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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/
PARISHES WILL PRESENT `THE YEAR OF THE ELDERLY' MESSAGE SUNDAY
The message issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, declaring the year 2014 as `The Year of the Elderly'
will be presented this Sunday, February 16, during the Divine Liturgy
at parishes under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy.
In his Pontifical Message, the Catholicos noted that the early Church
Fathers gave an important place to the elderly in their writings in
biblical commentaries and church history. `The presence and role of
the elderly in society as depicted in the Bible and by our Church
Fathers, as well as
in the pages of our people's history, clearly portray the elderly as
being prudent, tranquil, righteous, sober, and experienced.... Indeed,
the elder generation is the lifeline of society, the foundation of the
family, and one of the strong footholds of any organization. Our
people must show a high level of care, love, attention, and respect
for their elders.'
On this occasion His Holiness has asked the prelacies under the Holy
See of Cilicia and all affiliated community organizations to organize
events during 2014, `taking into consideration these thoughts and
expectations that will strengthen the care, love, and respect we have
for the elder generation. We pray to Almighty God to keep in his
heavenly care and protection our fathers and mothers in their advanced
age, and fill their lives with
good health, happiness, and abundant goodness.'
You can read Catholicos Aram's Pontifical Message in Armenian
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/8ey69) or English
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/o7y69).
IN MEMORIAM
ARCHPRIEST FR. DR. GORUN SHRIKIAN
1929-2014
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and the Religious and
Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America
announce with deep sorrow the passing of Archpriest Fr. Dr. Gorun
Shrikian
who died Tuesday, February 11, 2014, in Dearborn, Michigan.
Visiting hours will take place on Thursday, February 13, 6 to 9
p.m. at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 19300 Ford Road,
Dearborn, Michigan, where Der Gorun served as pastor for more than
thirty years. Visiting hours will continue on Friday evening, February
14, 6 to 9 p.m., with the Dan Gark
(Homecoming / Wake) service at 7 p.m. The final consecration (Extreme
Unction) will take place Saturday, February 15, during the Divine
Liturgy, which will begin at 10 a.m., at St. Sarkis Church, with
Archbishop Oshagan officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Hills
Memorial Garden Cemetery in
Novi, Michigan. A Memorial Luncheon will follow at 3 p.m. in the
St. Sarkis Church hall.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Der Gorun's immediate survivors
that include his three children, Anie, Dirouhie, and Movses,
grandchildren, his brother Archpriest Fr. Nareg Shrikian, and his
sister Mrs. Sosy Bidanian. His wife, Yeretzgin Arpine, predeceased
him.
May his memory shine forever with our Lord and Savior, whom he served
so faithfully.
PRELATE AT ST. SARKIS (NY) THIS SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon this Sunday at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, on
the occasion
of the Feast of St. Sarkis. A luncheon and special name day cultural
program will follow the services.
PRESENTATION OF `COMMENTARY ON THE NICENE CREED'
AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
Parishioners of St. Sarkis Church of Dearborn, Michigan, braved the
snow last Sunday, February 9 and attended the Divine Liturgy and many
stayed after the Badarak for a book presentation: Commentary on the
Nicene Creed by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, of blessed memory. The
presentation was made by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of
the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), who
translated the book into English.
After the introduction by Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church, Dn. Shant spoke about the origin and importance of creeds in
general and the Nicene Creed in particular. He then spoke briefly
about the late archbishop Zareh, his manifold gifts and talents and
contributions. Dn. Shant presented the book, its structure and
content, highlighting various elements and their ramifications for us
today. A lively question and answer session ensued.
The Commentary on the Nicene Creed is available at the Prelacy's
bookstore. To order, please email [email protected] or call
212-689-7810.
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC) presents the Commentary on the Nicene Creed
at St.
Sarkis Church.
GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
The annual clergy gathering on the occasion of the Feast of
St. Ghevont and the Priests will take place February 24 to 26. Clergy
from the Eastern and Canadian Prelacies will be meeting jointly this
year at Holy Cross Church
in Troy, New York.
MUSICAL ARMENIA: MARCH 28
The 31st Musical Armenia concert will take place Friday evening (8
pm), March 28, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, featuring Narek
Arutyunian (clarinet) and Friends (Hahnsol Kim, violin; and Yun-Chin
Zhou, piano). For more information click here
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/4zz69).
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. Watch for details.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 16, Sunday of the Catechumens,
are: Isaiah 63:7-8; 2 Timothy 3:1-12; John 6:22-38.
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea
saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus
had not got
into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away
alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they
had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd
saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves
got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him,
=80=9CRabbi, when did you come here?' Jesus answered them, `Very
truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs,
but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food
that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which
the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.' Then they said to him, `What must we do to perform the
works of God?' Jesus answered them, `This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent.' So they said to him, =80=9CWhat sign
are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?
What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the
wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to
eat.'' Then Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell
you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my
Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God
is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'
They said to him, `Sir, give us this bread always.'
Jesus said to them, `I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But
I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything
that
the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will
never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own
will, but
the will of him who sent me. (John 6:22-38)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/ks069).
THE PROPHET JONAH
Today, Thursday, February 13, the Armenian Church remembers the
Prophet Jonah (Hovnan), one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The Minor
Prophets are not considered less important that those called Major
Prophets, but their books
in the Bible are shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were servants of
God who proclaimed His will to people in need of repentance.
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories in
the
Old Testament. Jonah's feast falls on the last day of the Fast of the
Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented from
their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this preliminary
fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential season of the
year.
