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/
Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
In keeping with the Armenian tradition, the Feast of the Nativity and
Theophany commemorates the birth of Christ and His baptism by John the
Baptist. The Armenian Curch, among all of the Christian churches in
the world, has preserved to this day an ancient tradition that
predates the celebration of Christmas on December 25.
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, extends his heartfelt good
wishes to all for a New Year filled with the Light of our Lord
bringing love, peace, and harmony to all mankind. In his Christmas
message, `Christ, the Light,' His Eminence describes Jesus as the
Light that gives life meaning. He writes, `If the miraculous events
surrounding the birth of Jesus revealed the blissful condition of new
life, our people were among the fortunate who made the supreme light
the center of their existence, purpose and meaning and with the
illumination of their souls and minds they gave their lives to God's
plan of salvation. During these days when we celebrate the birth of
Jesus, we must not turn it into a plain and ordinary celebration-with
food and drink, and an occasion to exchange gifts. Jesus visits us
again with love and peace, and with the same message of compassion and
charity. All who continue their pious lives with the hope of a
brighter life remain on the same road to salvation.'
Read Archbishop Oshagan's Christmas message in Armenian
(http://e2.ma/click/wd51d/4f4cee/cahl7) and English
(http://e2.ma/click/wd51d/4f4cee/s2hl7).
CATHOLICOS ARAM ISSUES CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
His Holiness Aram I issued his Christmas Message, `Unto You Is Born a
Savior.'
The Catholicos said in part,
`He who was born in a manger in Bethlehem was not an ordinary man.
Nor was he a mere prophet. He was God's only Son. . . . Jesus was the
Messiah awaited for centuries.
`Today Christ is born again if we are prepared to accept Him as our
Savior. Today the angel again gives us the heavenly message, if we are
ready to hear it.
`Dear children of Armenia, You are the true children of the people who
first bowed down before the Baby Jesus.... What a great honor and what
a sacred obligation! During happy and sad times always remember the
angel's heavenly message, Unto You Is Born A Savior, and be renewed
and strengthened by the faith of Bethlehem.'
WE WISH YOU A BLESSED AND HOLY NATIVITY
This Sunday, January 6, is Christmas. The Armenian Church has remained
faithful to the celebration of the Nativity and Epiphany on January
6. All Christians celebrated Christmas on January 6 until the
mid-fourth century when the Roman Church separated the two events,
celebrating the birth on December 25 and the baptism and visit of the
magi on January 6 (thus the twelve days of Christmas).
On Christmas Eve a solemn Mass is celebrated, preceded by readings
taken from various parts of the Bible about the birth or the coming of
the Messiah. The third chapter from the book of Daniel is read,
usually by a deacon and three young men representing Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, the youths who would not renounce their faith
in spite of torture. Following Christmas Eve services, traditionally
choir members would go from house to house singing hymns, spreading
the Good News of the birth of our Savior.
On Christmas day, after the Divine Liturgy, a special service is
performed
symbolizing the baptism of Jesus, which was a turning point in His
life and the beginning of His ministry. This service, which is called
Blessing of the Water (Churorhnek), commemorates the Baptism and the
Manifestation of Christ recognizing Him as the true Son of God.
Light sent from the Father, you came down from heaven and became flesh
from the Holy Virgin; you are the Lamb of God and Son of the Father.
Today you appeared in the cave as Savior and accepted adoration from
the magi and seeing you the shepherds said: You are the Lamb of God
and Son of the Father.
Having seen the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, John cried out
saying: This is the Lamb of God and Son of the Father.
(From the Canon for the seventh day of Theophany according to the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church).
NATIVITY AND EPIPHANY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan:
On Christmas Eve Day, Sunday, January 5, His Eminence will preside at
Morning Services at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York; His
Eminence will preside at the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy services at
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
On Christmas Day, Monday, January 6, His Eminence will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon and officiate the Blessing of Water
Service at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan:
On Christmas Eve Day, Sunday January 5, His Grace will preside at
Morning Services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey;
His Grace will preside at the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy services at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
On Christmas Day, Monday, January 6, His Grace will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Water Service at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
REV. FR. BOGHOS TINKJIAN IN PHILADELPIA
Last Sunday, December 29, Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian celebrated the
Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church in Philadelphia. The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, presided over
the service. A member of the Cilician brotherhood, Hayr Boghos is
currently furthering his studies in California.
