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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/
APRIL 22, 2015
One Hundred Years Later...We Remember
One hundred years ago, the historical fabric of the Armenian nation,
woven
over a period of three millennia, was torn apart by a cataclysmic
event. One and one half million Armenians-one-half of their total
population-were brutally and savagely slaughtered by the Ottoman Turks
on the very land that the Armenians had inhabited in Asia Minor since
antiquity.
The disruption of the historical continuity of a nation is an enormous
tragedy, in human terms, in physical terms, in intellectual and
cultural terms. It is a tragedy that can never be fully understood or
assessed, because it puts an end to the timeless evolution of the
unique culture of an ancient
people, leaving only a question mark in place of what might have
developed.
One hundred years is more than a lifetime. But memory outlasts human
life because it becomes a part of history, the collective, continuing
memory of humanity. Why is it necessary to remember after 100 years?
Because a crime against humanity cannot and must not ever be
forgotten. To forget such an atrocious crime would be another crime,
just as to deny the truth of the event is also a crime-a further crime
against the victims and a crime against their children, grandchildren,
and all their descendants yet to come.
LIVE BROADCAST OF CANONIZATION OF MARTYRS
On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
martyrs will be canonized at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in
Armenia tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, with His Holiness Karekin II and
His Holiness Aram I presiding. At the symbolic hour of 19:15 (7:15 pm
EDT), all the church bells throughout Armenia will ring one hundred
times. Church bells will also toll in Armenian churches throughout the
world as well as many other Christian denominations that are joining
in honoring the newly canonized martyrs of
1915.
A live broadcast of the service will be shown at Saint Vartan
Cathedral, 34th and Second Avenue, in New York City beginning at 9
a.m. tomorrow. Those
living in the metro-NY area are invited to go to the Cathedral to see
the broadcast. Those outside of the greater New York area, as well as
those unable to go to Saint Vartan Cathedral, can view the live
broadcast on line at
www.agbu.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/wxknwb) or at
www.armeniangenocide100.org
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/cqlnwb).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANONIZATION SERVICE
What does it mean when the Martyrs are canonized as saints? What
happens when they are canonized? What exactly takes place during the
ceremony?
These and other questions are answered in a concise explanation
prepared by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Prelacy's
Armenian
Religious Education Council. It will be a welcome guide for those
watching
the ceremony as well as those who want to learn more about the
canonization process. For `Ceremony of Canonization of the Armenian
Martyrs' click here (https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/simnwb).
The Martyrs' Altar at Saint Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City,
was consecrated on April 24, 2000, by Archbishop Oshagan in memory of
the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the genocide of 1915.
PRAYERS AT ST. ILLUMINATORS FOR SEVEN DAYS
Prayer services at the Martyrs Altar at St. Illuminator's Cathedral
will take place for seven days starting on Friday, April 24, at 7 pm
in memory of the martyrs and the centennial of the genocide. All are
welcome to
attend.
NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS
ORGANIZED BY CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Divine Liturgy, Friday, April 24, 10 am
at
Saint Vartan Cathedral
630 Second Avenue, New York City
and
Saint Illuminator Cathedral
221 East 27th Street, New York City
Friday, April 24-March to Demand Justice, 12 noon
Immediately after the Divine Liturgy there will be a march from
St. Vartan
and St. Illuminator Cathedrals to the Turkish Consulate organized by
the ARF-ADL (New York and New Jersey branches).
Friday, April 24-Vigil at the United Nations, 4 to 6 pm
`Celebration of the Survival of a Nation,' at United Nations Dag
Hammarskjold Plaza, East 47th Street and Second Avenue, New York
City. Program includes Eric Bogosian, actor and author; Solange
Merdinian, mezzo-soprano; Alan Semerdjian, poet and singer; Huyser
Musical Group; Shant and Raffi Massoyan, musicians; Nicole Varanian,
educator; Eugenie Mukeshimana, Rwanda genocide survivor; Magid
Kabashi, Sudan genocide survivor.
Sunday, April 26-Divine Liturgy, 10 am
Saint Vartan Cathedral
The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Church of America; the
sermon will be delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. Please note:
Divine Liturgy will not be celebrated in local parishes of the Eastern
Diocese and Eastern Prelacy on Sunday, April 26.
Sunday, April 26, 2015-Gathering at Times Square
Immediately after the Liturgy, the faithful will walk in a procession
from
Second Avenue and 34th Street to Times Square to participate in a
rally/gathering at the crossroads of the world. Buses are expected
from throughout the East Coast and Midwest making this the largest
gathering ever of Armenian Americans. The Times Square event is
organized by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan, in
affiliation with the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America
(Eastern Region).