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST TO THE TEMPLE (DYARNUNTARACH)
Tomorrow, Friday, February 14, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Presentation of Jesus to the Temple (Dyarnuntarch in Armenian, which
literally means `going forward to the Lord'). This feast always falls
on February 14-forty days after the Nativity (January 6). Forty days
after the birth of Christ, Mary obeyed Mosaic Law and presented her
son to
the temple (Numbers 18:15). In the temple, a righteous and devout man
named Simeon to whom it was revealed that he would not see death
before he had seen the Lord, took Jesus in his arms, blessed God and
said, `Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according
to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have
prepared in the presence
of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory
to your people Israel.' (See Luke 2:22-40).
Some pre-Christian Armenian customs have been incorporated into this
feast, including one that remains popular to this day, especially in
the Middle East and Armenia. In recent years the tradition has been
revived here in the United States as well. On the eve of the feast, a
bonfire is lit outside of the church using a flame from the
altar. Young people, especially newlyweds, gather around the fire and
as the flames subside, the young men leap over the flames. The light
of the bonfire is symbolic of Christ, who is the Everlasting Light of
the world.
ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, February 15, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Sarkis the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful
soldiers. This is a moveable feast that can occur between January 11
and February 15. It follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the
fast is not connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be
associated with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the
`fast of St. Sarkis.'
Sarkis lived during the fourth century in Cappadocia. He rose through
the military ranks because of his valiant campaign on behalf of the
Emperor Constantine. With the accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took
refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they joined the Persian army to
fight Julian. Father
and son fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur
II, tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and
embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and they were martyred. Fourteen
loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the bodies were also
martyred. Eventually, other Christians successfully retrieved the
remains and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth
century when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city
of Karpi in Vaspurakan, Armenia. A monastery was built over the site
of the graves.
LENTEN LECTURES BEGIN MARCH 5
The 2014 Lenten Lectures will begin on Wednesday, March 5, and
continue through subsequent Wednesdays during Lent. The theme of the
lectures will be The Nicene Creed, based on the recently published
Commentary on the Nicene Creed, by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, of
blessed memory. The newly published bilingual book was translated by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).
The lecturers include: Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of
the Eastern Prelacy; Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of
St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts; Archpriest Fr. Nerses
Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York; and Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC.
The Prelacy's Lenten Lectures continue a decades-old tradition. The
series is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council, the
Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), and the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator's
Cathedral. The lectures take place at the Cathedral, 221 East 27th
Street, New York City, with church service at 7:30 pm; Lecture and Q &
A at 8 pm; Table Fellowship at 8:45 pm.
For information contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810, or
[email protected] or the Cathedral office at 212-689-5880.
HYER BAND IN PERFORMANCE
The HYER Band that currently features eleven young musicians playing
brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments, performed at the
Armenian Center in Woodside, New York, last Sunday. The event was
under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminator's Cathedral
in New York City, who congratulated the group and wished them further
success.
The band, under the direction of Mr. Samvel Nersisyan, thrilled the
audience with their interpretation of Armenian, European, and American
selections.
Samvel Nersisyan, musical director, Armine Vardanyan, pianist, and
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian with the youthful band members.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
CATHOLICOS RESPONDS TO EUROPEAN COURT
Last week His Holiness Aram I met with the Swiss Ambassador to
Lebanon, Her Excellency Ruth Flint, concerning the recent decision of
the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the denial of the
Armenian Genocide. During the meeting, His Holiness expressed his
indignation at the decision of the ECHR. The Catholicos stated that
this ruling not only questions the truth of the Armenian Genocide, but
it also sets a precedent for other genocides. He
expressed solidarity with Swiss authorities for any measures they
might take to overturn the decision. Ambassador Flint told the
Catholicos that Swiss embassies all over the world were receiving
letters protesting the ECHR. His Holiness also contacted the
Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches in Bern, who told him that
they were pursuing the issue with the Federal Minister of Justice.
This week the Catholicos sent a letter to the Federal Counselor of the
Department of Justice and Police and expressed the indignation of
Armenians with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on
the Perencik case condemning Switzerland. In his letter, His Holiness
wrote: `Legitimization of negationism of the Armenian Genocide by the
ECHR not only deepens the wound of victimization, but also insinuates
contempt and racism against our people; it strengthens the position of
those in Turkey who use hate language to hinder all processes aiming
at truth and justice.'
CILICIAN REPRESENTATIVES CONFER WITH WCC
ON 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION
Representatives of the Catholicosate of Cilicia met with the Moderator
and
General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) this week in
Geneva. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, a member of the Executive
Committee, and Ms. Teny Pirri-Simonian, a member of the Central
Committee, met with Dr. Agnes Abuom (General Secretary) and Rev. Olav
Fykse Tveit (General Secretary) to discuss the WCC 10th Assembly's
Minute regarding the WCC's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide.
Archbishop Nareg conveyed the greetings of His Holiness Aram I, and
informed the Moderator and General Secretary of the activities the
Catholicosate of Cilicia has planned for the commemoration. In view
of the Minute adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly concerning the 100th
anniversary, it was decided: 1) To organize the international
consultation recommended y the Assembly between February and March
2015; 2) To consider a theme on `Impunity `that the WCC had discussed
and around which the Catholicosate of Cilicia had organized an
international conference; and 3) nominate a small committee to assist
the staff in planning the conference.
The General Secretary agreed to invite the Armenian members of the
Central
Committee of the WCC to accompany the staff in implementing the
recommendations of the assembly. The members are: Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian and Ms. Paula Der Matevossian (Holy See of Etchmiadzin); and
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian and Ms. Teny Pirri-Simonian (Holy See of
Cilicia).