During his visit to the Philadelphia parish Archbishop Oshagan spoke
with the Sunday school students as he visited some of the
classes. Alicia Handian, an 8th grade Sunday school student wrote the
following about the Prelates visit: `On Sunday, December 29, Oshagan
Srpazan visited the younger students at St. Gregory Church in
Philadelphia. He spoke to the children about Christmas and told them
how much he loved them. He taught them what it takes to be a good and
devoted Christian and a child of God: one has to follow Jesus' steps
by praying hard, working hard, being charitable, and loving
others. Srpazan ended by saying that he hopes one day he can visit
with us again. So do we!'
V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian with his aunt and cousins, the
Dekermenjians and Nalbantians, in Philadelphia after the Divine
Liturgy.
Oshagan Srpazan visits with Sunday school students.
THREE EVENTS AT STS. VARTANANTZ (NJ)
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, celebrated three
special events recently, namely, the Christmas Pageant offered by the
Nareg Armenian School; The Feast of St. Stephen's honoring deacons of
the church; and the Christmas Pageant offered by the Sunday School.
On Sunday, December 22, students of the Nareg Saturday Armenian School
held its Christmas party and luncheon. His Grace Bishop Anoushavan,
who celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, attended
the Christmas celebration to everyone's delight, offering his fatherly
blessings, encouragement, and best wishes.
Bishop Anoushavan, Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Yeretzgin Ani, and Santa
with board members, director, staff and students of the Nareg Armenian
School.
On Sunday, December 29, following the Divine Liturgy, Sts. Vartanantz
Church celebrated the Feast of St. Stephen, the first deacon and
Proto-martyr. The deacons who serve the altar, Dn. Zohrab Zakarian
(choirmaster), Dn. Kostan Charkutian, Dn. Hagop Tekeyan, Dn. Harout
Takvorian, and Dr. Dn. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, wore crowns in honor of
this special day. Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor, congratulated and
thanked the deacons and choir members for their service and
dedication.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian with his deacons and acolytes.
On Sunday, December 29, after the Divine Liturgy, the Sunday School of
Sts. Vartanantz Church held its Christman Pageant and
luncheon. Parishioners enjoyed the special program prepared by the
students.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Yeretzgin Ani, and Santa, with the
administration, staff, PTA and students of the Sts. Vartanantz Sunday
School.
ST. SARKIS PARISHIONERS OF DOUGLASTON GATHER TO PRAY FOR FELLOW
ARMENIANS IN SYRIA
On Saturday afternoon, December 28th, St. Sarkis Church took the
initiative to devote the final Saturday of the year to pray against
the violence that the world witnessed in 2013, and to pray for the
devastation to our Armenian communities in Syria.
Under the Auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and
His Grace, Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, along with Father Nareg
Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church a beautiful prayer service was
conducted.
Nearly 75 parishioners gathered in our Sanctuary and prayed together
for peace and against violence. Prior to the start of the service, Der
Nareg Terterian welcomed parishioners with his opening remarks,
thanking those in attendance, for devoting their final Saturday of the
year to pray together for our brothers and sisters suffering in Syria.
The community then prayed the vesper service of the Armenian Church.
His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, also gave a message to our
parishioners. He spoke from his heart about the ongoing suffering and
devastation our brothers and sisters are facing in Syria on a daily
basis. He brought a reality to the horrific situation many of us
living in America cannot even begin to imagine. He spoke of peace in
our American lives as opposed to that of those in Syria, saying " We
take peace for granted in the United States, where in Syria it is a
matter between life and death."
" While it may seem easier to donate our money to relief funds, he
said, our people in Syria need our Hope and Prayers. His Eminence,
invited all to join together in singing Der Voghormya and conclude
with the Lord's Prayer.
Following the beautiful service, parishioners gathered together in a
Fellowship Hour. A lovely table of cookies, cakes and various
desserts were graciously donated by Mrs. Sitta Oranjian.
Archbishop Oshagan leading the special prayer service.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, January 5, Christmas Eve, Divine Liturgy
are: Titus 2:11-15; Matthew 2:1-12; Dismissal: Luke 2:8-14.
Bible readings for Monday, January 6, Christmas and Epiphany are:
Titus 2:1-15; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Matthew 3:1-17.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea,
proclaiming, `Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This
is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, `The voice
of one crying out in the wilderness: `Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.'' Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with
a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild
honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to
him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized
by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he
said to them, `You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say
to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God
is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now
the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that
does not bear
good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
`I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful
than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is
in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his
wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable
fire.'
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by
him.
John would have prevented him, saying, `I need to be baptized by you,
and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, `Let it be so now; for
it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he
consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from
the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice
from heaven said, `This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well
pleased.' (Matthew 3:1-17)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wd51d/4f4cee/8uil7).
MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, January 7, the day after Christmas, is Memorial Day. As is
the custom in the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five
great tabernacle feasts is a Memorial Day. Traditionally, the Divine
Liturgy is celebrated on Memorial Day and afterwards the faithful go
to the cemetery to honor their loved ones and have their graves
blessed.