For Listing of Events in Washington, DC click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/8annwb)
For more information about the national observances in Washington go
to www.armeniangenocidecentennial.org
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/o3nnwb)
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/4vonwb)
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH 13-18
The 29th annual summer program for youth ages 13-18 is scheduled to be
held at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania,
from June
28-July 5, 2015. Sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the summer program offers a unique weeklong
Christian educational program for youth. It aims to instill and
nurture the
Armenian Christian faith and identity in our youth through a variety
of educational activities, coupled with daily church services and
communal recreational activities. For information and registration,
please visit the Prelacy's websiteby clicking the Datev postcard above
or contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or
[email protected].
BIBLE READINGS
Note: Beginning April 13 and continuing until Pentecost (May 24), each
day
four Gospels are read in the following order: (1) Morning-Luke; (2)
Midday-John; (3) Evening-Matthew; (4) Evening dismissal=80'Mark.
Bible readings for Sunday, April 26, Red Sunday are: 1) Luke 9:18-36;
2) Acts 13:16-43; 1 Peter 5:1-14; John 5:19-30; Matthew 11:25-30; 4)
Mark 4:26-34.
Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on
his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the
Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows
him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works
than these, so
that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the
dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he
wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the
Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the
Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father
who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and
believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under
judgment, but has passed from death to life.
`Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when
the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear
will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has
granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him
authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be
astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their
graves will hear his voice and will
come out-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and
those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
`I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is
just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who
sent me.' (John 5 19-30)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/kopnwb).
RED SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 26, is the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, known as
Red Sunday (Garmir Giragi). The name does not have an ecclesiastical
origin. Red is the color of blood and this may be an appropriate time
to honor the memory of the early Christian martyrs.
The name Red Sunday is also believed to refer to the burst of color
that comes forth from the land after a barren winter. Similar to last
week's Green Sunday, it is a celebration of nature and life,
symbolizing rebirth after the Resurrection of our Lord.
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/cirqg/4f4cee/0gqnwb) 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
GENOCIDE SERVICE AT ST. GREGORY CHURCH (NORTH ANDOVER)
Members of St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, paid
their respects to the victims of the Armenian genocide with a prayer
service and vigil during a Family Night gathering at Jaffarian Hall
last week. A special prayer service took place before dinner in the
sanctuary, followed by a procession to the monument where parishioners
held candles and laid carnations
by the Khatchkar (stone cross). The event drew strong media attention
from
two area newspapers resulting in front page coverage. Many local
members were interviewed by the press, relating accounts of their own
families.
`This has been the first year there has been a candlelight vigil to
remember the dead at St. Gregory Church,' said Rev. Fr. Stephan
Baljian, pastor of the parish. He noted that henceforth after the
canonization of the martyrs `the character and tone will change from
somber and sorrow to celebratory.'
A symposium was conducted at nearby Lawrence High School with Der
Stephan leading the discussion, joined by Greg Minasian and Tom
Vartabedian. A number of schools throughout the area have opened their
doors to genocide education while local communities have issued
proclamations and fly the Armenian
Tricolor flag.
Two buses are being dispatched from Merrimack Valley to Times Square
on April 26 and members will also be taking part in other
commemorations in Boston and Lowell.
Candlelight vigil at the Khatchkar at St. Gregory Church of Merrimack
Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
The 50th Anniversary Demonstration of Yerevan (April 24, 1965)
The fiftieth anniversary of the Medz Yeghern, the Armenian genocide,
became a watershed in the process of commemoration, as Armenians
mobilized throughout the world to demand justice. The commemoration in
the Armenian diaspora, including marches and public events in
different capitals, was overshadowed by the unprecedented and
unexpected explosion of popular feelings in Yerevan, the capital of
Soviet Armenia. 1915 had been practically a taboo subject during the
long night of Stalin's repressive regime, and only
after 1955 was there a gradual opening on the issue, which was
coincidental with the `thaw,' the period of Nikita Khruschev as
secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
After the transition of the 1950s, the `thaw' actually reached Armenia
with the designation of Yakov Zarobyan as first secretary of the local
Communist Party in 1960. Gradual, but firm steps to restore public
memory within the limits of what was ideologically permissible
followed, including painstaking negotiations within the highest
echelons of the Soviet
hierarchy. The Soviet Union was disinclined to active confrontation
with Turkey, and thus, in early March 1965 the party leadership in
Moscow allowed
very reluctantly the commemoration of the genocide.
On March 16, 1965 the Council of Ministers of Soviet Armenia passed a
resolution, `On the Construction of a Monument to Perpetuate the
Memory
of the Victims of the Yeghern of the Year 1915.'
