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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/
November 20, 2014
PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER TO THE TEMPLE
Tomorrow, November 21, the Armenian Church observes the Feast of the
Presentation of the Holy Mother to the Temple (Undzayoum Sourp
Asdvadzadzini), one of the eight feast days devoted to Mary in the
Armenian Liturgical Calendar. The doctrine of the Holy Mother as
`Mother-of-God' (Asdvadzamayr) and Bearer-of-God,' (Asdvadzadzin) was
established in the fifth century at the Holy Ecumenical Council of
Ephesus.
This Feast commemorates the presentation of the Holy Virgin to the
temple at the age of three. It is always observed on November 21. She
remained in the house of God for twelve years, where she studied with
scholars, which was unheard of for a female child, until the age of
fifteen when she returned to the care of her parents, Joachim and
Anna.
SYNOD OF BISHOPS CONCLUDES
The Synod of Armenian Bishops took place under the leadership of Their
Holinesses Karekin II and Aram I, at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, from
November 11 to 13. Archbishops and Bishops representing the Holy See
of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia, attended the second Synod
of modern times.
One day before the official opening of the Synod, the clergy, led by
the two Catholicoses, visited the Dzidzernagapert Memorial where they
placed wreaths and offered a requiem service at the eternal flame.
The conference began on November 11 with a prayer service at the
Cathedral and continued with the Lord's Prayer at the meeting
hall. After the messages of Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram
I, the Bishops elected their officers: Archbishops Yeznik Bedrossian
and Sebouh Sarkissian, Co-Presidents, and Bishops Vazken Mirkhanian
and Papken Charian, Co-Secretaries.
During the opening ceremony the Bishops congratulated His Holiness
Karekin II on the 15th anniversary of his consecration as Catholicos
of the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, and they offered prayers for the
memory of the departed clergy.
The main agenda of the three-day conference was to adopt a process for
classifying and canonizing the victims of the 1915 Armenian
Genocide. After Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and Bishop Papken
Charian presented the report on behalf of the sub-committee, the Synod
approved the order of service and the rites, and they agreed to hold
the canonization ceremony on April 23, 2015, in Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Bishops decided to list April 24 as the day of commemoration on
the church calendar. They adopted the testimonies of the victims and
the canons and hymns to be included in the service and discussed the
canons related to the canonization of Komitas Vartabed and other
individuals.
The Bishops received and studied the reports on the rites of Baptism
and Chrismation. They adopted the guidelines, and proposed a process
for communicating and teaching the rites. The purpose of the study
report was to standardize the Baptism and Chrismation rites and
practices throughout all Armenian Churches worldwide.
The Conference also discussed current issues and challenges the
Armenian Church and its people are facing. Upon receiving the news of
the downing of the Armenian helicopter by Azerbaijan, the Bishops
prayed for the three crew members who were killed, and conveyed
condolences to their families.
On November 13, the final day of the conference, the bishops heard a
presentation by Mr. Viken Sarkissian, coordinator of the 100th
anniversary commemoration program of the Government of Armenia.
The conference closed with the remarks and blessings of the two
Catholicoi. The next Synod of the Armenian Bishops is scheduled to
take place in 2016.
BISHOPS ISSUE DECLARATION
The Conference of Bishops issued the following statement:
`We praise the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
for having enabled us to meet at Holy Etchmiadzin on the threshold of
the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, under
the guidance of Catholicoi Karekin II and Aram I to discuss issues
related to our church and people.
`We prayerfully remember our victims of the Genocide and are confident
that by their sanctification our people will be renewed
spiritually. We encourage our people worldwide to actively participate
in all the events honoring their memory.
`We invite the Christian world to join our people in their 100th
anniversary prayers and commemorations beseeching for God's justice
and peace among people, and asking the Almighty to help humanity
overcome conflicts and face new challenges.
`We call upon the international community to recognize and condemn
the first Genocide of the 20th century committed by Ottoman Turkey. We
also call upon the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide and
recognize the just rights of our people.
`We pray the Almighty for the new victims whose helicopter was gunned
down as they protected the borders of their homeland, Armenia and
Karabagh. The Synod condemns this act by the Azerbaijani forces and
considers it
to be irresponsible and dangerous aggression.
`We express our concern for the conflicts in the Middle East,
especially in Syria and Iraq, as well as in the Ukraine. We pray for
our Armenian communities and for all peace loving people who are
victims of those conflicts and pray that peace will soon prevail.
`We place our hope in Jesus Christ our Lord, and as we remember the
innocent victims of the Genocide, we recommit ourselves to continue
serving the Armenian Church, promoting the internal unity of our
people and strengthening our homeland and the diaspora.'
ARMENIA FUND
2014 TELETHON
Armenia Fund's 17th International Telethon will take place on
Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Under the banner of `Tebi Artsakh,' (en
route Artsakh), the funds raised this year will help complete the
Vardenis-Mardakert Highway.
Given the troubling twists and turns with Azerbaijan, the border
hostilities and geopolitical complications have put national security
back on urgent status. Therefore, the All Armenia Fund and its
affiliates decided to once more make this grand-scale project the
centerpiece of its upcoming 17th International Thanksgiving Day
Telethon of 2014.
Last year's Telethon raised over $22 million USD to launch the
construction of the highway that connects communities on the northern
borders of both Armenia and Karabakh. With the money raised this year
the highway will be completed, including paving, installing traffic
signs, lane indicators, and rest stations.