THE HOLY FATHERS
This Saturday, January 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Sylvester of Rome, and Ephrem the
Syrian.
St. Basil, called the `Great,' was an exceptional leader who helped
spread Christianity. At the age of 26 he gave up his wealth and became
a monk, and dedicated his life to serve the people, by establishing
hospitals, hostels, and public kitchens to feed the needy. He was a
talented writer and many of his prayers are used in the Armenian
Church and other eastern churches. At a time when a solitary life of a
hermit was considered to be spiritual, he instead urged monastic
communities believing that no one is totally self-sufficient.
St. Gregory of Nyssa was the younger brother of Basil, and friend of
Gregory of Nazianus. He was educated in Athens and influenced by the
writings of Origen and Plato. He was a professor of rhetoric, but
became disillusioned
with his life as a teacher and became a priest. He served as Bishop of
Nyssa and Archbishop of Sebastia.
St. Sylvester served as the Bishop of Rome during the era of
Constantine for more than twenty years. During the time of his service
many great churches were built. He took part in the negotiations
concerning Arianism at the Council of Nicaea.
St. Ephrem the Syrian lived in Mesopotamia (Syria) during his entire
life.
He was baptized at age 18 and he served under St. James of Nisibis. He
is credited for introducing hymns in public worship services. He
visited St. Basil at Caesarea and upon his return he helped ease the
famine during the winter of 372-73 by distributing food and money to
the poor and needy. He was a prolific writer and his work, written in
Syriac, was immediately translated into Greek, Armenian, and Latin.
LITURGICAL CALENDAR POSTER
The 2014 color poster of the Liturgical Calendar of the Armenian
Apostolic Church is now available at the Prelacy. At a glance, one can
see the cycle of feasts and fasts and seasons of the Armenian Church
year, which begins on January 6, 2014.
An added feature this year is a list of `Basic Facts' about the
Armenian Church's liturgical year. This 27x36 inch poster belongs in
every Sunday school classroom.
To order, please contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or at
[email protected]. The cost of the poster is $5.00 plus
shipping and handling.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Death of Vahan Terian
(January 7, 1920)
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the lyrical production of
Vahan Terian marked a new era in Eastern Armenian poetry. He was
hailed by Hovhannes Tumanian as the most original poetical voice of
his age, and his works closed the first period of modern Armenian
literature.
His real name was Vahan Ter Grigorian. He was born on January 28, 1885
in the village of Gandza, in the region of Akhalkalak (Djavakhk),
today in Georgia. He departed to Tiflis, where his elder brothers were
studying, in 1897. He learned Russian with them and prepared to enter
the Lazarian Oriental Institute in Moscow. He was admitted in 1899 at
the Institute, where he met and befriended several young people who
would become important public and literary figures, such as Alexander
Miasnikian, Poghos Makintsin, Tsolak Khanzadian, and others. He
graduated in 1906 and entered Moscow University.
However, Terian had already engaged in revolutionary activities, as a
sympathizer of the Bolshevik branch of the Russian Social Democratic
Party. Soon after entering the university, he was arrested and briefly
jailed in the prison of Butirka in Moscow.
After his liberation, he published his first volume of poetry,
Twilight Dreams, in Tiflis (1908). It was very well-received by
readers and critics for its originality. Sadness and pain, spring and
love, the homeland and its fate were some of the markers of his
poetry, which became the basis for many songs still interpreted
today. He married Susanna Pakhalova in 1911 and published the first
volume of his collected poetry, titled Poems, in 1912, where he
gathered also works written after 1908. He left Moscow University in
1913 and went to St. Petersburg University, where he majored in
Oriental Studies.
His wife died in 1916 after giving birth to a daughter, who did not
survived. In the same year, the first signals of tuberculosis appeared
in the poet. Terian went to the Caucasus for treatment, but the first
Russian Revolution (March 1917) prompted him to abandon the region and
return to St. Petersburg. He became a close collaborator to Stalin,
the future strongman of the Soviet Union.
Terian participated actively in the second Russian Revolution of
November 1917, led by the Bolshevik Party, and the civil war that
ensued. As Armenian representative at the Commissariat of
Nationalities led by Stalin, he participated actively in the writing
of the decree on Western Armenia that was issued in January 1918 and
proclaimed its freedom of self-determination. As a member of the
Central Executive Committee of Soviet Russia, Terian was assigned a
mission in Turkestan in late 1919, but his illness had gotten worse
and the poet was forced to stop in Orenburg, in Russia, where he
passed away on January 7, 1920 at the age of 35. His daughter Nvard,
fruit of his relationship with Anahit Shahinjanyan, was born
posthumously, in April 1920.