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
A New York Times article headline from March 17, 1921
The February Revolt
(February 18, 1921)
The government of the Republic of Armenia transferred the power to the
incoming Armenian Bolsheviks on December 2, 1921, and the first
independence came to an end: Armenia became a Soviet republic,
nominally independent. The
Military-Revolutionary Committee (Revkom) led by Sarkis Kasian arrived
in Yerevan on December 6.
The transference of government and loss of independence had been the
choice between the lesser of two evils. On the west, Armenia had been
defeated by the Turkish nationalist forces that responded to Mustafa
Kemal, which had
occupied Alexandropol, and the danger of a new massacre that would
complete the genocide loomed over the country. It was expected that
the new government, while dealing with the Turks with the sponsorship
of Soviet Russia, would also address the myriad of problems that
affected the exhausted population.
This did not happen. The newcomers, instead, caught in the fever of
revolution and war communism, tried to apply to Armenia the same
recipes that were being practiced in Soviet Russia. Food was
requisitioned from the starving population to be sent to Russia as
`help from the Armenian workers.' Repression against the former
government and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation started. In late
December about 1,200 high-ranking officers of the army of independent
Armenia were arrested, including the heroes of the May 1918 battles,
like generals Tovmas Nazarbekian, Movses Silikian, Daniel
Bek-Pirumian, and Dro. They were forced to walk from Yerevan to
Alaverdi (about 100 miles), and then dispatched to prisons in Baku and
Russia; Daniel Bek-Pirumian, hero of the battle of Sardarabad, was
shot in the Yerevan prison in February 1921.
Economic suffering and political violence led to the brewing of a
popular movement to put an end to the situation. In February 1921 many
prominent A.R.F. members, who had also been active in the years of the
Republic, like Levon Shant, Nikol Aghbalian, and Hovhannes Kajaznuni,
were arrested. Some of them were killed in prison by Azeri killers
armed with axes. Others were saved by the rebellion, which started on
February 13 amid a group of refugees from Sasun who had settled on the
foot of Mount Aragatz. In the next four days, the rebel forces, now
headed by members of the A.R.F. who had eluded persecution, took
Ashtarak, Echmiadzin, Garni, and Hrazdan. Yerevan was liberated on
February 18 and the Bolshevik-led Military Revolutionary Committee
retreated. The rebellion had been helped by the fact that the troops
of
the XI Red Army had been taken out of Armenia to participate in the
sovietization of Georgia.
On February 18 the independence of Armenia was again proclaimed and
the =80=9CCommittee for the Salvation of the Homeland' took power
under the leadership of the last prime minister of the independent
Republic, Simon Vratzian. It issued an order that stated: `The
Bolshevik regime
in Armenia has been eliminated. Until the formation of a government,
the whole authority is in the hands of the Committee for the Salvation
of the Homeland.' A message to the delegation of the Republic of
Armenia and
to the leaders of the world powers, sent on the same day, remained
unanswered. A response to a message sent to Georgia was received on
February 21, when the Armenian embassy was reopened in
Tiflis. However, four days later Georgia fell to the Soviet forces,
and the rebellion in Armenia was left alone against the Communist
forces. There was no help from the outside world, because it was
obvious that the rebellion would fail sooner or later; the Soviet
forces in Armenia had the support of Soviet Russia.
Bloody battles took place between the opposing sides during the
short-lived period of freedom. The Bolsheviks attacked Yerevan on
February 27, but were forced to retreat on March 1. After a two-week
stop, they attacked again
and briefly took Ashtarak, but were repelled on March 17. However, the
numerical superiority of the Bolsheviks became crucial. Their great
offensive started on March 24 and nine days later, on April 2, Yerevan
fell.
The A.R.F. forces retreated without opposing serious resistance to
avoid the destruction of the capital. Thousands of people, both
civilians and soldiers, retreated to Zangezur, where the Republic of
Mountainous Armenia had been formed, and joined the forces of Garegin
Nzhdeh. The resistance ended in July, while the refugees and the
leaders of the rebellion had already crossed the border to Persia.
The reasons of the revolt were later discussed by the Bolshevik
authorities in Russia and the Military-Revolutionary Committee was
replaced in April 1921 by the Council of People's Commissars, led by
Alexander Miasnikian until his death in 1925, whose policies ensured a
more tolerant treatment of the population, the end of the rebellion,
and the partial return of some of the refugees from Persia.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE (http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/0k169) 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
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
What Do You Prefer to Pick Up?
How many people out there are not afraid of picking and reading
weighty tomes? (Users of Kindle and Nook, so-called `tree huggers,'
and the like are excused). But probably any of them will gladly pick
up a couple of Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ½ or Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ½Õ¡Õ¯ (Western Armenian doms or
domsag, Classical/Eastern Armenian toms or tomsak).
Otherwise, they would not be able to set foot in a theater or board a
plane without a `ticket.'
(The same as French billet `ticket,' both Armenian words have also
another meaning: when you scribble a short message to someone, you
say that you have written a doms or a domsag.)
Interesting, tome and doms/domsag `ticket' come from the same place,
even though they are so different in size and weight. How come?