Commemorative activities were held in Holy Etchmiadzin, the Academy of
Sciences, the Writers Union, and other venues. Several articles were
published
in the press. On Saturday, April 24 an editorial of the party daily
Sovetakan Hayastan of Yerevan condemned the genocide and praised the
Armenian rebirth in Soviet fashion:
`Exactly 50 years have passed from those terrible days when the
Turkish rulers, guided by the fury of racism, attempted to annihilate
an entire people. They did everything, deported and massacred, burned
and ruined, but they were not able to annihilate the Armenian people,
despite the heavy
losses. ...The Armenian people, wholly dedicated to the most humane
ideas of peoples' friendship and socialist internationalism, severely
condemns, along with progressive humankind, the policy of genocide,
one of whose first victims was the Armenian people under Ottoman
Turkish rule fifty years ago, and which fascism carried with fury and
disproportionately bigger magnitude during the second world war years
in Europe.'
An official event by invitation had been planned for the evening, to
be held at the Opera Theater. Everything seemed under control, but it
was not.
In the morning, several thousand young people gathered at Lenin Square
(now Republic Square), near Lenin's huge statue (toppled in 1991) and
various speakers among them started to talk about the meaning of the
day. Several leaders, such as Anton Kochinian (president of the
Council of Ministers) and famous astronomer Victor Hambardzumian
(president of the Academy of Sciences), also spoke to the audience.
After they left, the public, whose number had reached an estimate of
no less than 30 to 40,000 people, formed an orderly caravan that
walked through the streets of central Yerevan. The demonstrators
marched with calls of =80=9COur lands!' and carrying banners that
said, for instance, =80=9C2,000,000' (the number of victims) and
`Solve the Armenian question fairly.' Their number appears to have
grown up to 100,000 people, according to some accounts. The
demonstration, after stops at the Polytechnic Institute (now State
University of Engineering) and Yerevan State University, walked
towards the tomb of Gomidas Vartabed in the Pantheon, where several
writers, scholars, and young people spoke.
The demonstration continued in the evening, and the marchers tried to
force their way into the official ceremony at the Opera Theater, which
was surrounded by several police lines. They were repelled by the use
of the fire sprinklers of the theater. However, a hundred or two
hundred young demonstrators managed to enter the building. The event,
where Nagush Harutiunian (president of the Supreme Soviet) and Victor
Hambardzumian, had already spoken, was disrupted. The party leadership
left the stage, as well as many in the audience. Catholicos of All
Armenians Vazken I took the stage to calm the
demonstrators.
The failure to prevent the demonstration would lead Moscow to various
punitive measures, including Zarobyan's removal in February
1966. However, the commemoration would become a tradition year after
year. The first monument was dedicated in the courtyard of Holy
Etchmiadzin in October 1965,
followed by the memorial on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd inaugurated on
November 29, 1967. Starting in 1975, the leadership of the country
would join the hundreds of thousands of mourners who every April 24
would pay their respects at the memorial. In November 1988, following
the impact of the Karabagh movement, the law `On the condemnation of
the genocide of the Armenians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915' would also
make a provision to declare April 24 a national holiday.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
`1915: THE MOVIE' OPENS TODAY
`1915,' a movie co-written and directed by Garin Hovannisian will open
tonight at the Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, New York City. The
psychological thriller stars Simon Abkarian (Casino Royale), Angela
Sarafyan (Twilight), and Sam Page (Mad Men), with an original score by
Grammy Award winning musician Serj Tankian (System of a Down). Garin
will be on hand tonight for the 7:20 pm showing and will conduct a
brief Q&A afterwards. There will be a similar Q&A tomorrow evening,
April 23. The film is receiving great reviews-`cinematically ambitious
and visually lush capturing the power of story to reclaim the stolen
history of a people.'
Here are three links for information:
Quad Cinema tickets: tiny.cc/nycquad
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/g9qnwb)
Website: http://www.1915themovie.com
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/w1rnwb)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyo-G3dhMRM
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/cusnwb)
FROM THE BOOKSTORE. . .
Goodbye, Antoura
A Memoir of the Armenian Genocide
By Karnig Panian
Translated by Simon Beugekian
This is a personal story of survival that is memorable and
touching. While
telling the story of one orphan, it tells the story of a whole
generation of orphans. In his Foreword, Vartan Gregorian describes it
as `an indispensable tool for awakening our consciences, restoring our
collective sense of decency, and forging our solidarity with all those
who have suffered the horrors of genocide.' A recent reviewer
described Goodbye, Antoura as a `literary gem.'