The memory of the poet has been evoked in July in his birthplace with
a =80=9CDay of Terian Poetry' since 1967, which gathers thousands of
admirers every year.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
The tomb of Vahan Terian at the Pantheon in Yerevan's Komitas Park.
THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Do We Always Go Together?
This is what the final song of the famous musical Grease says: `We Go
Together.' However, two quite different languages like Armenian and
English do not go always together. This is quite clear in the
word... `together.'
The English words `together' and `gather' are somehow related, as
their meanings point out, and it is logical to think that together has
evolved from the combination of to + gather.
The Armenian equivalent, Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ½Õ«Õ¶ (miasin), is also a composite
word, but has an even deeper meaning. Its origin indicates a closer
relationship: two people who have not only come to gather, but have
been raised together. The first word, Õ´Õ« (mi), is the Classical and
Eastern Armenian form of `one'-Õ´Õ§Õ¯ (meg) in Western Armenian-and
the root of the word Õ´Õ«Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶ (miootioon, `unity') and the
second word, Õ½Õ«Õ¶ (sin), is the result of the substitution of a
vocal (this is technically called ablaut) from the original word
Õ½Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶ (sun, `to keep, to feed, to raise,' from which we have
Õ½Õ¶Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ¤/sunoont, =80=9Cfood, nourishment'). Thus, in the
beginning, to be miasin meant that one had been fed and raised with
someone else.
Now, while today miasin always implies `together,' this does not mean
than every time we see `together' in English we should automatically
think of miasin. Otherwise, we find ourselves in trouble.
One hears, for instance, `They live together.' This is, of course,
Ô±Õ¶Õ¸Õ¶Ö=84 Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ½Õ«Õ¶ Õ¯Õ=9AÕ¡ÕºÖ=80Õ«Õ¶ (Anonk miasin g'abrin),
and there is nothing wrong here. However, when we say `He has come
together with his family,' the case is different.
Armenian has something that Latin had and, for instance, German still
has, but the English language has lost: noun declination
(Õ°Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Õ¾Õ¸Ö=82Õ´, holovoom). These are the little particles Õ§ (e),
Õ« (i), Õ¸Õ¾ (ov), with the particular cases that =80=9Ctorture' us
when we learn the paradigms of declination of various nouns.
One of the six cases of noun declination is called `instrumental
declination' (Õ£Õ¸Ö=80Õ®Õ«Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Õ°Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Õ¾, kordziagan holov),
which applies to the abovementioned sentence. The English with is an
indication of instrument, and thus, you should forget `together' when
you render the sentence into Armenian. You may either say,
1)Ô±Õ¶ Õ«Ö=80 Õ¨Õ¶Õ¿Õ¡Õ¶Õ«Ö=84Õ«Õ¶ Õ°Õ¥Õ¿ Õ¥Õ¯Õ¡Õ® Õ§ (An ir undanikin
hed yegadz e = He has come with his family),
or
2) Ô±Õ¶ Õ«Ö=80 Õ¨Õ¶Õ¿Õ¡Õ¶Õ«Ö=84Õ¸Õ¾ Õ¥Õ¯Õ¡Õ® Õ§ (An ir undanikov
yegadz e = He has come with his family)
As we said in the beginning, yes, languages go together, but not
always.
Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner' 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/wd51d/4f4cee/onjl7) 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
FROM THE BOOKSTORE...
PLUSH WHITE BAPTISMAL TOWELS
These beautiful snow-white luxurious baptismal towels are lovely to
use during an infant's baptism and remains as a keepsake memento and
family heirloom. Both styles are embroidered in gold in Armenian with
the baptismal appeal: Havadk, Houys, Ser, yev Mkrdoutyoun. (Faith,
Hope, Love, and Baptism).
$75.00 each plus shipping and handling.
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
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$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).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 5-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Christmas Eve Concert
following the Jerakalouyts Badarak. Concert features Farmington
Community Chorus. Reception follows.
January 6-Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan,
presents Annual Christmas Luncheon and Program in Lillian Arakelian
Fellowship Hall.
January 6-Christmas celebration at St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Special program, `First-time
Impressions of Armenia,' presented by students Victoria Kulungian and
Nairi Hovsepian, following Badarak and luncheon. All are invited.
February 1-Valentine's Day Dinner Dance, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
February 2-St. Sarkis Men's Club, Dearborn, Michigan, presents Super
Bowl Party, at Lillian Arakelian Hall.
February 9-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Book Presentation by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian following the Divine Liturgy at Lillian
Arakelian Hall.
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 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.
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.
