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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/
September 4, 2014
The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY
10016
tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]
CATHOLICOS ARAM WILL ATTEND SUMMIT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS; HIS HOLINESS
WILL ARRIVE IN DC ON SATURDAY
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will
arrive
in Washington, DC, this Saturday, September 6, where next week he will
join with other religious leaders to participate in the In Defense of
Christians (IDC) Inaugural Summit of Middle East Christians. The
Summit will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel from September 9 to
11. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan has also been invited to
participate in the Summit. (See the next item for information about
IDC and the Summit.)
The entourage welcoming His Holiness when he arrives in Washington
will be
led by our Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelate of the Western
Prelacy, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh; they will be joined by
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic
Church of Bethesda, Maryland, and Dr. Dertad Manguikian, a member of
the Cilician See's Executive Council.
His Holiness will deliver the sermon and preside over the Divine
Liturgy at Soorp Khatch Church on Sunday, September 7. Following the
Liturgy, there will be a reception and opportunity for the Faithful to
greet the Catholicos (Achahampouyr).
On Monday evening, September 8, His Holiness will attend a dinner in
honor
of the Patriarchs from the Middle East attending the IDC Summit that
is being hosted by the Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States,
H.E. Ambassador Antoine Chedid. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
His Holiness will attend the IDC Summit. On Friday morning he will
visit the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to meet with the recently
appointed Ambassador Tigran Sargsian, and at noon he will be the guest
of honor at a reception hosted by the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA).
IN DEFENSE OF CHRISTIANS (IDC)
The deteriorating situation facing millions of Christians and other
religious minorities in the Middle East will be the focus of a
bipartisan and ecumenical conference. The three-day event sponsored by
In Defense of Christians (IDC) will feature speakers from all over the
globe.
The Summit, whose theme is `Protecting and Preserving Christianity,
Where It All Began,' will be the first occasion in history where six
Christian Patriarchs from the Middle East will gather together in the
United States. IDC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed
to the
preservation and protection of Christians in the Middle East. Also
attending the Summit will be a broad spectrum of religious leaders
from the United
States, as well as human rights experts. Attendees will participate in
a number of pre-scheduled meetings with House and Senate members and
their staffs.
Organizers of the Summit said that this first-of-its-kind event will
provide the opportunity to gather in unity with hundreds of Christian
brothers and sisters, receive exclusive current reports, participate
in ecumenical prayer services, speak with members of Congress urging
them to stand in solidarity with the historic Christian communities
whose survival is not merely a moral imperative, but in the interests
of all nations and peoples of the West and Middle East.
For more information about IDC and the Summit click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/c65pkb).
PRELATE OPENS AYF OLYMPICS
As he has done every year since his election as Prelate of the Eastern
Prelacy in 1998, Archbishop Oshagan attended the Labor Day Olympics of
the Armenian Youth Federation and opened the games with his message
and prayer. This year the Olympics-the 81st-in Detroit, Michigan,
hosted by the Kopernik Tandourjian chapter of the AYF.
In his message the Prelate praised the AYF for `keeping our youth
together and engaged.' His Eminence said, `Since my first Olympics
message as your Prelate in 1998, my messages have focused on the
importance of participation, not only in the sports arena, but in all
aspects of life, especially as Armenian Americans who have inherited
an ancient and distinctive heritage, and an obligation and duty to
safeguard the growth of that heritage.'
`Dear Olympians and Spectators,' His Eminence said, =80=9CWe are
approaching the pivotal year of 2015 and the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide that decimated our nation to such an extent that
many believed that surely this was the end. Praise our Lord, here we
are, the
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the survivors,
preparing to commemorate the centennial of this horrific crime and to
demand recognition, restitution, and reparation.'
Some of the newly-built houses in Nor Giligia.
ST. STEPHEN'S SATURDAY ARMENIAN SCHOOL DONATES $2,000 FOR NOR GILIGIA
PROJECT
A few years ago, the Holy See of Cilicia embarked on a long-term
project in conjunction with the government of Artsakh, to renovate and
revitalize the border village of Nor Khazan that would be renamed Nor
Giligia. The overall project included the building of houses, roads,
school, hospital, and other infrastructure improvements.
Archbishop Oshagan recently received a letter from the St. Stephen's
Armenian Saturday School of Greater Boston, with a donation of $2,000
for the ongoing Nor Giligia project in Artsakh. The parents of each
student donated ten dollars that resulted in a total of $1,500. The
governing body of the Saturday school decided to add an additional
$500 to the collected sum and remitted $2,000 to the Prelacy.
Archbishop Oshagan received the letter and the enclosed check with
gratitude and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the students, their
parents, and the governing body. He noted that there is still much
work to be done before
the Nor Giligia project is completed. The Eastern Prelacy has pledged
to sponsor four houses at an approximate cost of $35,000 per
house. Donations for Nor Giligia can be made online
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/sy6pkb) or mailed to the
Prelacy (138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016). Checks should be
payable to Armenian Apostolic Church of America with =80=9CNor
Giligia' noted in the memo area.
MUSICAL ARMENIA APPLICATIONS
The Musical Armenia committee is accepting applications from young
Armenian musicians who would like to be featured in a concert at
Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Those interested
in apply should visit the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
or click
here (https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/8q7pkb).
The Prelacy inaugurated the Musical Armenia series in 1982 in order to
promote the careers of talented young Armenian musicians from all over
the world. Since then, the annual concerts have remained faithful to
the objectives of the series. The 2015 concert will take place on
Friday, March 20. Applications should be sent no later than October
30, 2014.
SIAMANTO ACADEMY WILL RESUME ITS ACTIVITIES
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), jointly sponsored by
the
Prelacy and the Armenian Relief Society, sponsored for many years the
Siamanto Academy for young adults. After a recent hiatus, the Academy
is ready to resume its activities. The Academy offers courses on
Armenian history, culture, and contemporary issues. Classes will take
place on a monthly basis, every second Saturday, beginning in
September at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian
Apostolic Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), from 2 pm-5 pm. For
additional information, please contact ANEC at
[email protected].