Go to www.armeniafundusa.org for telethon channel guide.
VICAR WILL ATTEND `AAHPO' GALA
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will attend the 20th anniversary
gala of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO),
tomorrow evening, November 21, at the New York Athletic Club. The
Vicar will represent Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelacy Religious and
Executive Councils as the AAHPO honors Raffy Hovanessian, M.D.,
Ambassador to Humanity and Medicine. The Gala will also honor AAHPO
founding members, Nabet Kassabian, M.D., Khoren Nalbandian, RPH, and
John Nercessian, M.D. The organization's mission is to improve
healthcare awareness, increase prevention of disease and early
detection, and provide medical support and education to Armenians in
the tri-state area as well as in Armenia.
71ST ANNIVERSARY OF LEBANON'S INDEPENDENCE
Bishop Anoushavan will represent the Prelacy at a celebration of the
71st anniversary of the independence of Lebanon tomorrow, November 21,
which will take place in New York City.
RECENTLY ORDAINED PRIESTS CELEBRATE FIRST LITURGY
Rev. Fr. Mikael Kosrofian and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Nazarian, having
completed their forty-day retreat following their ordination in
October, celebrated their first Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 9.
Rev. Fr. Mikael celebrated his first liturgy at St. Asdvadzadzin
Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, where he will begin his service
as pastor. Rev.
Fr. Gabriel celebrated his first liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island, where he will serve as assistant pastor.
Scenes from the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Nazarian
at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence.
Scenes from the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mikael Kosrofian
at St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville.
FOOD FEST IN PROVIDENCE
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, is host to one of
the largest Food Festivals. In fact, it is Rhode Island's largest
indoor festival. It takes place at a large venue,
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, in Cranston. Besides the large variety of food
available the three day fest features live dance music and
performances, boutique booths, country store, silent
auction, flea market, and arts and crafts display. Here are some
photos from `Armenian Fest 2014.'
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, November 23, First Sunday of Advent, are:
Isaiah 36:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Luke 12:13-31.
Someone in the crowd said to him: `Teacher, tell my brother to divide
the family inheritance with me.' But he said to him, `Friend, who set
me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, `Take
care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;
for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.'
Then he told them a parable: `The land of a rich man produced
abundantly. And he thought to himself, `What should I do, for I have
no place to store my crops?' Then he said, `I will do this: I
will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store
all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have
ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But
God said to him, `You fool! This very night your life is being
demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they
be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are
not rich toward God.'
He said to his disciples, `Therefore I tell you, do not worry about
your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will
wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than
clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have
neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more
value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a
single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so
small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the
lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you,
even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But
if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and
tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you-you
of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and
what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations
of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows
that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things
will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:13-31)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/g14sf/4f4cee/4vo3ob).
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 23, is the first Sunday of Advent (from the
Latin adventus, meaning `coming'). Advent is a season of penitence,
anticipation and preparation. Advent serves as a reminder of the
original anticipation of the birth of Christ, as well as the waiting
of Christians for Christ's return. Ideally, it should be a time of
quiet reflection and meditation. In modern times the period leading to
Christmas is far from calm, and is more accurately described as
frenetic. It is a good time to pause and reflect on the proper
observance of the birth of our Lord and Savior.
In the true spirit of Christmas remember that this time of the year,
although filled with joy for most, can be lonely and sad for many
people. Reach out to an elderly person living alone, someone who is
ill, or someone who is mourning the recent loss of a loved one.
THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Three Words of the Twenty-First Century
It is very difficult to keep pace with the novelties of language,
especially these days. Most current English-Armenian dictionaries do
not help us in our search for the Armenian equivalents of very new
words. Sometimes the Internet may give you a clue, but it can also
mislead you, if you lack enough criteria to decide whether this or
that translation is the real thing.
Say, Internet. If you think by logic, you would say that the Armenian
equivalent might be michtsants (Õ´Õ«Õ»Ö=81Õ¡Õ¶Ö=81), with mich `inter'
and tsants `net.' In the 90s, when the Internet explosion started
worldwide, some people used this translation in the Armenian
press. However, neologisms (newly invented words) have a life of their
own; some people like them, while others do not. For a few years,
different words were used, until hamatsants (Õ°Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Ö=81Õ¡Õ¶Ö=81)
came out in the prestigious daily Haratch of Paris around 1996 or
1997, and it picked traction. It was not a literal translation, but
was easier to pronounce than michtsants and gave the idea of a
worldwide tool. It literally means `all-net' or =80=9Cnetwide': hama
`all,' as in hamamerigian (Õ°Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ´Õ¥Ö=80Õ«Õ¯Õ¥Õ¡Õ¶ `all-American'),
and tsants `net.'
Another similar example is online. The literal translation would be
something like verakidz (Õ¾Õ¥Ö=80Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ®), with ver =80=9Con' and
kidz `line.' However, it was never ever attempted. One day, in the
early 2000s, the Armenian translation appeared in Eastern Armenian
websites and became most common: artsants (Õ¡Õ¼Ö=81Õ¡Õ¶Ö=81). It means
`at' (ar, a prefix that has many different meanings) the `net'
(tsants). Again, it was not grounded in a literal translation, but
followed the logic of the language: to be online is to be on (`at')
the Net, right?