191 pages, hard cover, $25.00 plus shipping & handling
Operation Nemesis
By Eric Bogosian
This is a well-researched and well-written account of the assassins
who hunted down the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide. It is an
exciting story and Bogosian's prose does justice to its drama. Some
myths are shattered in this comprehensive work making the story even
more compelling.
375 pages, hard cover, $28.00 plus shipping & handling
To order these books contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
([email protected]) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 1-30-Photography exhibit by Tom Vartabedian commemorating the
Centennial at Haverhill (Massachusetts) Public Library, 99 Main
Street, showing images of the country and its people, including scenes
of the eternal flame at Tzizernagapert. The exhibit is next to the
Children's Room in the upstairs gallery.
April 22-Capitol Hill Commemoration of the centennial anniversary of
the Armenian genocide in the Canon Caucus Room from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.
April 23-White House Vigil, 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
April 23-Divine Liturgy at Holy Ascension Armenian Church, Trumbull,
Connecticut, 6:30 pm in memory of Armenian martyrs. Rev. Fr. Kapriel
Mouradjian, pastor of the Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain will
be the celebrant and Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of
St. Stephen's Church of New Britian will deliver the sermon.
April 24-Protest at Turkish Embassy, Washington D.C., 4 pm to 7:30
pm.
April 24-Centennial Memorial Dinner, sponsored by Providence ARF,
hosted by the Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc., Omni
Providence Hotel, One West Exchange Street, Providence, Rhode
Island. Cocktails 6 pm; dinner 7 pm. Emcee: Honorable Scott Avedisian,
Mayor of Warwick; guest speaker, Marian Mesrobian MacCurdy, author of
`Sacred Justice: The Voices and Legacy of the Armenian Operation
Nemesis.' $50 per person. Reserve by email: [email protected] or
by phone: Raffi Rachdouni 401-226-2305; Paula Burke 401-282-0459.
April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol at 11 am. Keynote speaker: Noted author
Chris Bohjalian.
April 25-Armenian Genocide Centennial commemoration sponsored by the
Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts), 10 am
at Lowell City Hall, following a procession from John Street, led by
the Armenian American Veterans. Participants are asked to gather at
9:30 am. Luncheon buffet to follow with the showing of a film.
April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral, New York City. Celebrant, Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian; homilist, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.'
April 27-`Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide,' by Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study in
Madison, New Jersey at 7 pm. Testimony of Andranik Vartanian
(1900-2007), presented by his daughter Susan Vartanian Barba; `Undoing
Denial: The Armenian Genocide and Art' presented by Neery
E. Melkonian;
Concert by the Armenian folk group, Zulal, an a cappella trio will
present Armenian village folk melodies. Free and open to the
public. RSVP encouraged: (973) 408-3600 or [email protected].
May 7, 8, 9-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, 5:30 pm, Marriott Marquis.
May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
May 12-`Anatolia, Land of Armenians Until the 1915 Armenian Genocide,'
presentation by Margaret Tellalian-Kyrkostas, executive director of
the Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian
Cultural Educational Resource Center Gallery at Queens College, 7 pm
in the Lapham Meeting Room at the Port Washington Public Library.
May 16-`Your Church. Your Nation. Engage.' A Dialogue with His
Holiness Aram I, for young adults (ages 18-35). Speakers will explore
the theme of Faithfulness, the Centennial of the Armenian genocide,
and the canonization of the Martyrs. St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221
East 27th Street, New York City, 3 pm to 5 pm. Registration required.
May 30-`Your Church. Your Nation. Engage.' A Dialogue with His
Holiness Aram I, with young adults (ages 18-35). Speakers will explore
the themes of Faithfulness, the Centennial of the Armenian genocide,
and the canonization of the Martyrs. Westin Hotel, 70 Third Avenue,
Waltham, Massachusetts, 10 am to 2 pm.
June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen's
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
June 4-5-National Association of Ladies Guilds 2015 Annual Conference,
St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For information:
Sharke Der Apkarian, [email protected], or 978-808-0598.
June 18-Annual Cigar Night and Dinner, Men's Club of St. Gregory
Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. Drawing of
Super Raffle of 2015 Mercedes Benz-CLA 250 will take place. Raffle
tickets can be purchased online
(saintgregory.org/organizations/mens-club).
June 28-July 5-29th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
visit the Prelacy's website at armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev or
contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or [email protected].
July 18-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at
the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. For
details click here.
October 5-9-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.
November 15-90th Anniversary Banquet, St. Stephen's Church, 167
Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Watch for details.