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, September 7, Third Sunday after the
Assumption,
(Eve of the Fast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), are: Isaiah
14:1-11; 2 Corinthians 7:4-16; Mark 7:31-37. Readings for the Birth of
the Holy Virgin Mary Mother of God are: Proverbs 31:29-31; Isaiah
61:9; Galatians 3:24-29; Matthew 1:1-17.
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon
towards
the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to
him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged
him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from
the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched
his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him,
`Ephphatha,' that is, `Be opened.' And immediately his ears were
opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus
ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more
zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure,
saying, `He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear
and the mute to speak.' (Mark 7:31-37)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/oj8pkb).
THE 318 FATHERS OF THE HOLY COUNCIL OF NICAEA
This Saturday, September 6, the Armenian Church commemorates the First
Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in Asia Minor in the year 325, and
the 318 Church Fathers who attended. The Council was convened by
Emperor Constantine. Aristakes, son of Gregory the Illuminator,
represented the Armenian Church. The Council is mentioned in the
writings of Moses of Khoren and Agathangelos. In later centuries and
in all their doctrinal writings, the Fathers of the Armenian Church
referred to the Council of Nicaea with veneration and
the Nicene Creed (Havatamk) was incorporated into the Armenian
Liturgy. The Council condemned Arianism that denied the full divinity
of Christ, and proclaimed that the orthodox position is the belief in
`one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of God and Father,
Only Begotten, of the substance of the Father. God from God, light
from light, true God, begotten and not made,' (from the Nicene Creed
recited during the Armenian Divine Liturgy).
PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF EXALTATION
This Sunday, September 7, is the Paregentan of the Fast leading to the
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachveratz), which is next
Sunday.
Because the Exaltation is a Tabernacle Feast, it is preceded by a week
(Monday to Friday) of fasting.
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE HOLY MOTHER
This Saturday, September 6, is the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy
Mother of God. The birth of Mary is not recorded in the Bible. The
account of this event comes to us from other writings that are not
part of the New Testament. According to tradition, Joachim and Anna
were faithful and pious, waiting for the promised Messiah. They were
elderly and childless. They prayed
to God for a child and were blessed with a daughter they named Mary,
who would become the Mother of the Messiah.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
CATHOLICOS MEETS WITH HEADS OF CHURCHES
Last week the patriarchs of the Middle East Churches met at the
Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke, Lebanon. His Holiness Aram I
participated in the meeting, accompanied by Bishop Shahe Panossian,
Prelate of Lebanon, and V. Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian, the
Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate.
The participants met to further consider items they had discussed at
the recent visit of the Patriarchs to Iraq and to prepared a public
statement on
the situation. After sharing their impressions on the plight of
Christian refugees, the Patriarchs agreed to highlight the following
points: Christians belong in the region and they will stay and defend
their rights; the strategy and actions of the extremists do not
reflect the teachings and values
of Islam; Christians will join hands with moderate Muslims of the
region; and the international community should assist local Christians
in combating
conservative Islam.
At the end of their meeting, the Patriarchs received and shared their
concerns with the United Nations representative in Lebanon and the
ambassadors of the five UN Security Council member countries-the
United States,
Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France, and the representative of
the Holy See. Catholicos Aram warned the ambassadors that extremist
Islam is not
only a menace to Christians, but also to Islam and the whole world,
and urged them to adopt a holistic strategy that would include
political and economic issues along with the humanitarian aid and
military considerations.
The ambassadors thanked the patriarchs for sharing their thoughts with
them and promised to take the matter to their respective governments.
PATRIARCHS ISSUE STATEMENT
Earlier in August, high officials from ancient Christian churches in
the Near East issued a common statement denouncing the emergence of
armed extremist groups who `murder, shatter, and violate the sacred
nature of the churches' and other suffering communities in the Middle
East. The church leaders called upon the international community, by
action of the United Nations Security Council and the International
Court of Justice, to restore the rights and homes of civilian
populations and guarantee a return
to land that has been taken from them.
The religious leaders who gathered on August 7 in Lebanon at the
invitation of the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Bishara
Butrsos al Rai, included: Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Apostolic
Orthodox Church; Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorius Lahham III of
Antioch and All the East, Alexandria, and Jerusalem; Greek Orthodox
Patriarch Yuhanna Al Yazajee X of Antioch and All the East; Armenian
Catholic Patriarch Narcis Bedros XIX of Cilicia; Syriac Catholic
Patriarch Mar Aghnatios Yousel Younan III of Antioch; Syrian Orthodox
Patriarch Mor Ignatius Afram II of Antioch and All the East;
representative of Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sakko II of
Babylon; and Bishop Shlimon Wardouni, the Chaldean Patriarchal Vicar.
The statement describes religious extremism as `a disease'
that attacks the foundations of inter-religious coexistence throughout
the
region, and the signers of the statement call on governments now
supplying
terrorist groups to cut off all funding and material support. Sister
churches throughout the world are requested to `show solidarity'
with the Middle Eastern Christians in the face of wide-scale
persecution, and to encourage the continuation of relief work.
THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG
Archbishop Oshagan being interviewed by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, NY.
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston,
New York, has inaugurated a new online project, `THE PODCAST with
Fr. Nareg Terterian,' that will feature discussions, interviews, Bible
reflections, and hymns. The inaugural Podcast features an interview
with our Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. You can hear it now here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/4b9pkb).