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/
Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
In keeping with the Armenian tradition, the Feast of the Nativity and
Theophany commemorates the birth of Christ and His baptism by John the
Baptist. The Armenian Curch, among all of the Christian churches in
the world, has preserved to this day an ancient tradition that
predates the celebration of Christmas on December 25.
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, extends his heartfelt good
wishes to all for a New Year filled with the Light of our Lord
bringing love, peace, and harmony to all mankind. In his Christmas
message, `Christ, the Light,' His Eminence describes Jesus as the
Light that gives life meaning. He writes, `If the miraculous events
surrounding the birth of Jesus revealed the blissful condition of new
life, our people were among the fortunate who made the supreme light
the center of their existence, purpose and meaning and with the
illumination of their souls and minds they gave their lives to God's
plan of salvation. During these days when we celebrate the birth of
Jesus, we must not turn it into a plain and ordinary celebration-with
food and drink, and an occasion to exchange gifts. Jesus visits us
again with love and peace, and with the same message of compassion and
charity. All who continue their pious lives with the hope of a
brighter life remain on the same road to salvation.'
Read Archbishop Oshagan's Christmas message in Armenian
(http://e2.ma/click/wd51d/4f4cee/cahl7) and English
(http://e2.ma/click/wd51d/4f4cee/s2hl7).
CATHOLICOS ARAM ISSUES CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
His Holiness Aram I issued his Christmas Message, `Unto You Is Born a
Savior.'
The Catholicos said in part,
`He who was born in a manger in Bethlehem was not an ordinary man.
Nor was he a mere prophet. He was God's only Son. . . . Jesus was the
Messiah awaited for centuries.
`Today Christ is born again if we are prepared to accept Him as our
Savior. Today the angel again gives us the heavenly message, if we are
ready to hear it.
`Dear children of Armenia, You are the true children of the people who
first bowed down before the Baby Jesus.... What a great honor and what
a sacred obligation! During happy and sad times always remember the
angel's heavenly message, Unto You Is Born A Savior, and be renewed
and strengthened by the faith of Bethlehem.'
WE WISH YOU A BLESSED AND HOLY NATIVITY
This Sunday, January 6, is Christmas. The Armenian Church has remained
faithful to the celebration of the Nativity and Epiphany on January
6. All Christians celebrated Christmas on January 6 until the
mid-fourth century when the Roman Church separated the two events,
celebrating the birth on December 25 and the baptism and visit of the
magi on January 6 (thus the twelve days of Christmas).
On Christmas Eve a solemn Mass is celebrated, preceded by readings
taken from various parts of the Bible about the birth or the coming of
the Messiah. The third chapter from the book of Daniel is read,
usually by a deacon and three young men representing Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, the youths who would not renounce their faith
in spite of torture. Following Christmas Eve services, traditionally
choir members would go from house to house singing hymns, spreading
the Good News of the birth of our Savior.
On Christmas day, after the Divine Liturgy, a special service is
performed
symbolizing the baptism of Jesus, which was a turning point in His
life and the beginning of His ministry. This service, which is called
Blessing of the Water (Churorhnek), commemorates the Baptism and the
Manifestation of Christ recognizing Him as the true Son of God.
Light sent from the Father, you came down from heaven and became flesh
from the Holy Virgin; you are the Lamb of God and Son of the Father.
Today you appeared in the cave as Savior and accepted adoration from
the magi and seeing you the shepherds said: You are the Lamb of God
and Son of the Father.
Having seen the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, John cried out
saying: This is the Lamb of God and Son of the Father.
(From the Canon for the seventh day of Theophany according to the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church).
NATIVITY AND EPIPHANY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan:
On Christmas Eve Day, Sunday, January 5, His Eminence will preside at
Morning Services at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York; His
Eminence will preside at the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy services at
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
On Christmas Day, Monday, January 6, His Eminence will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon and officiate the Blessing of Water
Service at St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan:
On Christmas Eve Day, Sunday January 5, His Grace will preside at
Morning Services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey;
His Grace will preside at the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy services at
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City.
On Christmas Day, Monday, January 6, His Grace will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Water Service at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
REV. FR. BOGHOS TINKJIAN IN PHILADELPIA
Last Sunday, December 29, Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian celebrated the
Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church in Philadelphia. The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, presided over
the service. A member of the Cilician brotherhood, Hayr Boghos is
currently furthering his studies in California.
During his visit to the Philadelphia parish Archbishop Oshagan spoke
with the Sunday school students as he visited some of the
classes. Alicia Handian, an 8th grade Sunday school student wrote the
following about the Prelates visit: `On Sunday, December 29, Oshagan
Srpazan visited the younger students at St. Gregory Church in
Philadelphia. He spoke to the children about Christmas and told them
how much he loved them. He taught them what it takes to be a good and
devoted Christian and a child of God: one has to follow Jesus' steps
by praying hard, working hard, being charitable, and loving
others. Srpazan ended by saying that he hopes one day he can visit
with us again. So do we!'