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: Baghdasarian
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/
APRIL 22, 2015
One Hundred Years Later...We Remember
One hundred years ago, the historical fabric of the Armenian nation,
woven
over a period of three millennia, was torn apart by a cataclysmic
event. One and one half million Armenians-one-half of their total
population-were brutally and savagely slaughtered by the Ottoman Turks
on the very land that the Armenians had inhabited in Asia Minor since
antiquity.
The disruption of the historical continuity of a nation is an enormous
tragedy, in human terms, in physical terms, in intellectual and
cultural terms. It is a tragedy that can never be fully understood or
assessed, because it puts an end to the timeless evolution of the
unique culture of an ancient
people, leaving only a question mark in place of what might have
developed.
One hundred years is more than a lifetime. But memory outlasts human
life because it becomes a part of history, the collective, continuing
memory of humanity. Why is it necessary to remember after 100 years?
Because a crime against humanity cannot and must not ever be
forgotten. To forget such an atrocious crime would be another crime,
just as to deny the truth of the event is also a crime-a further crime
against the victims and a crime against their children, grandchildren,
and all their descendants yet to come.
LIVE BROADCAST OF CANONIZATION OF MARTYRS
On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
martyrs will be canonized at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in
Armenia tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, with His Holiness Karekin II and
His Holiness Aram I presiding. At the symbolic hour of 19:15 (7:15 pm
EDT), all the church bells throughout Armenia will ring one hundred
times. Church bells will also toll in Armenian churches throughout the
world as well as many other Christian denominations that are joining
in honoring the newly canonized martyrs of
1915.
A live broadcast of the service will be shown at Saint Vartan
Cathedral, 34th and Second Avenue, in New York City beginning at 9
a.m. tomorrow. Those
living in the metro-NY area are invited to go to the Cathedral to see
the broadcast. Those outside of the greater New York area, as well as
those unable to go to Saint Vartan Cathedral, can view the live
broadcast on line at
www.agbu.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/wxknwb) or at
www.armeniangenocide100.org
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/cqlnwb).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANONIZATION SERVICE
What does it mean when the Martyrs are canonized as saints? What
happens when they are canonized? What exactly takes place during the
ceremony?
These and other questions are answered in a concise explanation
prepared by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Prelacy's
Armenian
Religious Education Council. It will be a welcome guide for those
watching
the ceremony as well as those who want to learn more about the
canonization process. For `Ceremony of Canonization of the Armenian
Martyrs' click here (https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/simnwb).
The Martyrs' Altar at Saint Illuminator's Cathedral, New York City,
was consecrated on April 24, 2000, by Archbishop Oshagan in memory of
the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the genocide of 1915.
PRAYERS AT ST. ILLUMINATORS FOR SEVEN DAYS
Prayer services at the Martyrs Altar at St. Illuminator's Cathedral
will take place for seven days starting on Friday, April 24, at 7 pm
in memory of the martyrs and the centennial of the genocide. All are
welcome to
attend.
NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS
ORGANIZED BY CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Divine Liturgy, Friday, April 24, 10 am
at
Saint Vartan Cathedral
630 Second Avenue, New York City
and
Saint Illuminator Cathedral
221 East 27th Street, New York City
Friday, April 24-March to Demand Justice, 12 noon
Immediately after the Divine Liturgy there will be a march from
St. Vartan
and St. Illuminator Cathedrals to the Turkish Consulate organized by
the ARF-ADL (New York and New Jersey branches).
Friday, April 24-Vigil at the United Nations, 4 to 6 pm
`Celebration of the Survival of a Nation,' at United Nations Dag
Hammarskjold Plaza, East 47th Street and Second Avenue, New York
City. Program includes Eric Bogosian, actor and author; Solange
Merdinian, mezzo-soprano; Alan Semerdjian, poet and singer; Huyser
Musical Group; Shant and Raffi Massoyan, musicians; Nicole Varanian,
educator; Eugenie Mukeshimana, Rwanda genocide survivor; Magid
Kabashi, Sudan genocide survivor.
Sunday, April 26-Divine Liturgy, 10 am
Saint Vartan Cathedral
The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Church of America; the
sermon will be delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. Please note:
Divine Liturgy will not be celebrated in local parishes of the Eastern
Diocese and Eastern Prelacy on Sunday, April 26.
Sunday, April 26, 2015-Gathering at Times Square
Immediately after the Liturgy, the faithful will walk in a procession
from
Second Avenue and 34th Street to Times Square to participate in a
rally/gathering at the crossroads of the world. Buses are expected
from throughout the East Coast and Midwest making this the largest
gathering ever of Armenian Americans. The Times Square event is
organized by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan, in
affiliation with the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America
(Eastern Region).