We know that a tome is a book, especially a heavy one. The word comes
from
French tome (equivalent to English volume, as in `two-volume book'),
but its ultimate origin, via Latin, is Greek Ï=84Ï=8CμοÏ=82 (tomos
`section, roll of papyrus, volume'). The diminutive of this word is
Ï=84ομαÏ=81ίÏ=89ν (tomarion `small volume'). In the fifth century
A.D., Armenian had borrowed both words from Greek
The abovementioned Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ½ (toms), with the meaning of
=80=9Csection,' which later evolved into a piece of paper to mean a
`ticket' or a billet, and the addition of the diminutive suffix Õ¡Õ¯
(ag/ak);
The word Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Ö=80 (tomar, Western Armenian domar), with the
meaning of `section, volume,' but also `calendar.' That's why today we
use domar both in the sense of
`registry book' (a bookkeeper is called a Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Ö=80Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¬
/domaragal ) and `calendar' (Õ=80Õ¡Õµ ÔµÕ¯Õ¥Õ²Õ¥Ö=81Ö=82Õ¸Õµ
Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Ö=80 /Hay Yegeghetsvo domar `calendar of the Armenian
Church').
You will be surprised to learn that tome, doms, and domar are also
related
to another little English word: atom. Atoms were thought to be
indivisible, hence the name (a-tom `non-divisible'), even though
they found out that they were actually divisible at the turn of the
twentieth century! Incidentally, Armenian, unlike English and other
Western languages, has a word of its own to say `atom,' which, by the
way, is also... of Greek origin: Õ°Õ«Ö=82Õ¬Õ§ (hiwle).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
A SPECIAL `GIVE-AWAY' SALE FOR CROSSROAD READERS
PURCHASE A COPY OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED
HISTORICAL ATLAS OF ARMENIA
This 110 page Atlas includes 30 maps, 174 photographs, and an
accompanying
CD with all of the maps. A great educational resource for everyone.
$40.00 plus shipping & handling
AND RECEIVE FREE:
Armenia in Ancient and Medieval Times
By Robert Bedrosian
A 94-page soft cover book suitable for students aged 9 to 13.
OR
The following five workbooks FREE.
1. Elements of Armenian Church Architecture;
2. The Land of the Armenians;
3. My Origins: Discovering and Recording Family History;
4. Khatchkars: Armenian Stone Crosses;
5. Medieval Armenian Costumes: Paper Cut-Outs to color and display.
To take advantage of this special offer, or order baptismal towels
contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or
telephone (212-689-7810).
To take advantage of this special offer, or order baptismal towels
contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or
telephone (212-689-7810).
MONDAY IS PRESIDENTS DAY
This Monday, February 17, is Presidents Day, a federal holiday in the
United States. All federal and state offices, post offices, banks,
stock exchange, and most businesses are closed. The holiday was
created by Congress as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an
attempt to create more three-day
weekends. Presidents Day was ostensibly to honor the birthdays of
Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22); it
is now increasingly touted as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents,
past and present. Truth be told, it's become a day to shop at the
Mall. Sorry, George
and Abe.
SNOW, COLD, WIND
All along the East Coast (even as far south as Georgia) and the
Midwest it
has been a winter of frequent snow, frigid cold and strong winds. At
this moment another snow and ice storm is making its way up the
coast. Spring begins March 20.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2014 Prelacy Lenten Program, on Wednesdays, starting March 5, at
St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral (New York City),
Sponsored by
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies
Guild (PLG), and the St. Illuminator's Cathedral Ladies Guild. For
information, please contact the Prelacy office at 212.689.7810, or
[email protected] or the Church office at 212-689-5880 or
[email protected].
February 24-26-Annual Clergy Ghevontiantz Gathering hosted by Holy
Cross Church, 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York.
March 1-St. Sarkis Sunday School, Dearborn, Michigan, Poon Paregentan
Costume Party for everyone, at Lillian Arakelian Hall.
March 2-St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, Poon Paregentan
Manti Luncheon and Program, at John Pashalian Hall, 1 pm, sponsored by
the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral. Admission $30.
March 8-Sunday Teachers' Seminar for NY-NJ region, at
St. Illuminator's Armenian Cathedral (New York City), sponsored by the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Theme: The Nicene Creed.
March 26-St. Sarkis Ladies Guild, Dearborn, Michigan, Mid-Lenten
Luncheon following the Lenten morning service, Lillian Arakelian Hall.
March 28-Musical Armenia Concert presented by Eastern Prelacy and
Prelacy Ladies Guild, at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm,
featuring
Narek Arutyunian (clarinet) & Friends, Hahnsol Kim (violin) and
Yunqing Zhou (piano).
March 27-April 6-Third Annual Online Auction hosted by Armenian Relief
Society, Eastern USA, Inc. Auction items include Weekend Getaways,
Unique Gifts, Restaurants, Hotels, Spa and Salon Services, Jewelry,
Electronics, Artwork, Sports Memorabilia, and more. To view and bid on
auction items during the auction dates:
www.biddingforgood.com/arseastusa. To contact the ARS Auction
committee: [email protected].
March 29-Concert by Zulal Armenian A Capella Folk Trio at Holy Trinity
Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 4 pm, followed by a reception in the
church hall. Tickets $25, if purchased before March 8; $30 after March
8. To purchase tickets email Janis at [email protected] or Carol at
[email protected]. Also online at
http://zulal.ticketleap.com/zulal/. For information call the church,
508-852-2414.
April 5-Sunday School Teachers' Seminar - New England region, at
St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, Watertown, Massachusetts,
sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Theme:
The Nicene Creed.
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.
June 1-Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
June 1-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Toronto Children's Choir
concert in the church sanctuary.
June 29-July 6-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) of the Eastern Prelacy. For information, contact the
AREC office at 212.689.7810 or at [email protected].