Since we mentioned it above, the final word should be website. It is
another term that had many different attempts at translation in the
90s, until the best translation appeared again in the daily Haratch of
Paris in 1998: gaykech (Õ¯Õ¡ÕµÖ=84Õ§Õ»). It was formed by the
combination of gayk (`place, site') and ech (`page'), and expressed
very well a solution of its own. Sometimes it is even used in the
shortened form gayk (Õ¯Õ¡ÕµÖ=84), but of course you need to have the
context to realize that you are talking about a website and not any
other kind of site.
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.
Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your
pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE
DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/g14sf/4f4cee/kop3ob) AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief
Thank you for your help
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
The `Self-Liquidation' of the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Yerevan
(November 20-23, 1923)
The first years of the Soviet experience were marked by the struggle
to establish the foundations of the new regime that included the need
to end all remaining opposed forces throughout the Soviet
Union. Ceremonies of =80=9Cself-liquidation' of various parties that
had been on the anti-Soviet front were staged.
The turn of the Southern Caucasus came in 1923. First the Social
Democrat Hunchakian Party (June) and then Georgian Menshevik (Social
Democrats) and Azerbaijani Musavat parties (both in August) announced
their dissolution in congresses `organized' by their ex-members. The
Armenian Revolutionary Federation followed suit in November.
After the Sovietization of Armenia in December 1920 and the retreat of
the leadership of the party from the country following the revolt of
February 1921, the A.R.F. was going through an organizational crisis,
which was part of the critical moment being lived by the Armenian
people worldwide. It was an hour of reckoning and self-criticism, as
the Vienna Conference held in April-May 1923 showed. This conference
decided to convene abroad what would be the 10th World Congress of the
A.R.F.
The purpose of the `Congress of Former Dashnaks in Armenia' was to
impede the reconstitution of the A.R.F. outside Armenia. The Armenian
Communists' concern was to combat the idea of independence and to
renounce publicly any territorial claims against the neighbor
republics and Turkey, aiming `to open the eyes of the Armenian workers
of the colonies."
Upon the invitation of an `organizing bureau' of seventeen members,
247 delegates representing 4,032 members of the party (a striking
number in comparison to the number of members of the Communist Party
of Armenia, namely, 4,230) gathered at the State Theater of Armenia on
November 20, 1923. The opening was by young agronomist and writer
Aksel Bakunts (1899-1937), who would soon become one of the leading
story writers of Soviet Armenia before his death in the Stalinist
purges. As he said in his opening remarks, the congress was organized
to allow the `four thousand Dashnak party members who had never been
able to express their aspirations' to break with their old party and
`to put their revolutionary energies at the service . . . of the
Soviet state.' During three days, the delegates evaluated the current
situation of the A.R.F., analyzed critically its ideology and its
political activities during the preceding thirty years, and measured
the extent of its current activities in an environment that enjoyed
relative freedom of expression but did not lack theatrical
elements. Old Bolshevik Askanaz Mravian had a major address during the
second day of sessions, where he analyzed the international and
domestic situation in Armenia and Soviet Russia. The closing address
on November 23 was by Lukashin (Sargis Srapionian), chairman of the
Council of Popular Commissars of Armenia (equivalent to prime
minister) and representative of the Central Committee of the Communist
Party.
The congress stressed that the peasants and workers of Armenia, whose
fate had been sacrificed during the previous years at the altar of
`national independence,' would henceforth enjoy `peace and security.'
It called upon Armenian workers abroad to liquidate the
A.R.F. committees and to struggle against capitalism, waiting for the
final victory of the international working class, which would allow
the resolution of the `bloody question of the liberation of the small
nations.'
The main utility of the congress was internal. The `former Dashnaks'
contributed to the legitimization of Soviet rule in Armenia playing
the role of mediators between the Communist Party, yet poorly rooted
in the country, and a population longing for peace and security. The
congress failed in its key mission however, as the A.R.F. gathered its
10th World Congress from November 1924-January 1925 in Paris and
retained its goals for a free, independent, and united Armenia in its
program, although stressing that it had no plan to overthrow the
Soviet regime. A.R.F. clandestine structures would remain active in
Armenia until 1933.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be read on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
ARMENIAN ORPHAN RUG ON DISPLAY
The Armenian Orphan Rug is on display as part of an exhibit at the
White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC. The short-term exhibit opened on Tuesday and will continue to
Sunday, November 23. The Visitor Center is open to the public from
7:30 am to 4 pm.
The rug measures 11 feet 7 inches by 18 feet 5 inches, and is
comprised of 4,404,206 individual knots. It took Armenian girls in the
Near East Relief's Ghazir Orphanage in Lebanon ten months to
complete. The rug was delivered to President Calvin Coolidge on
December 4, 1925, in gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by
the United States to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The rug
has been kept in storage for decades. Under pressure from Armenian
activists and a large number of members of Congress, the White House
agreed to this exhibit at the Visitor Center.
In his acknowledgement letter, President Coolidge wrote, `Please
extend to these orphans my thanks and the thanks of the vast number of
our citizens whose generosity this labor of love is intended to
acknowledge. The rug has a place of honor in the White House where it
will be a daily symbol of goodwill on earth.'
The Ghazir Orphanage was under the care of Jakob Kunzler and his wife
Elizabeth Bender, a daughter of Christian missionaries. From 1915 to
1917 Dr. Kunzler witnessed the Armenian Genocide, especially in Urfa
and environs; he wrote a book in 1921 about his eye-witness
experiences called In the Land of Blood and Tears. His daughter, Ida
Alamuddin, later wrote a book entitled Papa Kunzler and the Armenians
(now out-of-print), describing her parents dedication to the
orphans. Papa Kunzler died in Ghazir, Lebanon, on January 15, 1949.