V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian with his aunt and cousins, the
Dekermenjians and Nalbantians, in Philadelphia after the Divine
Liturgy.
Oshagan Srpazan visits with Sunday school students.
THREE EVENTS AT STS. VARTANANTZ (NJ)
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, celebrated three
special events recently, namely, the Christmas Pageant offered by the
Nareg Armenian School; The Feast of St. Stephen's honoring deacons of
the church; and the Christmas Pageant offered by the Sunday School.
On Sunday, December 22, students of the Nareg Saturday Armenian School
held its Christmas party and luncheon. His Grace Bishop Anoushavan,
who celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, attended
the Christmas celebration to everyone's delight, offering his fatherly
blessings, encouragement, and best wishes.
Bishop Anoushavan, Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Yeretzgin Ani, and Santa
with board members, director, staff and students of the Nareg Armenian
School.
On Sunday, December 29, following the Divine Liturgy, Sts. Vartanantz
Church celebrated the Feast of St. Stephen, the first deacon and
Proto-martyr. The deacons who serve the altar, Dn. Zohrab Zakarian
(choirmaster), Dn. Kostan Charkutian, Dn. Hagop Tekeyan, Dn. Harout
Takvorian, and Dr. Dn. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, wore crowns in honor of
this special day. Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor, congratulated and
thanked the deacons and choir members for their service and
dedication.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian with his deacons and acolytes.
On Sunday, December 29, after the Divine Liturgy, the Sunday School of
Sts. Vartanantz Church held its Christman Pageant and
luncheon. Parishioners enjoyed the special program prepared by the
students.
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Yeretzgin Ani, and Santa, with the
administration, staff, PTA and students of the Sts. Vartanantz Sunday
School.
ST. SARKIS PARISHIONERS OF DOUGLASTON GATHER TO PRAY FOR FELLOW
ARMENIANS IN SYRIA
On Saturday afternoon, December 28th, St. Sarkis Church took the
initiative to devote the final Saturday of the year to pray against
the violence that the world witnessed in 2013, and to pray for the
devastation to our Armenian communities in Syria.
Under the Auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and
His Grace, Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, along with Father Nareg
Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church a beautiful prayer service was
conducted.
Nearly 75 parishioners gathered in our Sanctuary and prayed together
for peace and against violence. Prior to the start of the service, Der
Nareg Terterian welcomed parishioners with his opening remarks,
thanking those in attendance, for devoting their final Saturday of the
year to pray together for our brothers and sisters suffering in Syria.
The community then prayed the vesper service of the Armenian Church.
His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, also gave a message to our
parishioners. He spoke from his heart about the ongoing suffering and
devastation our brothers and sisters are facing in Syria on a daily
basis. He brought a reality to the horrific situation many of us
living in America cannot even begin to imagine. He spoke of peace in
our American lives as opposed to that of those in Syria, saying " We
take peace for granted in the United States, where in Syria it is a
matter between life and death."
" While it may seem easier to donate our money to relief funds, he
said, our people in Syria need our Hope and Prayers. His Eminence,
invited all to join together in singing Der Voghormya and conclude
with the Lord's Prayer.
Following the beautiful service, parishioners gathered together in a
Fellowship Hour. A lovely table of cookies, cakes and various
desserts were graciously donated by Mrs. Sitta Oranjian.
Archbishop Oshagan leading the special prayer service.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, January 5, Christmas Eve, Divine Liturgy
are: Titus 2:11-15; Matthew 2:1-12; Dismissal: Luke 2:8-14.
Bible readings for Monday, January 6, Christmas and Epiphany are:
Titus 2:1-15; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Matthew 3:1-17.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea,
proclaiming, `Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This
is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, `The voice
of one crying out in the wilderness: `Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.'' Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with
a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild
honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to
him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized
by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he
said to them, `You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say
to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God
is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now
the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that
does not bear
good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
`I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful
than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is
in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his
wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable
fire.'
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by
him.
John would have prevented him, saying, `I need to be baptized by you,
and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, `Let it be so now; for
it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he
consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from
the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice
from heaven said, `This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well
pleased.' (Matthew 3:1-17)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(http://e2.ma/click/wd51d/4f4cee/8uil7).
MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, January 7, the day after Christmas, is Memorial Day. As is
the custom in the Armenian Church, the day after each of the five
great tabernacle feasts is a Memorial Day. Traditionally, the Divine
Liturgy is celebrated on Memorial Day and afterwards the faithful go
to the cemetery to honor their loved ones and have their graves
blessed.