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/
PARISHES WILL PRESENT `THE YEAR OF THE ELDERLY' MESSAGE SUNDAY
The message issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, declaring the year 2014 as `The Year of the Elderly'
will be presented this Sunday, February 16, during the Divine Liturgy
at parishes under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy.
In his Pontifical Message, the Catholicos noted that the early Church
Fathers gave an important place to the elderly in their writings in
biblical commentaries and church history. `The presence and role of
the elderly in society as depicted in the Bible and by our Church
Fathers, as well as
in the pages of our people's history, clearly portray the elderly as
being prudent, tranquil, righteous, sober, and experienced.... Indeed,
the elder generation is the lifeline of society, the foundation of the
family, and one of the strong footholds of any organization. Our
people must show a high level of care, love, attention, and respect
for their elders.'
On this occasion His Holiness has asked the prelacies under the Holy
See of Cilicia and all affiliated community organizations to organize
events during 2014, `taking into consideration these thoughts and
expectations that will strengthen the care, love, and respect we have
for the elder generation. We pray to Almighty God to keep in his
heavenly care and protection our fathers and mothers in their advanced
age, and fill their lives with
good health, happiness, and abundant goodness.'
You can read Catholicos Aram's Pontifical Message in Armenian
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/8ey69) or English
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/o7y69).
IN MEMORIAM
ARCHPRIEST FR. DR. GORUN SHRIKIAN
1929-2014
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and the Religious and
Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America
announce with deep sorrow the passing of Archpriest Fr. Dr. Gorun
Shrikian
who died Tuesday, February 11, 2014, in Dearborn, Michigan.
Visiting hours will take place on Thursday, February 13, 6 to 9
p.m. at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 19300 Ford Road,
Dearborn, Michigan, where Der Gorun served as pastor for more than
thirty years. Visiting hours will continue on Friday evening, February
14, 6 to 9 p.m., with the Dan Gark
(Homecoming / Wake) service at 7 p.m. The final consecration (Extreme
Unction) will take place Saturday, February 15, during the Divine
Liturgy, which will begin at 10 a.m., at St. Sarkis Church, with
Archbishop Oshagan officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Hills
Memorial Garden Cemetery in
Novi, Michigan. A Memorial Luncheon will follow at 3 p.m. in the
St. Sarkis Church hall.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Der Gorun's immediate survivors
that include his three children, Anie, Dirouhie, and Movses,
grandchildren, his brother Archpriest Fr. Nareg Shrikian, and his
sister Mrs. Sosy Bidanian. His wife, Yeretzgin Arpine, predeceased
him.
May his memory shine forever with our Lord and Savior, whom he served
so faithfully.
PRELATE AT ST. SARKIS (NY) THIS SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon this Sunday at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, on
the occasion
of the Feast of St. Sarkis. A luncheon and special name day cultural
program will follow the services.
PRESENTATION OF `COMMENTARY ON THE NICENE CREED'
AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
Parishioners of St. Sarkis Church of Dearborn, Michigan, braved the
snow last Sunday, February 9 and attended the Divine Liturgy and many
stayed after the Badarak for a book presentation: Commentary on the
Nicene Creed by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, of blessed memory. The
presentation was made by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of
the Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), who
translated the book into English.
After the introduction by Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church, Dn. Shant spoke about the origin and importance of creeds in
general and the Nicene Creed in particular. He then spoke briefly
about the late archbishop Zareh, his manifold gifts and talents and
contributions. Dn. Shant presented the book, its structure and
content, highlighting various elements and their ramifications for us
today. A lively question and answer session ensued.
The Commentary on the Nicene Creed is available at the Prelacy's
bookstore. To order, please email [email protected] or call
212-689-7810.
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC) presents the Commentary on the Nicene Creed
at St.
Sarkis Church.
GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
The annual clergy gathering on the occasion of the Feast of
St. Ghevont and the Priests will take place February 24 to 26. Clergy
from the Eastern and Canadian Prelacies will be meeting jointly this
year at Holy Cross Church
in Troy, New York.
MUSICAL ARMENIA: MARCH 28
The 31st Musical Armenia concert will take place Friday evening (8
pm), March 28, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, featuring Narek
Arutyunian (clarinet) and Friends (Hahnsol Kim, violin; and Yun-Chin
Zhou, piano). For more information click here
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/4zz69).
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. Watch for details.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 16, Sunday of the Catechumens,
are: Isaiah 63:7-8; 2 Timothy 3:1-12; John 6:22-38.
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea
saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus
had not got
into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away
alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they
had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd
saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves
got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him,
=80=9CRabbi, when did you come here?' Jesus answered them, `Very
truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs,
but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food
that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which
the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.' Then they said to him, `What must we do to perform the
works of God?' Jesus answered them, `This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent.' So they said to him, =80=9CWhat sign
are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?
What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the
wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to
eat.'' Then Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell
you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my
Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God
is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'
They said to him, `Sir, give us this bread always.'
Jesus said to them, `I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But
I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything
that
the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will
never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own
will, but
the will of him who sent me. (John 6:22-38)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/ks069).
THE PROPHET JONAH
Today, Thursday, February 13, the Armenian Church remembers the
Prophet Jonah (Hovnan), one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The Minor
Prophets are not considered less important that those called Major
Prophets, but their books
in the Bible are shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were servants of
God who proclaimed His will to people in need of repentance.
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories in
the
Old Testament. Jonah's feast falls on the last day of the Fast of the
Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented from
their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this preliminary
fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential season of the
year.