`BAROQUE AND BEFORE' CONCERT AT THE CATHEDRAL
Although it was the Labor Day weekend when many families are away, 150
people came to St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City last
Saturday for a `Baroque and Before' concert that featured Lucine
Musaelian on the bass viola da gamba and Joyce Chen on the
harpsichord. The program included the gems of the Baroque and
Renaissance eras that included the works of composers Marin Marais,
Georg Philipp Telemann, Francois Couperin, Diego Ortiz, and Girolamo
Frescobaldi.
Lucine Musaelian is a junior in Horace Mann School in Riverdale, New
York.
She began playing the viola da gamba in 2006 and she has performed at
early music festivals and workshops. She is also enrolled in the
Precollege Division of the Manhattan School of Music, where she is a
voice student. She is interested in many styles of music, and plays
guitar and piano as well as
the viola da gamba.
Joyce Chen discovered her love for early music when she joined the UC
Berkley Baroque Ensemble. She is currently a doctoral student in
harpsichord and a teaching assistant at Stony Brook University. She
serves as the music director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in
Patchogue (NY) and organist at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church
in Hauppauge (NY). She has participated in many early music festivals.
On behalf of a very appreciative audience, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian,
pastor of the Cathedral, expressed heartfelt congratulations and
thanks to the two artists for their spectacular performance.
Lucine Musaelian on the bass viola da gamba, and Joyce Chen on the
harpsichord provided beautiful music in a concert of early music from
the Baroque and Renaissance eras.
Der Mesrob with the artists.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Mekhitar of Sebastia
Foundation of the Mekhitarist Congregation (September 8, 1701)
Since its inception, the educational and cultural activities of the
Mekhitarist Congregation had a very important role in Armenian
history. After becoming a priest at the age of 20, Mekhitar of
Sebastia (1676-1749) decided to find a congregation in order to work
collectively to increase the spiritual, moral and intellectual levels
of the Armenian people. He was consecrated celibate priest in 1699 and
soon converted to Catholicism. However, he did not renege his Armenian
ancestry and identity.
On September 8, 1701, on the feast of the birth of the Virgin Mary,
Mekhitar and a group of sympathizers founded the congregation of
St. Anthony the Abbot in Constantinople. The congregation initially
had twelve members, including four celibate priests. The conflict
between the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic communities in the Ottoman
capital took a bloody turnaround. Mekhitar and his sympathizers fled
the Ottoman persecution and moved to the Peninsula of Morea
(Peloponessus), in Greece, which was under the domination
of the Republic of Venice, and settled in the fortress of Methon.
The Mekhitarist Monastery on the island of San Lazarro in the Venetian
Grotto.
An assembly held in 1705 prepared the draft bylaws of the
Congregation, based on the bylaws of the Benedictine Congregation and
extracted from the canons of the life of St. Anthony the Abbot. He
sent two of his students to Rome with the draft, and letters to Pope
Clement XI and the governor of the Propaganda Fide. The assembly of
the Propaganda Fide, since the canons of St. Anthony were incomplete,
suggested Mekhitar to choose from the canons of
St. Basil, St. Augustine, or St. Benedict. The Armenian priest chose
the canons of St. Benedict and presented the new draft of bylaws to
the Pope on May 12, 1711. The bylaws were approved by Clement XI in
1717, who bestowed the title of Abbot upon Mekhitar.
The library inside the Mekhitarist Monastery in Vienna, Austria.
Meanwhile, a war started between the Ottoman Empire and Venice in
December
1714. Mekhitar and most of the congregation members fled Methon and
moved to Venice. However, they needed a cloister and a monastery to
carry on their plans. The Venetian Senate had just approved a law that
forbade the establishment of any new religious congregation in the
city. Nevertheless, the highest body took Mekhitar's request into
consideration and proposed
that he find a place outside the city. Mekhitar chose the island of
San Lazzaro, which belonged to the order of the Mendicants. On August
26, 1717, the Senate of Venice conceded the island to the congregation
with right of permanent residence, and Mekhitar and his followers, a
total of sixteen, settled there on September 8, the anniversary of the
foundation of the congregation. The renovation work at the church was
completed in 1723, and Mekhitar started the construction of a new
monastery, which was finished in 1740, including a library and a
refectory. Mekhitar passed away on April 27, 1749, and was buried
before the main altar of the island. On his death, he had already
achieved the publication of some twenty books, including the first
volume of the Haigazian Dictionary, which his disciples would complete
twenty years later. After his passing, the Congregation was named
after him.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be
read on the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
HOVNANIAN SCHOOL SEEKS PRINCIPAL
The Hovnanian School of New Milford, New Jersey, is searching for a
new principal. The school is seeking new leadership after its
principal of 14 years, Anahid Garmiryan, accepted a position at the
Gulbenkian Foundation as the Senior Program Officer for Western
Armenian Language Support. Inquiries and requests for more information
should be directed to [email protected].
CHARLES AZNAVOUR IN NEW YORK
Charles Aznavour will perform in Madison Square Garden in New York on
Saturday, September 20, in what is being called a `farewell concert'
and `only area appearance.' Tickets are on sale now
at THEATERATMSG.COM or at 866-858-0008.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
The Prelacy Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories,
historical novels, memoirs, eye witness testimonies, essays, and
poetry. From now through next April we will feature one or two books
each week from the Bookstore's collection.
The Sandcastle Girls
By Chris Bohjalian
This epic novel is a love story wrapped around the history of the
Armenian
Genocide. Inspired by his grandparents' background, Bohjalian writes
about the suffering and atrocities of that time with great historical
accuracy. Reviewer Eugenia Zukerman wrote in The Washington Post, `The
Sandcastle Girls may be a novel, but, based on his family history it
is a
valuable and powerful piece of evidence pointing to the undeniable.
The Sandcastle Girls, hardcover, $25.95,
plus shipping & handling.
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To order these or other books contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
([email protected]) or by phone (212-689-7810).