THE HOLY FATHERS
This Saturday, January 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Sylvester of Rome, and Ephrem the
Syrian.
St. Basil, called the `Great,' was an exceptional leader who helped
spread Christianity. At the age of 26 he gave up his wealth and became
a monk, and dedicated his life to serve the people, by establishing
hospitals, hostels, and public kitchens to feed the needy. He was a
talented writer and many of his prayers are used in the Armenian
Church and other eastern churches. At a time when a solitary life of a
hermit was considered to be spiritual, he instead urged monastic
communities believing that no one is totally self-sufficient.
St. Gregory of Nyssa was the younger brother of Basil, and friend of
Gregory of Nazianus. He was educated in Athens and influenced by the
writings of Origen and Plato. He was a professor of rhetoric, but
became disillusioned
with his life as a teacher and became a priest. He served as Bishop of
Nyssa and Archbishop of Sebastia.
St. Sylvester served as the Bishop of Rome during the era of
Constantine for more than twenty years. During the time of his service
many great churches were built. He took part in the negotiations
concerning Arianism at the Council of Nicaea.
St. Ephrem the Syrian lived in Mesopotamia (Syria) during his entire
life.
He was baptized at age 18 and he served under St. James of Nisibis. He
is credited for introducing hymns in public worship services. He
visited St. Basil at Caesarea and upon his return he helped ease the
famine during the winter of 372-73 by distributing food and money to
the poor and needy. He was a prolific writer and his work, written in
Syriac, was immediately translated into Greek, Armenian, and Latin.
LITURGICAL CALENDAR POSTER
The 2014 color poster of the Liturgical Calendar of the Armenian
Apostolic Church is now available at the Prelacy. At a glance, one can
see the cycle of feasts and fasts and seasons of the Armenian Church
year, which begins on January 6, 2014.
An added feature this year is a list of `Basic Facts' about the
Armenian Church's liturgical year. This 27x36 inch poster belongs in
every Sunday school classroom.
To order, please contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or at
[email protected]. The cost of the poster is $5.00 plus
shipping and handling.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Death of Vahan Terian
(January 7, 1920)
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the lyrical production of
Vahan Terian marked a new era in Eastern Armenian poetry. He was
hailed by Hovhannes Tumanian as the most original poetical voice of
his age, and his works closed the first period of modern Armenian
literature.
His real name was Vahan Ter Grigorian. He was born on January 28, 1885
in the village of Gandza, in the region of Akhalkalak (Djavakhk),
today in Georgia. He departed to Tiflis, where his elder brothers were
studying, in 1897. He learned Russian with them and prepared to enter
the Lazarian Oriental Institute in Moscow. He was admitted in 1899 at
the Institute, where he met and befriended several young people who
would become important public and literary figures, such as Alexander
Miasnikian, Poghos Makintsin, Tsolak Khanzadian, and others. He
graduated in 1906 and entered Moscow University.
However, Terian had already engaged in revolutionary activities, as a
sympathizer of the Bolshevik branch of the Russian Social Democratic
Party. Soon after entering the university, he was arrested and briefly
jailed in the prison of Butirka in Moscow.
After his liberation, he published his first volume of poetry,
Twilight Dreams, in Tiflis (1908). It was very well-received by
readers and critics for its originality. Sadness and pain, spring and
love, the homeland and its fate were some of the markers of his
poetry, which became the basis for many songs still interpreted
today. He married Susanna Pakhalova in 1911 and published the first
volume of his collected poetry, titled Poems, in 1912, where he
gathered also works written after 1908. He left Moscow University in
1913 and went to St. Petersburg University, where he majored in
Oriental Studies.
His wife died in 1916 after giving birth to a daughter, who did not
survived. In the same year, the first signals of tuberculosis appeared
in the poet. Terian went to the Caucasus for treatment, but the first
Russian Revolution (March 1917) prompted him to abandon the region and
return to St. Petersburg. He became a close collaborator to Stalin,
the future strongman of the Soviet Union.
Terian participated actively in the second Russian Revolution of
November 1917, led by the Bolshevik Party, and the civil war that
ensued. As Armenian representative at the Commissariat of
Nationalities led by Stalin, he participated actively in the writing
of the decree on Western Armenia that was issued in January 1918 and
proclaimed its freedom of self-determination. As a member of the
Central Executive Committee of Soviet Russia, Terian was assigned a
mission in Turkestan in late 1919, but his illness had gotten worse
and the poet was forced to stop in Orenburg, in Russia, where he
passed away on January 7, 1920 at the age of 35. His daughter Nvard,
fruit of his relationship with Anahit Shahinjanyan, was born
posthumously, in April 1920.