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST TO THE TEMPLE (DYARNUNTARACH)
Tomorrow, Friday, February 14, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Presentation of Jesus to the Temple (Dyarnuntarch in Armenian, which
literally means `going forward to the Lord'). This feast always falls
on February 14-forty days after the Nativity (January 6). Forty days
after the birth of Christ, Mary obeyed Mosaic Law and presented her
son to
the temple (Numbers 18:15). In the temple, a righteous and devout man
named Simeon to whom it was revealed that he would not see death
before he had seen the Lord, took Jesus in his arms, blessed God and
said, `Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according
to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have
prepared in the presence
of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory
to your people Israel.' (See Luke 2:22-40).
Some pre-Christian Armenian customs have been incorporated into this
feast, including one that remains popular to this day, especially in
the Middle East and Armenia. In recent years the tradition has been
revived here in the United States as well. On the eve of the feast, a
bonfire is lit outside of the church using a flame from the
altar. Young people, especially newlyweds, gather around the fire and
as the flames subside, the young men leap over the flames. The light
of the bonfire is symbolic of Christ, who is the Everlasting Light of
the world.
ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, February 15, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Sarkis the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful
soldiers. This is a moveable feast that can occur between January 11
and February 15. It follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the
fast is not connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be
associated with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the
`fast of St. Sarkis.'
Sarkis lived during the fourth century in Cappadocia. He rose through
the military ranks because of his valiant campaign on behalf of the
Emperor Constantine. With the accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took
refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they joined the Persian army to
fight Julian. Father
and son fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur
II, tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and
embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and they were martyred. Fourteen
loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the bodies were also
martyred. Eventually, other Christians successfully retrieved the
remains and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth
century when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city
of Karpi in Vaspurakan, Armenia. A monastery was built over the site
of the graves.
LENTEN LECTURES BEGIN MARCH 5
The 2014 Lenten Lectures will begin on Wednesday, March 5, and
continue through subsequent Wednesdays during Lent. The theme of the
lectures will be The Nicene Creed, based on the recently published
Commentary on the Nicene Creed, by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, of
blessed memory. The newly published bilingual book was translated by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Prelacy's Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).
The lecturers include: Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of
the Eastern Prelacy; Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of
St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts; Archpriest Fr. Nerses
Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York; and Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC.
The Prelacy's Lenten Lectures continue a decades-old tradition. The
series is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council, the
Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), and the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator's
Cathedral. The lectures take place at the Cathedral, 221 East 27th
Street, New York City, with church service at 7:30 pm; Lecture and Q &
A at 8 pm; Table Fellowship at 8:45 pm.
For information contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810, or
[email protected] or the Cathedral office at 212-689-5880.
HYER BAND IN PERFORMANCE
The HYER Band that currently features eleven young musicians playing
brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments, performed at the
Armenian Center in Woodside, New York, last Sunday. The event was
under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminator's Cathedral
in New York City, who congratulated the group and wished them further
success.
The band, under the direction of Mr. Samvel Nersisyan, thrilled the
audience with their interpretation of Armenian, European, and American
selections.
Samvel Nersisyan, musical director, Armine Vardanyan, pianist, and
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian with the youthful band members.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
CATHOLICOS RESPONDS TO EUROPEAN COURT
Last week His Holiness Aram I met with the Swiss Ambassador to
Lebanon, Her Excellency Ruth Flint, concerning the recent decision of
the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the denial of the
Armenian Genocide. During the meeting, His Holiness expressed his
indignation at the decision of the ECHR. The Catholicos stated that
this ruling not only questions the truth of the Armenian Genocide, but
it also sets a precedent for other genocides. He
expressed solidarity with Swiss authorities for any measures they
might take to overturn the decision. Ambassador Flint told the
Catholicos that Swiss embassies all over the world were receiving
letters protesting the ECHR. His Holiness also contacted the
Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches in Bern, who told him that
they were pursuing the issue with the Federal Minister of Justice.
This week the Catholicos sent a letter to the Federal Counselor of the
Department of Justice and Police and expressed the indignation of
Armenians with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on
the Perencik case condemning Switzerland. In his letter, His Holiness
wrote: `Legitimization of negationism of the Armenian Genocide by the
ECHR not only deepens the wound of victimization, but also insinuates
contempt and racism against our people; it strengthens the position of
those in Turkey who use hate language to hinder all processes aiming
at truth and justice.'
CILICIAN REPRESENTATIVES CONFER WITH WCC
ON 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION
Representatives of the Catholicosate of Cilicia met with the Moderator
and
General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) this week in
Geneva. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, a member of the Executive
Committee, and Ms. Teny Pirri-Simonian, a member of the Central
Committee, met with Dr. Agnes Abuom (General Secretary) and Rev. Olav
Fykse Tveit (General Secretary) to discuss the WCC 10th Assembly's
Minute regarding the WCC's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide.
Archbishop Nareg conveyed the greetings of His Holiness Aram I, and
informed the Moderator and General Secretary of the activities the
Catholicosate of Cilicia has planned for the commemoration. In view
of the Minute adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly concerning the 100th
anniversary, it was decided: 1) To organize the international
consultation recommended y the Assembly between February and March
2015; 2) To consider a theme on `Impunity `that the WCC had discussed
and around which the Catholicosate of Cilicia had organized an
international conference; and 3) nominate a small committee to assist
the staff in planning the conference.
The General Secretary agreed to invite the Armenian members of the
Central
Committee of the WCC to accompany the staff in implementing the
recommendations of the assembly. The members are: Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian and Ms. Paula Der Matevossian (Holy See of Etchmiadzin); and
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian and Ms. Teny Pirri-Simonian (Holy See of
Cilicia).