For Listing of Events in Washington, DC click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/8annwb)
For more information about the national observances in Washington go
to www.armeniangenocidecentennial.org
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/o3nnwb)
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/4vonwb)
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH 13-18
The 29th annual summer program for youth ages 13-18 is scheduled to be
held at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania,
from June
28-July 5, 2015. Sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the summer program offers a unique weeklong
Christian educational program for youth. It aims to instill and
nurture the
Armenian Christian faith and identity in our youth through a variety
of educational activities, coupled with daily church services and
communal recreational activities. For information and registration,
please visit the Prelacy's websiteby clicking the Datev postcard above
or contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or
[email protected].
BIBLE READINGS
Note: Beginning April 13 and continuing until Pentecost (May 24), each
day
four Gospels are read in the following order: (1) Morning-Luke; (2)
Midday-John; (3) Evening-Matthew; (4) Evening dismissal=80'Mark.
Bible readings for Sunday, April 26, Red Sunday are: 1) Luke 9:18-36;
2) Acts 13:16-43; 1 Peter 5:1-14; John 5:19-30; Matthew 11:25-30; 4)
Mark 4:26-34.
Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on
his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the
Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows
him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works
than these, so
that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the
dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he
wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the
Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the
Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father
who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and
believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under
judgment, but has passed from death to life.
`Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when
the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear
will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has
granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him
authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be
astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their
graves will hear his voice and will
come out-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and
those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
`I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is
just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who
sent me.' (John 5 19-30)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/kopnwb).
RED SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 26, is the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, known as
Red Sunday (Garmir Giragi). The name does not have an ecclesiastical
origin. Red is the color of blood and this may be an appropriate time
to honor the memory of the early Christian martyrs.
The name Red Sunday is also believed to refer to the burst of color
that comes forth from the land after a barren winter. Similar to last
week's Green Sunday, it is a celebration of nature and life,
symbolizing rebirth after the Resurrection of our Lord.
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/cirqg/4f4cee/0gqnwb) 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
GENOCIDE SERVICE AT ST. GREGORY CHURCH (NORTH ANDOVER)
Members of St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, paid
their respects to the victims of the Armenian genocide with a prayer
service and vigil during a Family Night gathering at Jaffarian Hall
last week. A special prayer service took place before dinner in the
sanctuary, followed by a procession to the monument where parishioners
held candles and laid carnations
by the Khatchkar (stone cross). The event drew strong media attention
from
two area newspapers resulting in front page coverage. Many local
members were interviewed by the press, relating accounts of their own
families.
`This has been the first year there has been a candlelight vigil to
remember the dead at St. Gregory Church,' said Rev. Fr. Stephan
Baljian, pastor of the parish. He noted that henceforth after the
canonization of the martyrs `the character and tone will change from
somber and sorrow to celebratory.'
A symposium was conducted at nearby Lawrence High School with Der
Stephan leading the discussion, joined by Greg Minasian and Tom
Vartabedian. A number of schools throughout the area have opened their
doors to genocide education while local communities have issued
proclamations and fly the Armenian
Tricolor flag.
Two buses are being dispatched from Merrimack Valley to Times Square
on April 26 and members will also be taking part in other
commemorations in Boston and Lowell.
Candlelight vigil at the Khatchkar at St. Gregory Church of Merrimack
Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
The 50th Anniversary Demonstration of Yerevan (April 24, 1965)
The fiftieth anniversary of the Medz Yeghern, the Armenian genocide,
became a watershed in the process of commemoration, as Armenians
mobilized throughout the world to demand justice. The commemoration in
the Armenian diaspora, including marches and public events in
different capitals, was overshadowed by the unprecedented and
unexpected explosion of popular feelings in Yerevan, the capital of
Soviet Armenia. 1915 had been practically a taboo subject during the
long night of Stalin's repressive regime, and only
after 1955 was there a gradual opening on the issue, which was
coincidental with the `thaw,' the period of Nikita Khruschev as
secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
After the transition of the 1950s, the `thaw' actually reached Armenia
with the designation of Yakov Zarobyan as first secretary of the local
Communist Party in 1960. Gradual, but firm steps to restore public
memory within the limits of what was ideologically permissible
followed, including painstaking negotiations within the highest
echelons of the Soviet
hierarchy. The Soviet Union was disinclined to active confrontation
with Turkey, and thus, in early March 1965 the party leadership in
Moscow allowed
very reluctantly the commemoration of the genocide.
On March 16, 1965 the Council of Ministers of Soviet Armenia passed a
resolution, `On the Construction of a Monument to Perpetuate the
Memory
of the Victims of the Yeghern of the Year 1915.'