The memory of the poet has been evoked in July in his birthplace with
a =80=9CDay of Terian Poetry' since 1967, which gathers thousands of
admirers every year.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
The tomb of Vahan Terian at the Pantheon in Yerevan's Komitas Park.
THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Do We Always Go Together?
This is what the final song of the famous musical Grease says: `We Go
Together.' However, two quite different languages like Armenian and
English do not go always together. This is quite clear in the
word... `together.'
The English words `together' and `gather' are somehow related, as
their meanings point out, and it is logical to think that together has
evolved from the combination of to + gather.
The Armenian equivalent, Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ½Õ«Õ¶ (miasin), is also a composite
word, but has an even deeper meaning. Its origin indicates a closer
relationship: two people who have not only come to gather, but have
been raised together. The first word, Õ´Õ« (mi), is the Classical and
Eastern Armenian form of `one'-Õ´Õ§Õ¯ (meg) in Western Armenian-and
the root of the word Õ´Õ«Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶ (miootioon, `unity') and the
second word, Õ½Õ«Õ¶ (sin), is the result of the substitution of a
vocal (this is technically called ablaut) from the original word
Õ½Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶ (sun, `to keep, to feed, to raise,' from which we have
Õ½Õ¶Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶Õ¤/sunoont, =80=9Cfood, nourishment'). Thus, in the
beginning, to be miasin meant that one had been fed and raised with
someone else.
Now, while today miasin always implies `together,' this does not mean
than every time we see `together' in English we should automatically
think of miasin. Otherwise, we find ourselves in trouble.
One hears, for instance, `They live together.' This is, of course,
Ô±Õ¶Õ¸Õ¶Ö=84 Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ½Õ«Õ¶ Õ¯Õ=9AÕ¡ÕºÖ=80Õ«Õ¶ (Anonk miasin g'abrin),
and there is nothing wrong here. However, when we say `He has come
together with his family,' the case is different.
Armenian has something that Latin had and, for instance, German still
has, but the English language has lost: noun declination
(Õ°Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Õ¾Õ¸Ö=82Õ´, holovoom). These are the little particles Õ§ (e),
Õ« (i), Õ¸Õ¾ (ov), with the particular cases that =80=9Ctorture' us
when we learn the paradigms of declination of various nouns.
One of the six cases of noun declination is called `instrumental
declination' (Õ£Õ¸Ö=80Õ®Õ«Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Õ°Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Õ¾, kordziagan holov),
which applies to the abovementioned sentence. The English with is an
indication of instrument, and thus, you should forget `together' when
you render the sentence into Armenian. You may either say,
1)Ô±Õ¶ Õ«Ö=80 Õ¨Õ¶Õ¿Õ¡Õ¶Õ«Ö=84Õ«Õ¶ Õ°Õ¥Õ¿ Õ¥Õ¯Õ¡Õ® Õ§ (An ir undanikin
hed yegadz e = He has come with his family),
or
2) Ô±Õ¶ Õ«Ö=80 Õ¨Õ¶Õ¿Õ¡Õ¶Õ«Ö=84Õ¸Õ¾ Õ¥Õ¯Õ¡Õ® Õ§ (An ir undanikov
yegadz e = He has come with his family)
As we said in the beginning, yes, languages go together, but not
always.
Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner' 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/wd51d/4f4cee/onjl7) 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
FROM THE BOOKSTORE...
PLUSH WHITE BAPTISMAL TOWELS
These beautiful snow-white luxurious baptismal towels are lovely to
use during an infant's baptism and remains as a keepsake memento and
family heirloom. Both styles are embroidered in gold in Armenian with
the baptismal appeal: Havadk, Houys, Ser, yev Mkrdoutyoun. (Faith,
Hope, Love, and Baptism).
$75.00 each plus shipping and handling.
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).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 5-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Christmas Eve Concert
following the Jerakalouyts Badarak. Concert features Farmington
Community Chorus. Reception follows.
January 6-Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan,
presents Annual Christmas Luncheon and Program in Lillian Arakelian
Fellowship Hall.
January 6-Christmas celebration at St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Special program, `First-time
Impressions of Armenia,' presented by students Victoria Kulungian and
Nairi Hovsepian, following Badarak and luncheon. All are invited.
February 1-Valentine's Day Dinner Dance, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
February 2-St. Sarkis Men's Club, Dearborn, Michigan, presents Super
Bowl Party, at Lillian Arakelian Hall.
February 9-St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Book Presentation by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian following the Divine Liturgy at Lillian
Arakelian Hall.
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 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.
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.
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]