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
A New York Times article headline from March 17, 1921
The February Revolt
(February 18, 1921)
The government of the Republic of Armenia transferred the power to the
incoming Armenian Bolsheviks on December 2, 1921, and the first
independence came to an end: Armenia became a Soviet republic,
nominally independent. The
Military-Revolutionary Committee (Revkom) led by Sarkis Kasian arrived
in Yerevan on December 6.
The transference of government and loss of independence had been the
choice between the lesser of two evils. On the west, Armenia had been
defeated by the Turkish nationalist forces that responded to Mustafa
Kemal, which had
occupied Alexandropol, and the danger of a new massacre that would
complete the genocide loomed over the country. It was expected that
the new government, while dealing with the Turks with the sponsorship
of Soviet Russia, would also address the myriad of problems that
affected the exhausted population.
This did not happen. The newcomers, instead, caught in the fever of
revolution and war communism, tried to apply to Armenia the same
recipes that were being practiced in Soviet Russia. Food was
requisitioned from the starving population to be sent to Russia as
`help from the Armenian workers.' Repression against the former
government and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation started. In late
December about 1,200 high-ranking officers of the army of independent
Armenia were arrested, including the heroes of the May 1918 battles,
like generals Tovmas Nazarbekian, Movses Silikian, Daniel
Bek-Pirumian, and Dro. They were forced to walk from Yerevan to
Alaverdi (about 100 miles), and then dispatched to prisons in Baku and
Russia; Daniel Bek-Pirumian, hero of the battle of Sardarabad, was
shot in the Yerevan prison in February 1921.
Economic suffering and political violence led to the brewing of a
popular movement to put an end to the situation. In February 1921 many
prominent A.R.F. members, who had also been active in the years of the
Republic, like Levon Shant, Nikol Aghbalian, and Hovhannes Kajaznuni,
were arrested. Some of them were killed in prison by Azeri killers
armed with axes. Others were saved by the rebellion, which started on
February 13 amid a group of refugees from Sasun who had settled on the
foot of Mount Aragatz. In the next four days, the rebel forces, now
headed by members of the A.R.F. who had eluded persecution, took
Ashtarak, Echmiadzin, Garni, and Hrazdan. Yerevan was liberated on
February 18 and the Bolshevik-led Military Revolutionary Committee
retreated. The rebellion had been helped by the fact that the troops
of
the XI Red Army had been taken out of Armenia to participate in the
sovietization of Georgia.
On February 18 the independence of Armenia was again proclaimed and
the =80=9CCommittee for the Salvation of the Homeland' took power
under the leadership of the last prime minister of the independent
Republic, Simon Vratzian. It issued an order that stated: `The
Bolshevik regime
in Armenia has been eliminated. Until the formation of a government,
the whole authority is in the hands of the Committee for the Salvation
of the Homeland.' A message to the delegation of the Republic of
Armenia and
to the leaders of the world powers, sent on the same day, remained
unanswered. A response to a message sent to Georgia was received on
February 21, when the Armenian embassy was reopened in
Tiflis. However, four days later Georgia fell to the Soviet forces,
and the rebellion in Armenia was left alone against the Communist
forces. There was no help from the outside world, because it was
obvious that the rebellion would fail sooner or later; the Soviet
forces in Armenia had the support of Soviet Russia.
Bloody battles took place between the opposing sides during the
short-lived period of freedom. The Bolsheviks attacked Yerevan on
February 27, but were forced to retreat on March 1. After a two-week
stop, they attacked again
and briefly took Ashtarak, but were repelled on March 17. However, the
numerical superiority of the Bolsheviks became crucial. Their great
offensive started on March 24 and nine days later, on April 2, Yerevan
fell.
The A.R.F. forces retreated without opposing serious resistance to
avoid the destruction of the capital. Thousands of people, both
civilians and soldiers, retreated to Zangezur, where the Republic of
Mountainous Armenia had been formed, and joined the forces of Garegin
Nzhdeh. The resistance ended in July, while the refugees and the
leaders of the rebellion had already crossed the border to Persia.
The reasons of the revolt were later discussed by the Bolshevik
authorities in Russia and the Military-Revolutionary Committee was
replaced in April 1921 by the Council of People's Commissars, led by
Alexander Miasnikian until his death in 1925, whose policies ensured a
more tolerant treatment of the population, the end of the rebellion,
and the partial return of some of the refugees from Persia.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE (http://e2.ma/click/4758d/4f4cee/0k169) 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
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
What Do You Prefer to Pick Up?
How many people out there are not afraid of picking and reading
weighty tomes? (Users of Kindle and Nook, so-called `tree huggers,'
and the like are excused). But probably any of them will gladly pick
up a couple of Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ½ or Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ½Õ¡Õ¯ (Western Armenian doms or
domsag, Classical/Eastern Armenian toms or tomsak).
Otherwise, they would not be able to set foot in a theater or board a
plane without a `ticket.'
(The same as French billet `ticket,' both Armenian words have also
another meaning: when you scribble a short message to someone, you
say that you have written a doms or a domsag.)
Interesting, tome and doms/domsag `ticket' come from the same place,
even though they are so different in size and weight. How come?