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, require
our financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers,
your
hearts, and your pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE 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
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 6-Nareg Armenian Saturday School opening, 9 am to noon,
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
September 7-Picnic Festival, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, featuring musicians
Leon Janikian, Jason Naroian, Johnny Berberian, and John Arzigian;
presentation by Siroun Dance Ensemble of Central Massachusetts. 12:30
to 5:30 pm, church
grounds. Shish, losh, and chicken kebab dinners, veggie plates,
Armenian pastries, family games and activities.
September 7-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and Hartford,
Connecticut, Annual Church Picnic after Sunday services will take
place
at The Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New Britain. Armenian
music, dancing, and food.
September 7-Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York, Annual Armenian Picnic,
12pm to 4 pm. Shish Kebob dinner, Lahmajoun for sale, Armenian
pastries, live music. For info: [email protected].
September 7-Lecture `Mkhitar Heratsi,' by Dr. Gregory Kazanjian, at 1
pm, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York
City. Organized by Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York.
September 12-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 2nd Annual
=80=9CTaste of the Mediterranean' Wine Tasting Fundraiser, 4 to 6 pm
at Uncork in downtown Racine. Event will again feature 6 wines for
tasting,
a `mezze' table, silent auction items, and 50/50 raffle. Cost of the
event is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Last year's even was a
sell-out, so get your tickets early. For tickets and/or information
contact Mary M. Olson by email ([email protected]).
September 14-St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New
York, Annual Picnic on the church grounds following church
services. Admission is free. Enjoy excellent kebabs and
salads. Terrific entertainment for everyone and special activities for
children in the `KidZone.' Music, food, and friends...a wonderful
afternoon. For information 718-224-2275.
September 14-Opening day of Sunday School at St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts. For information contact Priscilla
Altoonian, Director, ([email protected]).
September 18, 19, 20-2014 Fall Food Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.
September 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 12th
Annual Golf Classic, River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New
Jersey. Rain or Shine. 11 am registration and Grilled Lunch Buffet; 1
pm Tee Off. Format: Shotgun Scramble (All player levels welcome). Golf
Outing Reservation: $195; limited to first 128 paid golf
reservations. Reservation includes: Grilled lunch buffet, dinner
banquet, golf, cart, and range balls. Contests and
Prizes. Sponsorships available. For information: 201-943-2950.
September 19-All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois, 10th Annual Golf
Outing, Fox Run Golf Link, 333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village. For
information: Hagop Soulakian 847-858-7685 or [email protected].
September 19, 20-Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Erebouni and
Mayr Chapters present Two-Evenings with Emmy Award-winning director
Bared Maronian, in support of his new documentary film, `Women of
1915,' on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Guest of honor: Johnson Garrett, great-grandson of Cleveland
H. Dodge, founder of Near East Relief. Guest singer: Hooshere. Friday:
Virginia Davies
& Willard Taylor, 299 W. 12th Street PH, NYC; Saturday: Narine & Sandy
Petropoulos, 114 Revere Road, Manhasset, NY. Donation $75. For
information: Anahid ([email protected]) or 917-751-4916.
September 20-Charles Aznavour `Farewell Concert' at The Theater,
Madison Square Garden. Only area appearance. Tickets: THEATERATMSG.COM
or 866-858-0008.
September 21-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Tea party at noon in the church
hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Brought back by
popular demand. Guest speaker from the Bigelow Tea Company. Goodie
bags for all. Raffle prize is being provided by Armeny Custom Jewelry
Design.
September 21-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, `Designer Bag Bingo'
luncheon in Founders' Hall at 2 pm. Fifteen lucky
winners of designer bags, including top labels, Gucci, Prada, Fendi,
Laboutin, Judith Leiber, Chanel, and others. Join us for a fun game of
Bingo, Chinese auction, and enjoy the lavish Chanel inspired theme and
décor, along with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. Ticket
sales limited. For reservations and information: Cissy DerHagopian
856-313-6848; Donna Walter 484-354-0388.
September 21-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Sunday School Picnic, 1 to 3 pm. Food, hayride, and games at Peter and
Susan Baghdasarian's farm, Uxbridge, Massachusetts. For information
contact Sunday school director Priscilla Altoonian ([email protected]).
October 3-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday
School Dinner Dance Gala.
October 3 & 4-Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Diran Der
Khosrofian and Deacon Harold Nazarian, at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island, by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
October 11-Armenian Friends of America presents Kef 5, 7:30-12:30,
Michael's Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill,
Massachusetts. Tickets $50; students 21 and under, $40. Proceeds will
benefit Armenian churches of Merrimack Valley. Individually served
mezza platters and pastries; musicians, Mal Barsamian (clarinet), John
Berberian (oud), Bob Raphaelian (violin), Bruce Jigarjian (guitar),
Jason Naroian (dumbeg & vocals). Advance ticket sales only. John
Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Lucy Sirmaian, 978-683-9121; Peter Gulezian,
978-375-1616, Sandy Boroyan, 978-251-8687.
October 12-15-Prelacy Clergy Gathering for Reflection and Renewal at
St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
October 19-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will ordain sub-deacon Ara Stepanian
during the Divine Liturgy and preside over the parish's 57th Annual
Banquet.
November 7 & 8-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 58th
Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at Armenian Cultural & Educational
Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts. Meals served from
11:30 am to 8:30 pm (take out is available). Enjoy delicious meals,
Armenian pastries, gourmet items, arts and crafts, books, raffles,
attic treasures. For information: 617-924-7562.
November 21, 22, 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners
(chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made
delicacies; Boutique
Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for children;
Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun; Take-out
available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional Kavourma
dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For
information: 201-943-2950.
December 6-Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.
December 6-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar at Dutch Reformed Church, Whitinsvilloe, 10 am to 5 pm.
December 7-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the
church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk and tasting
will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock, Connecticut,
owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger.
February 9-11, 2015-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the
Eastern Prelacy.
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]
From: A. Papazian
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/
September 4, 2014
The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY
10016
tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]
CATHOLICOS ARAM WILL ATTEND SUMMIT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS; HIS HOLINESS
WILL ARRIVE IN DC ON SATURDAY
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will
arrive
in Washington, DC, this Saturday, September 6, where next week he will
join with other religious leaders to participate in the In Defense of
Christians (IDC) Inaugural Summit of Middle East Christians. The
Summit will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel from September 9 to
11. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan has also been invited to
participate in the Summit. (See the next item for information about
IDC and the Summit.)
The entourage welcoming His Holiness when he arrives in Washington
will be
led by our Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelate of the Western
Prelacy, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh; they will be joined by
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic
Church of Bethesda, Maryland, and Dr. Dertad Manguikian, a member of
the Cilician See's Executive Council.
His Holiness will deliver the sermon and preside over the Divine
Liturgy at Soorp Khatch Church on Sunday, September 7. Following the
Liturgy, there will be a reception and opportunity for the Faithful to
greet the Catholicos (Achahampouyr).
On Monday evening, September 8, His Holiness will attend a dinner in
honor
of the Patriarchs from the Middle East attending the IDC Summit that
is being hosted by the Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States,
H.E. Ambassador Antoine Chedid. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
His Holiness will attend the IDC Summit. On Friday morning he will
visit the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to meet with the recently
appointed Ambassador Tigran Sargsian, and at noon he will be the guest
of honor at a reception hosted by the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA).
IN DEFENSE OF CHRISTIANS (IDC)
The deteriorating situation facing millions of Christians and other
religious minorities in the Middle East will be the focus of a
bipartisan and ecumenical conference. The three-day event sponsored by
In Defense of Christians (IDC) will feature speakers from all over the
globe.
The Summit, whose theme is `Protecting and Preserving Christianity,
Where It All Began,' will be the first occasion in history where six
Christian Patriarchs from the Middle East will gather together in the
United States. IDC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed
to the
preservation and protection of Christians in the Middle East. Also
attending the Summit will be a broad spectrum of religious leaders
from the United
States, as well as human rights experts. Attendees will participate in
a number of pre-scheduled meetings with House and Senate members and
their staffs.
Organizers of the Summit said that this first-of-its-kind event will
provide the opportunity to gather in unity with hundreds of Christian
brothers and sisters, receive exclusive current reports, participate
in ecumenical prayer services, speak with members of Congress urging
them to stand in solidarity with the historic Christian communities
whose survival is not merely a moral imperative, but in the interests
of all nations and peoples of the West and Middle East.
For more information about IDC and the Summit click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/c65pkb).
PRELATE OPENS AYF OLYMPICS
As he has done every year since his election as Prelate of the Eastern
Prelacy in 1998, Archbishop Oshagan attended the Labor Day Olympics of
the Armenian Youth Federation and opened the games with his message
and prayer. This year the Olympics-the 81st-in Detroit, Michigan,
hosted by the Kopernik Tandourjian chapter of the AYF.
In his message the Prelate praised the AYF for `keeping our youth
together and engaged.' His Eminence said, `Since my first Olympics
message as your Prelate in 1998, my messages have focused on the
importance of participation, not only in the sports arena, but in all
aspects of life, especially as Armenian Americans who have inherited
an ancient and distinctive heritage, and an obligation and duty to
safeguard the growth of that heritage.'
`Dear Olympians and Spectators,' His Eminence said, =80=9CWe are
approaching the pivotal year of 2015 and the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide that decimated our nation to such an extent that
many believed that surely this was the end. Praise our Lord, here we
are, the
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the survivors,
preparing to commemorate the centennial of this horrific crime and to
demand recognition, restitution, and reparation.'
Some of the newly-built houses in Nor Giligia.
ST. STEPHEN'S SATURDAY ARMENIAN SCHOOL DONATES $2,000 FOR NOR GILIGIA
PROJECT
A few years ago, the Holy See of Cilicia embarked on a long-term
project in conjunction with the government of Artsakh, to renovate and
revitalize the border village of Nor Khazan that would be renamed Nor
Giligia. The overall project included the building of houses, roads,
school, hospital, and other infrastructure improvements.
Archbishop Oshagan recently received a letter from the St. Stephen's
Armenian Saturday School of Greater Boston, with a donation of $2,000
for the ongoing Nor Giligia project in Artsakh. The parents of each
student donated ten dollars that resulted in a total of $1,500. The
governing body of the Saturday school decided to add an additional
$500 to the collected sum and remitted $2,000 to the Prelacy.
Archbishop Oshagan received the letter and the enclosed check with
gratitude and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the students, their
parents, and the governing body. He noted that there is still much
work to be done before
the Nor Giligia project is completed. The Eastern Prelacy has pledged
to sponsor four houses at an approximate cost of $35,000 per
house. Donations for Nor Giligia can be made online
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/sy6pkb) or mailed to the
Prelacy (138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016). Checks should be
payable to Armenian Apostolic Church of America with =80=9CNor
Giligia' noted in the memo area.
MUSICAL ARMENIA APPLICATIONS
The Musical Armenia committee is accepting applications from young
Armenian musicians who would like to be featured in a concert at
Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Those interested
in apply should visit the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
or click
here (https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/8q7pkb).
The Prelacy inaugurated the Musical Armenia series in 1982 in order to
promote the careers of talented young Armenian musicians from all over
the world. Since then, the annual concerts have remained faithful to
the objectives of the series. The 2015 concert will take place on
Friday, March 20. Applications should be sent no later than October
30, 2014.
SIAMANTO ACADEMY WILL RESUME ITS ACTIVITIES
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), jointly sponsored by
the
Prelacy and the Armenian Relief Society, sponsored for many years the
Siamanto Academy for young adults. After a recent hiatus, the Academy
is ready to resume its activities. The Academy offers courses on
Armenian history, culture, and contemporary issues. Classes will take
place on a monthly basis, every second Saturday, beginning in
September at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian
Apostolic Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), from 2 pm-5 pm. For
additional information, please contact ANEC at
[email protected].