Commemorative activities were held in Holy Etchmiadzin, the Academy of
Sciences, the Writers Union, and other venues. Several articles were
published
in the press. On Saturday, April 24 an editorial of the party daily
Sovetakan Hayastan of Yerevan condemned the genocide and praised the
Armenian rebirth in Soviet fashion:
`Exactly 50 years have passed from those terrible days when the
Turkish rulers, guided by the fury of racism, attempted to annihilate
an entire people. They did everything, deported and massacred, burned
and ruined, but they were not able to annihilate the Armenian people,
despite the heavy
losses. ...The Armenian people, wholly dedicated to the most humane
ideas of peoples' friendship and socialist internationalism, severely
condemns, along with progressive humankind, the policy of genocide,
one of whose first victims was the Armenian people under Ottoman
Turkish rule fifty years ago, and which fascism carried with fury and
disproportionately bigger magnitude during the second world war years
in Europe.'
An official event by invitation had been planned for the evening, to
be held at the Opera Theater. Everything seemed under control, but it
was not.
In the morning, several thousand young people gathered at Lenin Square
(now Republic Square), near Lenin's huge statue (toppled in 1991) and
various speakers among them started to talk about the meaning of the
day. Several leaders, such as Anton Kochinian (president of the
Council of Ministers) and famous astronomer Victor Hambardzumian
(president of the Academy of Sciences), also spoke to the audience.
After they left, the public, whose number had reached an estimate of
no less than 30 to 40,000 people, formed an orderly caravan that
walked through the streets of central Yerevan. The demonstrators
marched with calls of =80=9COur lands!' and carrying banners that
said, for instance, =80=9C2,000,000' (the number of victims) and
`Solve the Armenian question fairly.' Their number appears to have
grown up to 100,000 people, according to some accounts. The
demonstration, after stops at the Polytechnic Institute (now State
University of Engineering) and Yerevan State University, walked
towards the tomb of Gomidas Vartabed in the Pantheon, where several
writers, scholars, and young people spoke.
The demonstration continued in the evening, and the marchers tried to
force their way into the official ceremony at the Opera Theater, which
was surrounded by several police lines. They were repelled by the use
of the fire sprinklers of the theater. However, a hundred or two
hundred young demonstrators managed to enter the building. The event,
where Nagush Harutiunian (president of the Supreme Soviet) and Victor
Hambardzumian, had already spoken, was disrupted. The party leadership
left the stage, as well as many in the audience. Catholicos of All
Armenians Vazken I took the stage to calm the
demonstrators.
The failure to prevent the demonstration would lead Moscow to various
punitive measures, including Zarobyan's removal in February
1966. However, the commemoration would become a tradition year after
year. The first monument was dedicated in the courtyard of Holy
Etchmiadzin in October 1965,
followed by the memorial on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd inaugurated on
November 29, 1967. Starting in 1975, the leadership of the country
would join the hundreds of thousands of mourners who every April 24
would pay their respects at the memorial. In November 1988, following
the impact of the Karabagh movement, the law `On the condemnation of
the genocide of the Armenians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915' would also
make a provision to declare April 24 a national holiday.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' are on
the Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
`1915: THE MOVIE' OPENS TODAY
`1915,' a movie co-written and directed by Garin Hovannisian will open
tonight at the Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, New York City. The
psychological thriller stars Simon Abkarian (Casino Royale), Angela
Sarafyan (Twilight), and Sam Page (Mad Men), with an original score by
Grammy Award winning musician Serj Tankian (System of a Down). Garin
will be on hand tonight for the 7:20 pm showing and will conduct a
brief Q&A afterwards. There will be a similar Q&A tomorrow evening,
April 23. The film is receiving great reviews-`cinematically ambitious
and visually lush capturing the power of story to reclaim the stolen
history of a people.'
Here are three links for information:
Quad Cinema tickets: tiny.cc/nycquad
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/g9qnwb)
Website: http://www.1915themovie.com
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/w1rnwb)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyo-G3dhMRM
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/cirqg/4f4cee/cusnwb)
FROM THE BOOKSTORE. . .
Goodbye, Antoura
A Memoir of the Armenian Genocide
By Karnig Panian
Translated by Simon Beugekian
This is a personal story of survival that is memorable and
touching. While
telling the story of one orphan, it tells the story of a whole
generation of orphans. In his Foreword, Vartan Gregorian describes it
as `an indispensable tool for awakening our consciences, restoring our
collective sense of decency, and forging our solidarity with all those
who have suffered the horrors of genocide.' A recent reviewer
described Goodbye, Antoura as a `literary gem.'