We know that a tome is a book, especially a heavy one. The word comes
from
French tome (equivalent to English volume, as in `two-volume book'),
but its ultimate origin, via Latin, is Greek Ï=84Ï=8CμοÏ=82 (tomos
`section, roll of papyrus, volume'). The diminutive of this word is
Ï=84ομαÏ=81ίÏ=89ν (tomarion `small volume'). In the fifth century
A.D., Armenian had borrowed both words from Greek
The abovementioned Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ½ (toms), with the meaning of
=80=9Csection,' which later evolved into a piece of paper to mean a
`ticket' or a billet, and the addition of the diminutive suffix Õ¡Õ¯
(ag/ak);
The word Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Ö=80 (tomar, Western Armenian domar), with the
meaning of `section, volume,' but also `calendar.' That's why today we
use domar both in the sense of
`registry book' (a bookkeeper is called a Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Ö=80Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¬
/domaragal ) and `calendar' (Õ=80Õ¡Õµ ÔµÕ¯Õ¥Õ²Õ¥Ö=81Ö=82Õ¸Õµ
Õ¿Õ¸Õ´Õ¡Ö=80 /Hay Yegeghetsvo domar `calendar of the Armenian
Church').
You will be surprised to learn that tome, doms, and domar are also
related
to another little English word: atom. Atoms were thought to be
indivisible, hence the name (a-tom `non-divisible'), even though
they found out that they were actually divisible at the turn of the
twentieth century! Incidentally, Armenian, unlike English and other
Western languages, has a word of its own to say `atom,' which, by the
way, is also... of Greek origin: Õ°Õ«Ö=82Õ¬Õ§ (hiwle).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
A SPECIAL `GIVE-AWAY' SALE FOR CROSSROAD READERS
PURCHASE A COPY OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED
HISTORICAL ATLAS OF ARMENIA
This 110 page Atlas includes 30 maps, 174 photographs, and an
accompanying
CD with all of the maps. A great educational resource for everyone.
$40.00 plus shipping & handling
AND RECEIVE FREE:
Armenia in Ancient and Medieval Times
By Robert Bedrosian
A 94-page soft cover book suitable for students aged 9 to 13.
OR
The following five workbooks FREE.
1. Elements of Armenian Church Architecture;
2. The Land of the Armenians;
3. My Origins: Discovering and Recording Family History;
4. Khatchkars: Armenian Stone Crosses;
5. Medieval Armenian Costumes: Paper Cut-Outs to color and display.
To take advantage of this special offer, or order baptismal towels
contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or
telephone (212-689-7810).
To take advantage of this special offer, or order baptismal towels
contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or
telephone (212-689-7810).
MONDAY IS PRESIDENTS DAY
This Monday, February 17, is Presidents Day, a federal holiday in the
United States. All federal and state offices, post offices, banks,
stock exchange, and most businesses are closed. The holiday was
created by Congress as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an
attempt to create more three-day
weekends. Presidents Day was ostensibly to honor the birthdays of
Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22); it
is now increasingly touted as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents,
past and present. Truth be told, it's become a day to shop at the
Mall. Sorry, George
and Abe.
SNOW, COLD, WIND
All along the East Coast (even as far south as Georgia) and the
Midwest it
has been a winter of frequent snow, frigid cold and strong winds. At
this moment another snow and ice storm is making its way up the
coast. Spring begins March 20.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2014 Prelacy Lenten Program, on Wednesdays, starting March 5, at
St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral (New York City),
Sponsored by
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies
Guild (PLG), and the St. Illuminator's Cathedral Ladies Guild. For
information, please contact the Prelacy office at 212.689.7810, or
[email protected] or the Church office at 212-689-5880 or
[email protected].
February 24-26-Annual Clergy Ghevontiantz Gathering hosted by Holy
Cross Church, 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York.
March 1-St. Sarkis Sunday School, Dearborn, Michigan, Poon Paregentan
Costume Party for everyone, at Lillian Arakelian Hall.
March 2-St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City, Poon Paregentan
Manti Luncheon and Program, at John Pashalian Hall, 1 pm, sponsored by
the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral. Admission $30.
March 8-Sunday Teachers' Seminar for NY-NJ region, at
St. Illuminator's Armenian Cathedral (New York City), sponsored by the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Theme: The Nicene Creed.
March 26-St. Sarkis Ladies Guild, Dearborn, Michigan, Mid-Lenten
Luncheon following the Lenten morning service, Lillian Arakelian Hall.
March 28-Musical Armenia Concert presented by Eastern Prelacy and
Prelacy Ladies Guild, at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm,
featuring
Narek Arutyunian (clarinet) & Friends, Hahnsol Kim (violin) and
Yunqing Zhou (piano).
March 27-April 6-Third Annual Online Auction hosted by Armenian Relief
Society, Eastern USA, Inc. Auction items include Weekend Getaways,
Unique Gifts, Restaurants, Hotels, Spa and Salon Services, Jewelry,
Electronics, Artwork, Sports Memorabilia, and more. To view and bid on
auction items during the auction dates:
www.biddingforgood.com/arseastusa. To contact the ARS Auction
committee: [email protected].
March 29-Concert by Zulal Armenian A Capella Folk Trio at Holy Trinity
Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 4 pm, followed by a reception in the
church hall. Tickets $25, if purchased before March 8; $30 after March
8. To purchase tickets email Janis at [email protected] or Carol at
[email protected]. Also online at
http://zulal.ticketleap.com/zulal/. For information call the church,
508-852-2414.
April 5-Sunday School Teachers' Seminar - New England region, at
St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, Watertown, Massachusetts,
sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Theme:
The Nicene Creed.
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.
June 1-Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
June 1-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Toronto Children's Choir
concert in the church sanctuary.
June 29-July 6-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) of the Eastern Prelacy. For information, contact the
AREC office at 212.689.7810 or at [email protected].
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]