The current exhibit is entitled `Thank you to the United States: Three
Gifts to Presidents in Gratitude for American Generosity Abroad.' The
gifts displayed are the Ghazir rug, a Sevres vase presented to
President Herbert Hoover in appreciation for feeding children in
post-World War I France, and the Flowering Branches (cherry and
dogwood blossoms encased in Lucite), given to President Barack Obama
in recognition of American support of the people of Japan after the
earthquake and tsunami in 2010. The official opening was preceded by a
press conference hosted by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and
David Valado (R-Calif.) attended by a number of members of Congress,
representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America, the
Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian Rug Society.
The Armenian Orphan Rug (Ghazir Rug) on display in Washington, DC.
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic
Church, Bethesda, Maryland, blesses the Armenian Orphan Rug at the
opening of the exhibit.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE...
TZISAGAN KEEDELIKNER
(Dictionary of Rituals)
Compiled by Archbishop Souren Kataroian
This informative book written in Western Armenian is divided into five
parts. The first is an alphabetized reference book of objects used
during the Armenian liturgy. Each entry includes a definition,
description of its use, photograph, and brief historical genealogy or
liturgical use. The second section is a discussion of the Armenian
Divine Liturgy, while the third is an overview of the Feasts devoted
to the Lord and the Virgin Mary. The fourth covers the services of the
liturgy and church rules and the fifth is an overview of celebrations,
traditions, and liturgical principles. An alphabetical index by
section assists readers for quick finds.
Tzisagan Keedelikner, 356 pages, softcover, $30.00, plus shipping and
handling.
To place order or for information contact the Armenian Prelacy
Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or by phone
(212-689-7810).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 20-`Reflections,' CD release concert, music by Karen
Hakobyan, at Louis K. Meisel Gallery, 141 Prince Street, New York
City; Wine & Refreshments 7 pm to 8 pm; music and wine, 8 pm to 9:30
pm. For information and tickets contact [email protected].
November 21, 22, 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners
(chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made
delicacies; Boutique Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for
children; Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun;
Take-out available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional
Kavourma dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For
information: 201-943-2950.
November 23-Thanksgiving Luncheon, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New
York City, John Pashalian Hall, Featuring St. Illuminator's Huyser
Music Ensemble. Admission: $30. Reservations: email
([email protected]) or phone (212-689-5880).
December 6-Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.
December 6-Lowell Gomideh anniversary celebration, 6 pm, at
St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, program, speaker: David
Boyajian, `The Survival of Armenia: Dangers and
Opportunities. Admission: $20 adults; $10 students. For information:
[email protected] or 978-373-1654.
December 6-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar at Christian Reform Church, Whitinsville, 10 am to 5 pm.
December 6-St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Holiday Bake
Sale & Luncheon, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian and American
pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Café, in the church
hall, 645 S. Lewis Avenue. For information or pre-orders,
847-244-4573.
December 7-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the
church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk, tasting,
and Armenian food pairing will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery,
Woodstock, Connecticut, owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger. For
information: 860-229-8322.
December 7-8th Annual ANC Eastern Region Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery
Park, NY. Freedom Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney
Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan Cardashian Award
Honoree: ANCA activist Alice Movsesian. Tickets are $250. For
reservations and information, please visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or
917.428.1918.
December 12-Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) 11th Annual Holiday Gala,
Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City. Cocktails and Silent Auction, 7
pm; Dinner & Program, 8 pm; Dancing & After Party, 10 pm. For tickets
and information www.coafkids.org or 212-994-8234.
December 13-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, =80=9CA
2014 Christmas Celebration' at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Usher in the
Christmas season with family and friends. Featuring master organist,
Ara Eloian, group caroling in Armenian and English. Reception
following in Terhanian Hall. Admission is Free. RSVP to church office
215-482-9200.
December 21-Armenian Chamber Music, presented by St. Illuminator's
Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
New York, at the Armenian Center, Woodside, New York, at 4
pm. Featuring: Noune Karapetyan (soprano), Sargis Karapetyan (violin),
Nune Hakobyan (piano). Program includes works of Armenian contemporary
composers. Musical notes by Krikor Pidedjian (musicologist). Aram
Satian, president of the Composers Union of Armenia will
attend. Admission: $20. For information and/or tickets:
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, [email protected] or
212-689-5880.
February 9-11, 2015-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the
Eastern Prelacy.
March 13-15, 2015-`Responsibility 2015,' International conference for
Armenian Genocide's centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. www.responsibility2015.com for information.
March 20, 2015-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and
Prelacy Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New
York City.
March 13-15, 2015-International conference, `Responsibility 2015'
marking the Armenian Genocide's centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel,
New York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site (www.responsibility2015.com).
May 7, 8, 9, 2015-National Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration
in Washington, DC, organized under the patronage of the Diocese and
the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Presided by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of
Cilicia. May 7, Ecumenical Service at the National Cathedral, 7 pm;
May 8, A Journey Through Armenian Music at the Music Center at
Strathmore, 7:30 pm; May 8 & 9, Exhibits, Films, and Events at various
venues; May 9, Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception, 10 am; May 9, A Time to Give Thanks,
banquet, 6 pm (location to be announced).
May 10 to June 4, 2015-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
July 18, 2015-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I,
at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon.
October 5-9, 2015-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.
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/
November 20, 2014
PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER TO THE TEMPLE
Tomorrow, November 21, the Armenian Church observes the Feast of the
Presentation of the Holy Mother to the Temple (Undzayoum Sourp
Asdvadzadzini), one of the eight feast days devoted to Mary in the
Armenian Liturgical Calendar. The doctrine of the Holy Mother as
`Mother-of-God' (Asdvadzamayr) and Bearer-of-God,' (Asdvadzadzin) was
established in the fifth century at the Holy Ecumenical Council of
Ephesus.
This Feast commemorates the presentation of the Holy Virgin to the
temple at the age of three. It is always observed on November 21. She
remained in the house of God for twelve years, where she studied with
scholars, which was unheard of for a female child, until the age of
fifteen when she returned to the care of her parents, Joachim and
Anna.
SYNOD OF BISHOPS CONCLUDES
The Synod of Armenian Bishops took place under the leadership of Their
Holinesses Karekin II and Aram I, at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, from
November 11 to 13. Archbishops and Bishops representing the Holy See
of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia, attended the second Synod
of modern times.
One day before the official opening of the Synod, the clergy, led by
the two Catholicoses, visited the Dzidzernagapert Memorial where they
placed wreaths and offered a requiem service at the eternal flame.
The conference began on November 11 with a prayer service at the
Cathedral and continued with the Lord's Prayer at the meeting
hall. After the messages of Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram
I, the Bishops elected their officers: Archbishops Yeznik Bedrossian
and Sebouh Sarkissian, Co-Presidents, and Bishops Vazken Mirkhanian
and Papken Charian, Co-Secretaries.
During the opening ceremony the Bishops congratulated His Holiness
Karekin II on the 15th anniversary of his consecration as Catholicos
of the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, and they offered prayers for the
memory of the departed clergy.
The main agenda of the three-day conference was to adopt a process for
classifying and canonizing the victims of the 1915 Armenian
Genocide. After Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and Bishop Papken
Charian presented the report on behalf of the sub-committee, the Synod
approved the order of service and the rites, and they agreed to hold
the canonization ceremony on April 23, 2015, in Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Bishops decided to list April 24 as the day of commemoration on
the church calendar. They adopted the testimonies of the victims and
the canons and hymns to be included in the service and discussed the
canons related to the canonization of Komitas Vartabed and other
individuals.
The Bishops received and studied the reports on the rites of Baptism
and Chrismation. They adopted the guidelines, and proposed a process
for communicating and teaching the rites. The purpose of the study
report was to standardize the Baptism and Chrismation rites and
practices throughout all Armenian Churches worldwide.
The Conference also discussed current issues and challenges the
Armenian Church and its people are facing. Upon receiving the news of
the downing of the Armenian helicopter by Azerbaijan, the Bishops
prayed for the three crew members who were killed, and conveyed
condolences to their families.
On November 13, the final day of the conference, the bishops heard a
presentation by Mr. Viken Sarkissian, coordinator of the 100th
anniversary commemoration program of the Government of Armenia.
The conference closed with the remarks and blessings of the two
Catholicoi. The next Synod of the Armenian Bishops is scheduled to
take place in 2016.
BISHOPS ISSUE DECLARATION
The Conference of Bishops issued the following statement:
`We praise the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
for having enabled us to meet at Holy Etchmiadzin on the threshold of
the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, under
the guidance of Catholicoi Karekin II and Aram I to discuss issues
related to our church and people.
`We prayerfully remember our victims of the Genocide and are confident
that by their sanctification our people will be renewed
spiritually. We encourage our people worldwide to actively participate
in all the events honoring their memory.
`We invite the Christian world to join our people in their 100th
anniversary prayers and commemorations beseeching for God's justice
and peace among people, and asking the Almighty to help humanity
overcome conflicts and face new challenges.
`We call upon the international community to recognize and condemn
the first Genocide of the 20th century committed by Ottoman Turkey. We
also call upon the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide and
recognize the just rights of our people.
`We pray the Almighty for the new victims whose helicopter was gunned
down as they protected the borders of their homeland, Armenia and
Karabagh. The Synod condemns this act by the Azerbaijani forces and
considers it
to be irresponsible and dangerous aggression.
`We express our concern for the conflicts in the Middle East,
especially in Syria and Iraq, as well as in the Ukraine. We pray for
our Armenian communities and for all peace loving people who are
victims of those conflicts and pray that peace will soon prevail.
`We place our hope in Jesus Christ our Lord, and as we remember the
innocent victims of the Genocide, we recommit ourselves to continue
serving the Armenian Church, promoting the internal unity of our
people and strengthening our homeland and the diaspora.'
ARMENIA FUND
2014 TELETHON
Armenia Fund's 17th International Telethon will take place on
Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Under the banner of `Tebi Artsakh,' (en
route Artsakh), the funds raised this year will help complete the
Vardenis-Mardakert Highway.
Given the troubling twists and turns with Azerbaijan, the border
hostilities and geopolitical complications have put national security
back on urgent status. Therefore, the All Armenia Fund and its
affiliates decided to once more make this grand-scale project the
centerpiece of its upcoming 17th International Thanksgiving Day
Telethon of 2014.
Last year's Telethon raised over $22 million USD to launch the
construction of the highway that connects communities on the northern
borders of both Armenia and Karabakh. With the money raised this year
the highway will be completed, including paving, installing traffic
signs, lane indicators, and rest stations.
Go to www.armeniafundusa.org for telethon channel guide.
VICAR WILL ATTEND `AAHPO' GALA
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will attend the 20th anniversary
gala of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO),
tomorrow evening, November 21, at the New York Athletic Club. The
Vicar will represent Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelacy Religious and
Executive Councils as the AAHPO honors Raffy Hovanessian, M.D.,
Ambassador to Humanity and Medicine. The Gala will also honor AAHPO
founding members, Nabet Kassabian, M.D., Khoren Nalbandian, RPH, and
John Nercessian, M.D. The organization's mission is to improve
healthcare awareness, increase prevention of disease and early
detection, and provide medical support and education to Armenians in
the tri-state area as well as in Armenia.
71ST ANNIVERSARY OF LEBANON'S INDEPENDENCE
Bishop Anoushavan will represent the Prelacy at a celebration of the
71st anniversary of the independence of Lebanon tomorrow, November 21,
which will take place in New York City.
RECENTLY ORDAINED PRIESTS CELEBRATE FIRST LITURGY
Rev. Fr. Mikael Kosrofian and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Nazarian, having
completed their forty-day retreat following their ordination in
October, celebrated their first Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 9.
Rev. Fr. Mikael celebrated his first liturgy at St. Asdvadzadzin
Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, where he will begin his service
as pastor. Rev.
Fr. Gabriel celebrated his first liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island, where he will serve as assistant pastor.
Scenes from the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Nazarian
at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence.
Scenes from the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mikael Kosrofian
at St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville.
FOOD FEST IN PROVIDENCE
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, is host to one of
the largest Food Festivals. In fact, it is Rhode Island's largest
indoor festival. It takes place at a large venue,
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, in Cranston. Besides the large variety of food
available the three day fest features live dance music and
performances, boutique booths, country store, silent
auction, flea market, and arts and crafts display. Here are some
photos from `Armenian Fest 2014.'
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, November 23, First Sunday of Advent, are:
Isaiah 36:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Luke 12:13-31.
Someone in the crowd said to him: `Teacher, tell my brother to divide
the family inheritance with me.' But he said to him, `Friend, who set
me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, `Take
care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;
for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.'
Then he told them a parable: `The land of a rich man produced
abundantly. And he thought to himself, `What should I do, for I have
no place to store my crops?' Then he said, `I will do this: I
will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store
all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have
ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But
God said to him, `You fool! This very night your life is being
demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they
be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are
not rich toward God.'
He said to his disciples, `Therefore I tell you, do not worry about
your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will
wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than
clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have
neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more
value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a
single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so
small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the
lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you,
even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But
if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and
tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you-you
of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and
what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations
of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows
that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things
will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:13-31)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/g14sf/4f4cee/4vo3ob).
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 23, is the first Sunday of Advent (from the
Latin adventus, meaning `coming'). Advent is a season of penitence,
anticipation and preparation. Advent serves as a reminder of the
original anticipation of the birth of Christ, as well as the waiting
of Christians for Christ's return. Ideally, it should be a time of
quiet reflection and meditation. In modern times the period leading to
Christmas is far from calm, and is more accurately described as
frenetic. It is a good time to pause and reflect on the proper
observance of the birth of our Lord and Savior.
In the true spirit of Christmas remember that this time of the year,
although filled with joy for most, can be lonely and sad for many
people. Reach out to an elderly person living alone, someone who is
ill, or someone who is mourning the recent loss of a loved one.
THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Three Words of the Twenty-First Century
It is very difficult to keep pace with the novelties of language,
especially these days. Most current English-Armenian dictionaries do
not help us in our search for the Armenian equivalents of very new
words. Sometimes the Internet may give you a clue, but it can also
mislead you, if you lack enough criteria to decide whether this or
that translation is the real thing.
Say, Internet. If you think by logic, you would say that the Armenian
equivalent might be michtsants (Õ´Õ«Õ»Ö=81Õ¡Õ¶Ö=81), with mich `inter'
and tsants `net.' In the 90s, when the Internet explosion started
worldwide, some people used this translation in the Armenian
press. However, neologisms (newly invented words) have a life of their
own; some people like them, while others do not. For a few years,
different words were used, until hamatsants (Õ°Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Ö=81Õ¡Õ¶Ö=81)
came out in the prestigious daily Haratch of Paris around 1996 or
1997, and it picked traction. It was not a literal translation, but
was easier to pronounce than michtsants and gave the idea of a
worldwide tool. It literally means `all-net' or =80=9Cnetwide': hama
`all,' as in hamamerigian (Õ°Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ´Õ¥Ö=80Õ«Õ¯Õ¥Õ¡Õ¶ `all-American'),
and tsants `net.'
Another similar example is online. The literal translation would be
something like verakidz (Õ¾Õ¥Ö=80Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ®), with ver =80=9Con' and
kidz `line.' However, it was never ever attempted. One day, in the
early 2000s, the Armenian translation appeared in Eastern Armenian
websites and became most common: artsants (Õ¡Õ¼Ö=81Õ¡Õ¶Ö=81). It means
`at' (ar, a prefix that has many different meanings) the `net'
(tsants). Again, it was not grounded in a literal translation, but
followed the logic of the language: to be online is to be on (`at')
the Net, right?
Since we mentioned it above, the final word should be website. It is
another term that had many different attempts at translation in the
90s, until the best translation appeared again in the daily Haratch of
Paris in 1998: gaykech (Õ¯Õ¡ÕµÖ=84Õ§Õ»). It was formed by the
combination of gayk (`place, site') and ech (`page'), and expressed
very well a solution of its own. Sometimes it is even used in the
shortened form gayk (Õ¯Õ¡ÕµÖ=84), but of course you need to have the
context to realize that you are talking about a website and not any
other kind of site.
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.
Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your
pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE
DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/g14sf/4f4cee/kop3ob) AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief
Thank you for your help
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
The `Self-Liquidation' of the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Yerevan
(November 20-23, 1923)
The first years of the Soviet experience were marked by the struggle
to establish the foundations of the new regime that included the need
to end all remaining opposed forces throughout the Soviet
Union. Ceremonies of =80=9Cself-liquidation' of various parties that
had been on the anti-Soviet front were staged.
The turn of the Southern Caucasus came in 1923. First the Social
Democrat Hunchakian Party (June) and then Georgian Menshevik (Social
Democrats) and Azerbaijani Musavat parties (both in August) announced
their dissolution in congresses `organized' by their ex-members. The
Armenian Revolutionary Federation followed suit in November.
After the Sovietization of Armenia in December 1920 and the retreat of
the leadership of the party from the country following the revolt of
February 1921, the A.R.F. was going through an organizational crisis,
which was part of the critical moment being lived by the Armenian
people worldwide. It was an hour of reckoning and self-criticism, as
the Vienna Conference held in April-May 1923 showed. This conference
decided to convene abroad what would be the 10th World Congress of the
A.R.F.
The purpose of the `Congress of Former Dashnaks in Armenia' was to
impede the reconstitution of the A.R.F. outside Armenia. The Armenian
Communists' concern was to combat the idea of independence and to
renounce publicly any territorial claims against the neighbor
republics and Turkey, aiming `to open the eyes of the Armenian workers
of the colonies."
Upon the invitation of an `organizing bureau' of seventeen members,
247 delegates representing 4,032 members of the party (a striking
number in comparison to the number of members of the Communist Party
of Armenia, namely, 4,230) gathered at the State Theater of Armenia on
November 20, 1923. The opening was by young agronomist and writer
Aksel Bakunts (1899-1937), who would soon become one of the leading
story writers of Soviet Armenia before his death in the Stalinist
purges. As he said in his opening remarks, the congress was organized
to allow the `four thousand Dashnak party members who had never been
able to express their aspirations' to break with their old party and
`to put their revolutionary energies at the service . . . of the
Soviet state.' During three days, the delegates evaluated the current
situation of the A.R.F., analyzed critically its ideology and its
political activities during the preceding thirty years, and measured
the extent of its current activities in an environment that enjoyed
relative freedom of expression but did not lack theatrical
elements. Old Bolshevik Askanaz Mravian had a major address during the
second day of sessions, where he analyzed the international and
domestic situation in Armenia and Soviet Russia. The closing address
on November 23 was by Lukashin (Sargis Srapionian), chairman of the
Council of Popular Commissars of Armenia (equivalent to prime
minister) and representative of the Central Committee of the Communist
Party.
The congress stressed that the peasants and workers of Armenia, whose
fate had been sacrificed during the previous years at the altar of
`national independence,' would henceforth enjoy `peace and security.'
It called upon Armenian workers abroad to liquidate the
A.R.F. committees and to struggle against capitalism, waiting for the
final victory of the international working class, which would allow
the resolution of the `bloody question of the liberation of the small
nations.'
The main utility of the congress was internal. The `former Dashnaks'
contributed to the legitimization of Soviet rule in Armenia playing
the role of mediators between the Communist Party, yet poorly rooted
in the country, and a population longing for peace and security. The
congress failed in its key mission however, as the A.R.F. gathered its
10th World Congress from November 1924-January 1925 in Paris and
retained its goals for a free, independent, and united Armenia in its
program, although stressing that it had no plan to overthrow the
Soviet regime. A.R.F. clandestine structures would remain active in
Armenia until 1933.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be read on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
ARMENIAN ORPHAN RUG ON DISPLAY
The Armenian Orphan Rug is on display as part of an exhibit at the
White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC. The short-term exhibit opened on Tuesday and will continue to
Sunday, November 23. The Visitor Center is open to the public from
7:30 am to 4 pm.
The rug measures 11 feet 7 inches by 18 feet 5 inches, and is
comprised of 4,404,206 individual knots. It took Armenian girls in the
Near East Relief's Ghazir Orphanage in Lebanon ten months to
complete. The rug was delivered to President Calvin Coolidge on
December 4, 1925, in gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by
the United States to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The rug
has been kept in storage for decades. Under pressure from Armenian
activists and a large number of members of Congress, the White House
agreed to this exhibit at the Visitor Center.
In his acknowledgement letter, President Coolidge wrote, `Please
extend to these orphans my thanks and the thanks of the vast number of
our citizens whose generosity this labor of love is intended to
acknowledge. The rug has a place of honor in the White House where it
will be a daily symbol of goodwill on earth.'
The Ghazir Orphanage was under the care of Jakob Kunzler and his wife
Elizabeth Bender, a daughter of Christian missionaries. From 1915 to
1917 Dr. Kunzler witnessed the Armenian Genocide, especially in Urfa
and environs; he wrote a book in 1921 about his eye-witness
experiences called In the Land of Blood and Tears. His daughter, Ida
Alamuddin, later wrote a book entitled Papa Kunzler and the Armenians
(now out-of-print), describing her parents dedication to the
orphans. Papa Kunzler died in Ghazir, Lebanon, on January 15, 1949.
The current exhibit is entitled `Thank you to the United States: Three
Gifts to Presidents in Gratitude for American Generosity Abroad.' The
gifts displayed are the Ghazir rug, a Sevres vase presented to
President Herbert Hoover in appreciation for feeding children in
post-World War I France, and the Flowering Branches (cherry and
dogwood blossoms encased in Lucite), given to President Barack Obama
in recognition of American support of the people of Japan after the
earthquake and tsunami in 2010. The official opening was preceded by a
press conference hosted by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and
David Valado (R-Calif.) attended by a number of members of Congress,
representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America, the
Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian Rug Society.
The Armenian Orphan Rug (Ghazir Rug) on display in Washington, DC.
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic
Church, Bethesda, Maryland, blesses the Armenian Orphan Rug at the
opening of the exhibit.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE...
TZISAGAN KEEDELIKNER
(Dictionary of Rituals)
Compiled by Archbishop Souren Kataroian
This informative book written in Western Armenian is divided into five
parts. The first is an alphabetized reference book of objects used
during the Armenian liturgy. Each entry includes a definition,
description of its use, photograph, and brief historical genealogy or
liturgical use. The second section is a discussion of the Armenian
Divine Liturgy, while the third is an overview of the Feasts devoted
to the Lord and the Virgin Mary. The fourth covers the services of the
liturgy and church rules and the fifth is an overview of celebrations,
traditions, and liturgical principles. An alphabetical index by
section assists readers for quick finds.
Tzisagan Keedelikner, 356 pages, softcover, $30.00, plus shipping and
handling.
To place order or for information contact the Armenian Prelacy
Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or by phone
(212-689-7810).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 20-`Reflections,' CD release concert, music by Karen
Hakobyan, at Louis K. Meisel Gallery, 141 Prince Street, New York
City; Wine & Refreshments 7 pm to 8 pm; music and wine, 8 pm to 9:30
pm. For information and tickets contact [email protected].
November 21, 22, 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners
(chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made
delicacies; Boutique Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for
children; Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun;
Take-out available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional
Kavourma dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For
information: 201-943-2950.
November 23-Thanksgiving Luncheon, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, New
York City, John Pashalian Hall, Featuring St. Illuminator's Huyser
Music Ensemble. Admission: $30. Reservations: email
([email protected]) or phone (212-689-5880).
December 6-Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.
December 6-Lowell Gomideh anniversary celebration, 6 pm, at
St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, program, speaker: David
Boyajian, `The Survival of Armenia: Dangers and
Opportunities. Admission: $20 adults; $10 students. For information:
[email protected] or 978-373-1654.
December 6-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar at Christian Reform Church, Whitinsville, 10 am to 5 pm.
December 6-St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Holiday Bake
Sale & Luncheon, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian and American
pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Café, in the church
hall, 645 S. Lewis Avenue. For information or pre-orders,
847-244-4573.
December 7-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the
church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk, tasting,
and Armenian food pairing will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery,
Woodstock, Connecticut, owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger. For
information: 860-229-8322.
December 7-8th Annual ANC Eastern Region Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery
Park, NY. Freedom Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney
Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan Cardashian Award
Honoree: ANCA activist Alice Movsesian. Tickets are $250. For
reservations and information, please visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or
917.428.1918.
December 12-Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) 11th Annual Holiday Gala,
Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City. Cocktails and Silent Auction, 7
pm; Dinner & Program, 8 pm; Dancing & After Party, 10 pm. For tickets
and information www.coafkids.org or 212-994-8234.
December 13-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, =80=9CA
2014 Christmas Celebration' at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Usher in the
Christmas season with family and friends. Featuring master organist,
Ara Eloian, group caroling in Armenian and English. Reception
following in Terhanian Hall. Admission is Free. RSVP to church office
215-482-9200.
December 21-Armenian Chamber Music, presented by St. Illuminator's
Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of
New York, at the Armenian Center, Woodside, New York, at 4
pm. Featuring: Noune Karapetyan (soprano), Sargis Karapetyan (violin),
Nune Hakobyan (piano). Program includes works of Armenian contemporary
composers. Musical notes by Krikor Pidedjian (musicologist). Aram
Satian, president of the Composers Union of Armenia will
attend. Admission: $20. For information and/or tickets:
St. Illuminator's Cathedral, [email protected] or
212-689-5880.
February 9-11, 2015-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the
Eastern Prelacy.
March 13-15, 2015-`Responsibility 2015,' International conference for
Armenian Genocide's centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. www.responsibility2015.com for information.
March 20, 2015-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and
Prelacy Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New
York City.
March 13-15, 2015-International conference, `Responsibility 2015'
marking the Armenian Genocide's centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel,
New York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site (www.responsibility2015.com).
May 7, 8, 9, 2015-National Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration
in Washington, DC, organized under the patronage of the Diocese and
the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Presided by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of
Cilicia. May 7, Ecumenical Service at the National Cathedral, 7 pm;
May 8, A Journey Through Armenian Music at the Music Center at
Strathmore, 7:30 pm; May 8 & 9, Exhibits, Films, and Events at various
venues; May 9, Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception, 10 am; May 9, A Time to Give Thanks,
banquet, 6 pm (location to be announced).
May 10 to June 4, 2015-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
July 18, 2015-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I,
at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon.
October 5-9, 2015-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.
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]