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, September 7, Third Sunday after the
Assumption,
(Eve of the Fast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), are: Isaiah
14:1-11; 2 Corinthians 7:4-16; Mark 7:31-37. Readings for the Birth of
the Holy Virgin Mary Mother of God are: Proverbs 31:29-31; Isaiah
61:9; Galatians 3:24-29; Matthew 1:1-17.
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon
towards
the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to
him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged
him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from
the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched
his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him,
`Ephphatha,' that is, `Be opened.' And immediately his ears were
opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus
ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more
zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure,
saying, `He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear
and the mute to speak.' (Mark 7:31-37)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/oj8pkb).
THE 318 FATHERS OF THE HOLY COUNCIL OF NICAEA
This Saturday, September 6, the Armenian Church commemorates the First
Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in Asia Minor in the year 325, and
the 318 Church Fathers who attended. The Council was convened by
Emperor Constantine. Aristakes, son of Gregory the Illuminator,
represented the Armenian Church. The Council is mentioned in the
writings of Moses of Khoren and Agathangelos. In later centuries and
in all their doctrinal writings, the Fathers of the Armenian Church
referred to the Council of Nicaea with veneration and
the Nicene Creed (Havatamk) was incorporated into the Armenian
Liturgy. The Council condemned Arianism that denied the full divinity
of Christ, and proclaimed that the orthodox position is the belief in
`one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of God and Father,
Only Begotten, of the substance of the Father. God from God, light
from light, true God, begotten and not made,' (from the Nicene Creed
recited during the Armenian Divine Liturgy).
PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF EXALTATION
This Sunday, September 7, is the Paregentan of the Fast leading to the
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachveratz), which is next
Sunday.
Because the Exaltation is a Tabernacle Feast, it is preceded by a week
(Monday to Friday) of fasting.
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE HOLY MOTHER
This Saturday, September 6, is the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy
Mother of God. The birth of Mary is not recorded in the Bible. The
account of this event comes to us from other writings that are not
part of the New Testament. According to tradition, Joachim and Anna
were faithful and pious, waiting for the promised Messiah. They were
elderly and childless. They prayed
to God for a child and were blessed with a daughter they named Mary,
who would become the Mother of the Messiah.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
CATHOLICOS MEETS WITH HEADS OF CHURCHES
Last week the patriarchs of the Middle East Churches met at the
Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke, Lebanon. His Holiness Aram I
participated in the meeting, accompanied by Bishop Shahe Panossian,
Prelate of Lebanon, and V. Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian, the
Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate.
The participants met to further consider items they had discussed at
the recent visit of the Patriarchs to Iraq and to prepared a public
statement on
the situation. After sharing their impressions on the plight of
Christian refugees, the Patriarchs agreed to highlight the following
points: Christians belong in the region and they will stay and defend
their rights; the strategy and actions of the extremists do not
reflect the teachings and values
of Islam; Christians will join hands with moderate Muslims of the
region; and the international community should assist local Christians
in combating
conservative Islam.
At the end of their meeting, the Patriarchs received and shared their
concerns with the United Nations representative in Lebanon and the
ambassadors of the five UN Security Council member countries-the
United States,
Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France, and the representative of
the Holy See. Catholicos Aram warned the ambassadors that extremist
Islam is not
only a menace to Christians, but also to Islam and the whole world,
and urged them to adopt a holistic strategy that would include
political and economic issues along with the humanitarian aid and
military considerations.
The ambassadors thanked the patriarchs for sharing their thoughts with
them and promised to take the matter to their respective governments.
PATRIARCHS ISSUE STATEMENT
Earlier in August, high officials from ancient Christian churches in
the Near East issued a common statement denouncing the emergence of
armed extremist groups who `murder, shatter, and violate the sacred
nature of the churches' and other suffering communities in the Middle
East. The church leaders called upon the international community, by
action of the United Nations Security Council and the International
Court of Justice, to restore the rights and homes of civilian
populations and guarantee a return
to land that has been taken from them.
The religious leaders who gathered on August 7 in Lebanon at the
invitation of the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Bishara
Butrsos al Rai, included: Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Apostolic
Orthodox Church; Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorius Lahham III of
Antioch and All the East, Alexandria, and Jerusalem; Greek Orthodox
Patriarch Yuhanna Al Yazajee X of Antioch and All the East; Armenian
Catholic Patriarch Narcis Bedros XIX of Cilicia; Syriac Catholic
Patriarch Mar Aghnatios Yousel Younan III of Antioch; Syrian Orthodox
Patriarch Mor Ignatius Afram II of Antioch and All the East;
representative of Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sakko II of
Babylon; and Bishop Shlimon Wardouni, the Chaldean Patriarchal Vicar.
The statement describes religious extremism as `a disease'
that attacks the foundations of inter-religious coexistence throughout
the
region, and the signers of the statement call on governments now
supplying
terrorist groups to cut off all funding and material support. Sister
churches throughout the world are requested to `show solidarity'
with the Middle Eastern Christians in the face of wide-scale
persecution, and to encourage the continuation of relief work.
THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG
Archbishop Oshagan being interviewed by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, NY.
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston,
New York, has inaugurated a new online project, `THE PODCAST with
Fr. Nareg Terterian,' that will feature discussions, interviews, Bible
reflections, and hymns. The inaugural Podcast features an interview
with our Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. You can hear it now here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/k4x8e/4f4cee/4b9pkb).
`BAROQUE AND BEFORE' CONCERT AT THE CATHEDRAL
Although it was the Labor Day weekend when many families are away, 150
people came to St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New York City last
Saturday for a `Baroque and Before' concert that featured Lucine
Musaelian on the bass viola da gamba and Joyce Chen on the
harpsichord. The program included the gems of the Baroque and
Renaissance eras that included the works of composers Marin Marais,
Georg Philipp Telemann, Francois Couperin, Diego Ortiz, and Girolamo
Frescobaldi.
Lucine Musaelian is a junior in Horace Mann School in Riverdale, New
York.
She began playing the viola da gamba in 2006 and she has performed at
early music festivals and workshops. She is also enrolled in the
Precollege Division of the Manhattan School of Music, where she is a
voice student. She is interested in many styles of music, and plays
guitar and piano as well as
the viola da gamba.
Joyce Chen discovered her love for early music when she joined the UC
Berkley Baroque Ensemble. She is currently a doctoral student in
harpsichord and a teaching assistant at Stony Brook University. She
serves as the music director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in
Patchogue (NY) and organist at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church
in Hauppauge (NY). She has participated in many early music festivals.
On behalf of a very appreciative audience, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian,
pastor of the Cathedral, expressed heartfelt congratulations and
thanks to the two artists for their spectacular performance.
Lucine Musaelian on the bass viola da gamba, and Joyce Chen on the
harpsichord provided beautiful music in a concert of early music from
the Baroque and Renaissance eras.
Der Mesrob with the artists.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
Mekhitar of Sebastia
Foundation of the Mekhitarist Congregation (September 8, 1701)
Since its inception, the educational and cultural activities of the
Mekhitarist Congregation had a very important role in Armenian
history. After becoming a priest at the age of 20, Mekhitar of
Sebastia (1676-1749) decided to find a congregation in order to work
collectively to increase the spiritual, moral and intellectual levels
of the Armenian people. He was consecrated celibate priest in 1699 and
soon converted to Catholicism. However, he did not renege his Armenian
ancestry and identity.
On September 8, 1701, on the feast of the birth of the Virgin Mary,
Mekhitar and a group of sympathizers founded the congregation of
St. Anthony the Abbot in Constantinople. The congregation initially
had twelve members, including four celibate priests. The conflict
between the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic communities in the Ottoman
capital took a bloody turnaround. Mekhitar and his sympathizers fled
the Ottoman persecution and moved to the Peninsula of Morea
(Peloponessus), in Greece, which was under the domination
of the Republic of Venice, and settled in the fortress of Methon.
The Mekhitarist Monastery on the island of San Lazarro in the Venetian
Grotto.
An assembly held in 1705 prepared the draft bylaws of the
Congregation, based on the bylaws of the Benedictine Congregation and
extracted from the canons of the life of St. Anthony the Abbot. He
sent two of his students to Rome with the draft, and letters to Pope
Clement XI and the governor of the Propaganda Fide. The assembly of
the Propaganda Fide, since the canons of St. Anthony were incomplete,
suggested Mekhitar to choose from the canons of
St. Basil, St. Augustine, or St. Benedict. The Armenian priest chose
the canons of St. Benedict and presented the new draft of bylaws to
the Pope on May 12, 1711. The bylaws were approved by Clement XI in
1717, who bestowed the title of Abbot upon Mekhitar.
The library inside the Mekhitarist Monastery in Vienna, Austria.
Meanwhile, a war started between the Ottoman Empire and Venice in
December
1714. Mekhitar and most of the congregation members fled Methon and
moved to Venice. However, they needed a cloister and a monastery to
carry on their plans. The Venetian Senate had just approved a law that
forbade the establishment of any new religious congregation in the
city. Nevertheless, the highest body took Mekhitar's request into
consideration and proposed
that he find a place outside the city. Mekhitar chose the island of
San Lazzaro, which belonged to the order of the Mendicants. On August
26, 1717, the Senate of Venice conceded the island to the congregation
with right of permanent residence, and Mekhitar and his followers, a
total of sixteen, settled there on September 8, the anniversary of the
foundation of the congregation. The renovation work at the church was
completed in 1723, and Mekhitar started the construction of a new
monastery, which was finished in 1740, including a library and a
refectory. Mekhitar passed away on April 27, 1749, and was buried
before the main altar of the island. On his death, he had already
achieved the publication of some twenty books, including the first
volume of the Haigazian Dictionary, which his disciples would complete
twenty years later. After his passing, the Congregation was named
after him.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be
read on the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
HOVNANIAN SCHOOL SEEKS PRINCIPAL
The Hovnanian School of New Milford, New Jersey, is searching for a
new principal. The school is seeking new leadership after its
principal of 14 years, Anahid Garmiryan, accepted a position at the
Gulbenkian Foundation as the Senior Program Officer for Western
Armenian Language Support. Inquiries and requests for more information
should be directed to [email protected].
CHARLES AZNAVOUR IN NEW YORK
Charles Aznavour will perform in Madison Square Garden in New York on
Saturday, September 20, in what is being called a `farewell concert'
and `only area appearance.' Tickets are on sale now
at THEATERATMSG.COM or at 866-858-0008.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
The Prelacy Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories,
historical novels, memoirs, eye witness testimonies, essays, and
poetry. From now through next April we will feature one or two books
each week from the Bookstore's collection.
The Sandcastle Girls
By Chris Bohjalian
This epic novel is a love story wrapped around the history of the
Armenian
Genocide. Inspired by his grandparents' background, Bohjalian writes
about the suffering and atrocities of that time with great historical
accuracy. Reviewer Eugenia Zukerman wrote in The Washington Post, `The
Sandcastle Girls may be a novel, but, based on his family history it
is a
valuable and powerful piece of evidence pointing to the undeniable.
The Sandcastle Girls, hardcover, $25.95,
plus shipping & handling.
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To order these or other books contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
([email protected]) or by phone (212-689-7810).
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, require
our financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers,
your
hearts, and your pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE 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
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 6-Nareg Armenian Saturday School opening, 9 am to noon,
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
September 7-Picnic Festival, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, featuring musicians
Leon Janikian, Jason Naroian, Johnny Berberian, and John Arzigian;
presentation by Siroun Dance Ensemble of Central Massachusetts. 12:30
to 5:30 pm, church
grounds. Shish, losh, and chicken kebab dinners, veggie plates,
Armenian pastries, family games and activities.
September 7-St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and Hartford,
Connecticut, Annual Church Picnic after Sunday services will take
place
at The Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New Britain. Armenian
music, dancing, and food.
September 7-Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York, Annual Armenian Picnic,
12pm to 4 pm. Shish Kebob dinner, Lahmajoun for sale, Armenian
pastries, live music. For info: [email protected].
September 7-Lecture `Mkhitar Heratsi,' by Dr. Gregory Kazanjian, at 1
pm, St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York
City. Organized by Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York.
September 12-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 2nd Annual
=80=9CTaste of the Mediterranean' Wine Tasting Fundraiser, 4 to 6 pm
at Uncork in downtown Racine. Event will again feature 6 wines for
tasting,
a `mezze' table, silent auction items, and 50/50 raffle. Cost of the
event is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Last year's even was a
sell-out, so get your tickets early. For tickets and/or information
contact Mary M. Olson by email ([email protected]).
September 14-St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New
York, Annual Picnic on the church grounds following church
services. Admission is free. Enjoy excellent kebabs and
salads. Terrific entertainment for everyone and special activities for
children in the `KidZone.' Music, food, and friends...a wonderful
afternoon. For information 718-224-2275.
September 14-Opening day of Sunday School at St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts. For information contact Priscilla
Altoonian, Director, ([email protected]).
September 18, 19, 20-2014 Fall Food Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.
September 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 12th
Annual Golf Classic, River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New
Jersey. Rain or Shine. 11 am registration and Grilled Lunch Buffet; 1
pm Tee Off. Format: Shotgun Scramble (All player levels welcome). Golf
Outing Reservation: $195; limited to first 128 paid golf
reservations. Reservation includes: Grilled lunch buffet, dinner
banquet, golf, cart, and range balls. Contests and
Prizes. Sponsorships available. For information: 201-943-2950.
September 19-All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois, 10th Annual Golf
Outing, Fox Run Golf Link, 333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village. For
information: Hagop Soulakian 847-858-7685 or [email protected].
September 19, 20-Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Erebouni and
Mayr Chapters present Two-Evenings with Emmy Award-winning director
Bared Maronian, in support of his new documentary film, `Women of
1915,' on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Guest of honor: Johnson Garrett, great-grandson of Cleveland
H. Dodge, founder of Near East Relief. Guest singer: Hooshere. Friday:
Virginia Davies
& Willard Taylor, 299 W. 12th Street PH, NYC; Saturday: Narine & Sandy
Petropoulos, 114 Revere Road, Manhasset, NY. Donation $75. For
information: Anahid ([email protected]) or 917-751-4916.
September 20-Charles Aznavour `Farewell Concert' at The Theater,
Madison Square Garden. Only area appearance. Tickets: THEATERATMSG.COM
or 866-858-0008.
September 21-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Tea party at noon in the church
hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Brought back by
popular demand. Guest speaker from the Bigelow Tea Company. Goodie
bags for all. Raffle prize is being provided by Armeny Custom Jewelry
Design.
September 21-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, `Designer Bag Bingo'
luncheon in Founders' Hall at 2 pm. Fifteen lucky
winners of designer bags, including top labels, Gucci, Prada, Fendi,
Laboutin, Judith Leiber, Chanel, and others. Join us for a fun game of
Bingo, Chinese auction, and enjoy the lavish Chanel inspired theme and
décor, along with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. Ticket
sales limited. For reservations and information: Cissy DerHagopian
856-313-6848; Donna Walter 484-354-0388.
September 21-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Sunday School Picnic, 1 to 3 pm. Food, hayride, and games at Peter and
Susan Baghdasarian's farm, Uxbridge, Massachusetts. For information
contact Sunday school director Priscilla Altoonian ([email protected]).
October 3-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday
School Dinner Dance Gala.
October 3 & 4-Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Diran Der
Khosrofian and Deacon Harold Nazarian, at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island, by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
October 11-Armenian Friends of America presents Kef 5, 7:30-12:30,
Michael's Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill,
Massachusetts. Tickets $50; students 21 and under, $40. Proceeds will
benefit Armenian churches of Merrimack Valley. Individually served
mezza platters and pastries; musicians, Mal Barsamian (clarinet), John
Berberian (oud), Bob Raphaelian (violin), Bruce Jigarjian (guitar),
Jason Naroian (dumbeg & vocals). Advance ticket sales only. John
Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Lucy Sirmaian, 978-683-9121; Peter Gulezian,
978-375-1616, Sandy Boroyan, 978-251-8687.
October 12-15-Prelacy Clergy Gathering for Reflection and Renewal at
St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
October 19-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will ordain sub-deacon Ara Stepanian
during the Divine Liturgy and preside over the parish's 57th Annual
Banquet.
November 7 & 8-St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 58th
Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at Armenian Cultural & Educational
Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts. Meals served from
11:30 am to 8:30 pm (take out is available). Enjoy delicious meals,
Armenian pastries, gourmet items, arts and crafts, books, raffles,
attic treasures. For information: 617-924-7562.
November 21, 22, 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners
(chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made
delicacies; Boutique
Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for children;
Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun; Take-out
available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional Kavourma
dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For
information: 201-943-2950.
December 6-Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.
December 6-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar at Dutch Reformed Church, Whitinsvilloe, 10 am to 5 pm.
December 7-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen's Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the
church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk and tasting
will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock, Connecticut,
owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger.
February 9-11, 2015-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the
Eastern Prelacy.
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]
From: A. Papazian