191 pages, hard cover, $25.00 plus shipping & handling
Operation Nemesis
By Eric Bogosian
This is a well-researched and well-written account of the assassins
who hunted down the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide. It is an
exciting story and Bogosian's prose does justice to its drama. Some
myths are shattered in this comprehensive work making the story even
more compelling.
375 pages, hard cover, $28.00 plus shipping & handling
To order these books contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
([email protected]) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 1-30-Photography exhibit by Tom Vartabedian commemorating the
Centennial at Haverhill (Massachusetts) Public Library, 99 Main
Street, showing images of the country and its people, including scenes
of the eternal flame at Tzizernagapert. The exhibit is next to the
Children's Room in the upstairs gallery.
April 22-Capitol Hill Commemoration of the centennial anniversary of
the Armenian genocide in the Canon Caucus Room from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.
April 23-White House Vigil, 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
April 23-Divine Liturgy at Holy Ascension Armenian Church, Trumbull,
Connecticut, 6:30 pm in memory of Armenian martyrs. Rev. Fr. Kapriel
Mouradjian, pastor of the Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain will
be the celebrant and Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of
St. Stephen's Church of New Britian will deliver the sermon.
April 24-Protest at Turkish Embassy, Washington D.C., 4 pm to 7:30
pm.
April 24-Centennial Memorial Dinner, sponsored by Providence ARF,
hosted by the Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc., Omni
Providence Hotel, One West Exchange Street, Providence, Rhode
Island. Cocktails 6 pm; dinner 7 pm. Emcee: Honorable Scott Avedisian,
Mayor of Warwick; guest speaker, Marian Mesrobian MacCurdy, author of
`Sacred Justice: The Voices and Legacy of the Armenian Operation
Nemesis.' $50 per person. Reserve by email: [email protected] or
by phone: Raffi Rachdouni 401-226-2305; Paula Burke 401-282-0459.
April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol at 11 am. Keynote speaker: Noted author
Chris Bohjalian.
April 25-Armenian Genocide Centennial commemoration sponsored by the
Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts), 10 am
at Lowell City Hall, following a procession from John Street, led by
the Armenian American Veterans. Participants are asked to gather at
9:30 am. Luncheon buffet to follow with the showing of a film.
April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral, New York City. Celebrant, Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian; homilist, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.'
April 27-`Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide,' by Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study in
Madison, New Jersey at 7 pm. Testimony of Andranik Vartanian
(1900-2007), presented by his daughter Susan Vartanian Barba; `Undoing
Denial: The Armenian Genocide and Art' presented by Neery
E. Melkonian;
Concert by the Armenian folk group, Zulal, an a cappella trio will
present Armenian village folk melodies. Free and open to the
public. RSVP encouraged: (973) 408-3600 or [email protected].
May 7, 8, 9-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, 5:30 pm, Marriott Marquis.
May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
May 12-`Anatolia, Land of Armenians Until the 1915 Armenian Genocide,'
presentation by Margaret Tellalian-Kyrkostas, executive director of
the Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian
Cultural Educational Resource Center Gallery at Queens College, 7 pm
in the Lapham Meeting Room at the Port Washington Public Library.
May 16-`Your Church. Your Nation. Engage.' A Dialogue with His
Holiness Aram I, for young adults (ages 18-35). Speakers will explore
the theme of Faithfulness, the Centennial of the Armenian genocide,
and the canonization of the Martyrs. St. Illuminator's Cathedral, 221
East 27th Street, New York City, 3 pm to 5 pm. Registration required.
May 30-`Your Church. Your Nation. Engage.' A Dialogue with His
Holiness Aram I, with young adults (ages 18-35). Speakers will explore
the themes of Faithfulness, the Centennial of the Armenian genocide,
and the canonization of the Martyrs. Westin Hotel, 70 Third Avenue,
Waltham, Massachusetts, 10 am to 2 pm.
June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen's
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
June 4-5-National Association of Ladies Guilds 2015 Annual Conference,
St. Stephen's Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For information:
Sharke Der Apkarian, [email protected], or 978-808-0598.
June 18-Annual Cigar Night and Dinner, Men's Club of St. Gregory
Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. Drawing of
Super Raffle of 2015 Mercedes Benz-CLA 250 will take place. Raffle
tickets can be purchased online
(saintgregory.org/organizations/mens-club).
June 28-July 5-29th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
visit the Prelacy's website at armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev or
contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or [email protected].
July 18-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at
the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. For
details click here.
October 5-9-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.
November 15-90th Anniversary Banquet, St. Stephen's Church, 167
Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Watch for details.
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: Baghdasarian