.
** EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events at the Zohrab Information Center
** Fall Series at the Diocese's Zohrab Center
------------------------------------------------------------
The Diocese's Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center has announced
its fall schedule of cultural events.
The series opens on Wednesday, September 10, with the screening of the
film Garod (`Yearning') by Frunze Dovlatyan. Released in 1990, the
film explores such topics as nationalism and genocide through the
lives of villagers on the Armenia-Turkish border in the 1930s. Writer
and filmmaker Christopher Atamian will give a brief introduction at
the September 10 screening.
Other events scheduled for the fall include discussions of Armenian
architecture, a talk on the canonization of the martyrs of the
Armenian Genocide, an evening of poetry, and a presentation on the
Armenian community of Azerbaijan. Click here
(http://bit.ly/VTiKD2?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=f063f9e651-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-f063f9e651-159688434)
to view the full schedule.
Prayer Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
** Come Pray at St. Vartan Cathedral
------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning on Tuesday, September 2, morning and evening prayer services
will take place every Tuesday through Friday at St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral, under the leadership of the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon
Kiledjian, cathedral dean, and clergy of the Diocese.
The Morning Service (Aravodyan zham) will begin at 8 a.m., and the
Evening Service (Yeregoyan zham) will begin at 6 p.m. Each service
will last 30 minutes and include psalmody, prayers, and hymns.
All members of the Armenian Church, along with their friends, family,
and work colleagues, are warmly invited to join in the Armenian
Church's prayer to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bike for Independence Day
** Ride for Armenian Independence
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and the Permanent Mission of the
Republic of Armenia to the United Nations will host a bike ride in New
York in observance of Armenia's Independence Day next month.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, beginning at 9:30
a.m. Riders will proceed from 34th Street to West 12th Street and
return to the cathedral for lunch.
Vasken Melikian, Lebanon cycling champion and Guinness World Record
holder for towing a car by bicycle the farthest distance, will be the
day's featured participant.
The event is free, but prospective participants are asked to RSVP by
Wednesday, September 17, by contacting Maria Barsoumian at the
Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710, ext. 136, or at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .