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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/
February 26, 2015
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:
NATIONAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON
The national observance in the United States includes special events
that will take place over a three-day period (May 7, 8, 9) in
Washington, DC, that includes an ecumenical prayer service, a
Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert, and an awards banquet
honoring those who helped the survivors. The Catholicoi, His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be present to preside
over the events. Armenians from all over the United States are
expected to participate in solidarity and unity.
Learn more about the national observance in Washington at
www.armeniangenocidecentennial.org
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/wpyktb).
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:
NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS
In New York, commemorative events are being organized by the Armenian
Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region, for the
weekend of April 24 that will take place in New York City. On Friday
evening, April 24, services will take place at both St. Vartan
Cathedral and St. Illuminator's Cathedral. A candlelight vigil will
follow at the United Nations. On Sunday, April 26, a united Divine
Liturgy, presided by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in New York
City, to be followed by a rally in Times Square that will include the
participation of national public figures and cultural
performances. The participation of all parish communities and
organizations in the Eastern Region is expected to bring together many
thousands of Armenian Americans to the =80=9Ccrossroads of the world.'
PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF 21 CHRISTIANS
By the directive of the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, Requiem Services
will be conducted in all parishes of the Eastern Prelacy this Sunday,
March 1, for the souls of the 21 Coptic Christians who were brutally
martyred last week by Islamist extremists in Libya. The Prelate has
also directed the parishes to conduct a special plate collection on
Sunday to assist the families of the 21 victims.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent
letters of condolence to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
and Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In his
letters, His Holiness wrote about the dangerous consequences of
extremism that could jeopardize the peaceful Christian-Muslim
coexistence in the region. He emphasized the urgency of combating
extremism in all its forms and expressions.
In his directive to the parishes, Archbishop Oshagan called for
prayers for worldwide peace, especially in the Middle East, and also
for the safety of 220 Christians, mostly Assyrian, who were kidnapped
this week by ISIS terrorists from various villages in the Hassakeh
province in northern Syria.
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE RALLIES
AROUND GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL AND VISIT OF CATHOLICOS ARAM
The New England Regional Conference took place last Saturday, hosted
by Holy Trinity Church of Worcester, Massachusetts. Focal points of
discussion included the centennial observances in New York City and
Washington, DC, and
the upcoming pontifical visit by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
Pastors, members of the boards of trustees, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly attended the one-day seminar that
provided the opportunity to share ideas.
More photos and article by Tom Vartabedian here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/cizktb).
Participants at the New England Regional Conference last Saturday in
Worcester. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian)
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, March 1, Third Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday
of the Prodigal Son are: Isaiah 54:11-55:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1;
Luke 15:1-32.
So he told them this parable: `Which one of you, having a hundred
sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the
wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When
he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he
comes home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to
them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just
so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.
`Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does
not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she
finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and
neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I
had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner who repents.'
Then Jesus said, `There was a man who had two sons. The younger of
them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them.
A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout the country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him
to his fields to feed the pigs. He would have gladly filled himself
with the pods that the pigs were eating;
and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said,
`How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare,
but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and
I will say to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before
you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of
your hired hands.' So he set off and went to his father. But while he
was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion;
he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said
to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no
longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his
slaves,
`Quickly, bring out a robe-the best one-and put it
on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of
mine was
dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began
to celebrate.'
`Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached
the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and
asked what was going on. He replied, `Your brother has come, and your
father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe
and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came
out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, `Listen!
For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I
have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a
young goat
so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours
came
back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the
fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, `Son, you are
always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate
and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to
life; he was lost and has been found.'' (Luke 15:1-32)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/sa0ktb).
ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
This Saturday, February 28, we commemorate St. Cyril (315-386) of
Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and
conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when bishops were
embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any
attempts at compromises, even calling such attempts as
treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were spent
in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the possessions
of the church to raise money for the poor starving people. He was
condemned for selling church property and was banished. His best known
work
that has survived, `The Catechetical Lectures,' is believed to be one
of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian theology. The
lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by eighteen
lectures on the Christian faith that were used during Lent for those
preparing to be
baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the sacraments to be used
after Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages,
including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation
of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance
between correct belief and holy action.
Thousands of pilgrimages would come to Jerusalem for Holy Week. Cyril
instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in
Jerusalem. A detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in
the fourth century is available thanks to a woman named Egeria
(Etheria), believed to be a Spanish nun, who made a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem and kept a journal describing the liturgical practices at
the various holy sites.
SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 1, is the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son shows
God's fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent. (See
Bible reading above).
Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the
wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the
cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.
Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept your
house, purified the world from sins and having found your image in it
you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.
With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father, we
have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins;
come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us
from our sins.
Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the heavenly
Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirit's wisdom, pray
that we may be given a fountain of tears for the cleansing of our
sins.
(From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third
Sunday of
Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son.)
THE SUNRISE SERVICE (AREVAKAL)
Although there are references to a Sunrise Service in the Armenian
Church as early as the 7th century, the service as we know it today is
the work of
the 12th century Catholicos, St. Nerses Shnorhali (The Graceful) whose
music and prayers have greatly enriched the Armenian Church.
During Lent the Sunrise Service, which traditionally took place on
Wednesday and Friday mornings during Lent, takes place on Sundays
immediately following the closed-altar Divine Liturgy.
Although the Church takes on a mournful demeanor during Lent, the
Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being `light,'
representing our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any
other word throughout the service, whereas the word `darkness'
(khavar) is used just once.
The service consists of four parts, or sets. Each one follows the same
pattern starting with a hymn, followed by a litany by the deacon, and
a prayer
by the priest. Each set has a different theme. Readings are from the
book of Psalms.
The joyful music of the hymns and the stirring words make this one of
the most pleasant and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian
Church.
LENTEN REFLECTIONS CONTINUE
The second of the Prelacy's six-part Lenten Program took place last
night, Wednesday, February 25, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New
York City, with church service and reflections and meal fellowship,
presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The program will
continue on
subsequent Wednesdays during Lent.
This year, instead of faith-based topics, the Lenten reflections are
focusing on diverse aspects of the Armenian Genocide, in commemoration
of the centennial anniversary. The reflections are presented by young
adults, three every Wednesday. Last night's presentations were offered
by Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian, and Arousiag Markarian.
Next Wednesday, March 4, reflections will be presented by Seta
Tavitian Megherian, Yeraz Markarian Meschian, Ph.D., and Tamar
Harutunian, Esq.
The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy's Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies' Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral.
The presenters last night were Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian,
Arousiag Markarian.
Last week's reflections by Lori Hatem Asquith, Esq., Ara Sarajian,
and Krikor Yeremian can be seen here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/820ktb).
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The annual Musical Armenia concert series presented by the Eastern
Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will
take place Friday, March 20, 2015 at 8 p.m. in Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall in New York City. The high standards of professionalism
as represented by
the roster of artists featured during the past years will continue
with this year's thirty-second concert of the series. A duo of
exceptionally talented musicians, Patil Harboyan, pianist, and Heather
Tuach, cellist,
in a program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, will present the works of Armenian composers, including
Atamian, Babajanian, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and
Talalyan. A considerable part of
the program will be devoted to the work of the great Armenian composer
and
musicologist Komitas Vardapet, who was among the intellectuals and
leaders
arrested on April 24, 1915, at the onslaught of the Armenian
Genocide. Continue reading the entire press release here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/ov1ktb).
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/kkucg/4f4cee/4n2ktb) 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
UNITED ARMENIAN FUND SHIPS $17 MILLION OF AID
The United Armenian Fund delivered over $17 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia and Artsakh from October 1, 2013 to September
30, 2014, according to a recent audit of its financial statements. The
UAF spent only 2%
of its total revenues on administrative expenses, allocating the
remaining
98% to assisting the people of Armenia and Artsakh.
In the past 25 years, the UAF has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh a
grand
total of $697 million worth of relief supplies on board 158 airlifts
and 2,192 sea containers. The UAF is the collective efforts of the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association of
America, Armenian Relief Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Armenia becomes a member of the United Nations (March 2, 1992)
The Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia declared the
independence of Armenia by 213 votes to 0 on September 23, after the
popular referendum of September 21 had answered with an overwhelming
`Yes' to the question whether Armenians wanted independence.
The three Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) had been
incorporated into the United Nations in September 1991, and thus,
Lithuania recognized the independence of Armenia in November. However,
international recognition essentially started after December 10, 1991,
the date when the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
was officially dissolved. Ironically, Turkey was among the first
countries to recognize Armenian independence on December 24, 1991, one
day before the United States, but has refused to establish diplomatic
relations until the present.
The Republic of Armenia officially applied for membership in the
United Nations on January 23, 1992. Six days later, the U.N. Security
Council discussed the application of Armenia in its session 3035 and
advised the U.N. General Assembly to incorporate the newly independent
Republic as a member (resolution 735, January 29, 1992).
On March 2, 1992, Ambassador Samir S. Shihabi of Saudi Arabia opened
the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly as its president. Secretary
General Boutros Boutros-Ghali placed on the agenda the application of
nine countries, eight of them former Soviet republics (Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirguizia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and Uzbekistan), as well as San Marino, which previously had enjoyed
observer status. The Republic of Armenia was represented by Foreign
Minister Raffi Hovannisian; Armenian ambassador to the United Nations,
Alexander Arzumanian, and Armenian ambassador to the United Kingdom,
Armen Sargsyan. Some 30 representatives of the Armenian
American community were also attending, including Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church, of blessed memory.
A large crowd gathered on March 2, 1992, to witness the raising of the
tricolor of the Republic of Armenia in fron of the United Nations
headquarters
in New York City.
The need to find a solution to the ongoing crisis of Karabagh was
noted by
the representatives of the United States, the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Russian Federation, and
the European Community. Foreign Minister Hovannisian spoke and, after
greeting those present in Armenian, continued speaking in English and
declared that Armenia wanted a peaceful resolution of the issue.
The resolution 46/227 of the General Assembly was approved on the same
day. Due to the civil war, the membership of Georgia was to be
approved in July 1992.
The representatives of the invited countries, led by Boutros-Ghali,
were invited to the ceremony of the raising of the flags at 1:30
p.m. Thousands of Armenians had gathered outside the United Nations
headquarters and their overwhelming applause greeted Raffi Hovannisian
while he raised the Armenian flag. The tricolor floating in front of
the United Nations became a symbol of Armenia's membership in the
international community.
In remembrance of this historic date, the government of the Republic
of Armenia issued a resolution on March 23, 2012, which established
March 2 as the day of the diplomat of the Republic of Armenia.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
100th ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE AT THE BOOKSTORE. . .
The Prelacy's Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories, novels,
memoirs, eyewitness testimonies, poetry, and essays. We continue to
feature two titles from the Bookstore's collection.
British Reports on Ethnic Cleansing in Anatolia, 1919-1922
Compiled by Vartkes Yeghiayan
These British reports shed new documentary light on the ethnic
cleansing that was carried out in Anatolia in the post World War I
period, from 1919-1922, and became part of the so-called Turkish `war
of independence' that ended with the disappearance of Greeks and
Armenians from their historical lands and the foundation of the
Republic of Turkey.
Softcover, $20.00, plus shipping & handling
British Diplomacy and the Armenian Question, from the 1830s to 1914
By Arman J. Kirakossian
This volume traces the development of British foreign policy regarding
the
Ottoman Empire, its Armenian population, and other ethnic elements. It
explores British diplomatic activities and the British government's
role at various stages of the Armenian Question.
Softcover, $32.00, plus shipping and handling
To order these or other books, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by
telephone (212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
If Something Is Scarce, Then It is Expensive
The name of the toothed cutting tool that we today call saw has
evolved over time. It was sawe in Middle English and sagu in Old
English. The name has a common origin with all Germanic languages, and
the common root is Proto-Germanic
sago, a word that meant `a cutting tool' and came from an
Indo-European root meaning `to cut.'
This looks very straightforward, and it is interesting to see how the
same
concept varies from language to language. The word saw in Armenian is
sughots (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=81), a composite term which comes from the root soogh
(Õ½Õ¸Ö=82Õ²) and the suffix -ots (Õ¸Ö=81). The origin of soogh,
however, is unknown.
What does this root mean? It has nothing to do, in appearance, with
cutting. Soogh means `scarce, brief, short.' (The word sughakrutiun
(Õ½Õ²Õ¡Õ£Ö=80Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶, =80=9Cshort-writing'), for instance, is
the Armenian term for =80=9Cshorthand.') Thus, sughots literally means
`that makes small.' When you use a saw, you cut something into pieces
and make it smaller than the original.
Everything is good so far. But some readers are probably aware of the
word
soogh `expensive' and the noun sughootioon (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶
`expensiveness'). This meaning only exists in Western Armenian,
including several of its dialects; if Eastern Armenian speakers hear
these words, they understand soogh as =80=9Cscarce' and sughootioon as
`scarcity.' For them, `expensive' is tang (Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯) and
=80=9Cexpensiveness' is tangootioon
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶). However, it is intriguing that speakers of
both branches share the composite adjective tangakeen
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ¶, `valuable').
But how come soogh means both `scarce' and expensive'? The explanation
is very simple: the economic principle of demand and supply. Something
abundant has a cheap value, but if that same item is scarce, then it
becomes expensive. Thus, the origin of the meaning `expensive' for the
word soogh.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG TERTERIAN
(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)
Episode 26: Interview with Professor Mark Movsesian, `Christians in
the Middle East from the Armenian Genocide to ISIS.' Click to
listen. (https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/kg3ktb)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 28-March 1-Armenian Relief Society Youth Connect Program,
at New York University, `Looking Beyond the Centennial.' Featuring:
Khatchig Mouradian, ARS Youth Connect Program Director; Speakers,
Scout Tufankjian, Photojournalist and Eric Nazarian, Filmmaker. For
Armenian college students, 18-25 years old. Deadline for registration
(required) January 30. Space is limited. $25 registration fee includes
meals and the evening dinner. Overnight accommodation available for
out-of-town students. For more information: [email protected] or
617-926-3801.
March 1-One Nation, One Culture: A Cultural Evening of Song & Dance
dedicated to the Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary, Felician
College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey at 4 pm. Organized by
the New Jersey
chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, with
co-sponsorship of AGBU Ararat NY, Homenetmen Regional Executive,
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association of Greater New York.
March 5-Official opening of Exhibit on Armenian textiles, `Stitching
to Survive: Handwork of Armenian Women,' 6-8 pm, at the United
Nations, New York. Reception to follow. Organized by the Armenian
Relief Society, Inc., and the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN.
March 5-27-Solo Exhibition of art by Seeroon Yeretzian,
N.A.W.A. Gallery, 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1405, New York City, Tuesday
to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Opening reception on March 5, 5 pm to 8
pm. For information: 212-675-1616.
March 6-Conference, `Rebuilding a Nation: The Armenian Woman's Century
of Resistance and Empowerment,' 10 am-4 pm, at
Salvation Army Auditorium, 221 East 52nd Street, New York
City. Organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the
Armenian Relief Society, Inc.
March 6-8-National Athletic Tournament, hosted by the North Andover
(Massachusetts) `Sassoun' AYF Chapter; accommodations, Andover Wyndham
Hotel, 978-975-3600, book under `AYF' for special rate ($109); March
6, Characters Sports Club, 7 pm-midnight for those over 21; March 7,
basketball & volleyball, Lawrence High School field house, 70-71 North
Parish Road, Lawrence; 8 am-6 pm, mini-bus transportation
available. Saturday night dance at hotel, 8:30 pm with Kevork Artinian
& Friends. For tickets: Rich Minasian [email protected] or
201-218-7126. Contact Mgo Kassabian for flight information,
[email protected].
March 7-Cultural program in commemoration of the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian genocide, sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of
Eastern USA, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate. At 7 pm at
Waterside Restaurant & Catering, 7800 River Road, North Bergen, New
Jersey. Donation: $100. For information: Knar Kiledjian 201-233-1566;
Lena Orangian 516-724-3005 or by email to [email protected].
March 7-The 2015 Kyrkostas Concert, sponsored by the Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Museum at Queens
College will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide by celebrating the accomplishments of the musicians, dancers,
and artists of the survivors. At 7 pm at Kaloustian Hall, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Boulevard,
Bayside, New York. Reception will follow the program. Donation $15 per
person (2 for $25), children 12 and under $5. For information,
directions and reservations: 718-428-5650.
March 8-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, Ladies Guild Lenten Luncheon, following the Divine
Liturgy. For
information: 201-943-2950.
March 13-15-`Responsibility 2015,' International conference for
Armenian Genocide's centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. www.responsibility2015.com for information.
March 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, Annual Membership Meeting following the Divine
Liturgy. For information: 201-943-2950.
March 20-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy
Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists Patil Harboyan, piano and Heather Tuach, cello,
will present a
program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
that will include works of Armenian composers Atamian, Babajanian,
Gomidas, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and Talalyan. Tickets
are $25 and will be on sale after December 20th at the box office and
the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.
March 13-15-International conference, `Responsibility 2015' marking
the Armenian Genocide's centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel, New
York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site (www.responsibility2015.com).
March 21-`Renewal and Remembrance,' Centennial Commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide presented by Hamazkayin of Philadelphia, at Founders
Hall, 7:30 pm, celebrating three generations of the Armenian singer in
the Diaspora, featuring Maroush Paneyan-Nigon (soprano), Barig
Naltantian (soprano), Vartan Gabrielian (baritone), and Gary Gress
(piano) performing works by European, American and Armenian
composers. Tickets: $35. Anny Aghajanian 215-699-9296; Elizabeth
Dramgotchian 215-920-6054; Kari Ghezarian 484-919-0203.
March 28-Eastern Prelacy's Mid Atlantic Regional Conference for
pastors, trustees, and delegates, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 10 am to 4 pm.
April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.
April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris
Bohjalian.
April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy in New York City (site to be announced), presided by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.'
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, 6 pm, Marriott Marquis.
May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen's
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
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]
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/
February 26, 2015
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:
NATIONAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON
The national observance in the United States includes special events
that will take place over a three-day period (May 7, 8, 9) in
Washington, DC, that includes an ecumenical prayer service, a
Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert, and an awards banquet
honoring those who helped the survivors. The Catholicoi, His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be present to preside
over the events. Armenians from all over the United States are
expected to participate in solidarity and unity.
Learn more about the national observance in Washington at
www.armeniangenocidecentennial.org
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/wpyktb).
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:
NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS
In New York, commemorative events are being organized by the Armenian
Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region, for the
weekend of April 24 that will take place in New York City. On Friday
evening, April 24, services will take place at both St. Vartan
Cathedral and St. Illuminator's Cathedral. A candlelight vigil will
follow at the United Nations. On Sunday, April 26, a united Divine
Liturgy, presided by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in New York
City, to be followed by a rally in Times Square that will include the
participation of national public figures and cultural
performances. The participation of all parish communities and
organizations in the Eastern Region is expected to bring together many
thousands of Armenian Americans to the =80=9Ccrossroads of the world.'
PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF 21 CHRISTIANS
By the directive of the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, Requiem Services
will be conducted in all parishes of the Eastern Prelacy this Sunday,
March 1, for the souls of the 21 Coptic Christians who were brutally
martyred last week by Islamist extremists in Libya. The Prelate has
also directed the parishes to conduct a special plate collection on
Sunday to assist the families of the 21 victims.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent
letters of condolence to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
and Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In his
letters, His Holiness wrote about the dangerous consequences of
extremism that could jeopardize the peaceful Christian-Muslim
coexistence in the region. He emphasized the urgency of combating
extremism in all its forms and expressions.
In his directive to the parishes, Archbishop Oshagan called for
prayers for worldwide peace, especially in the Middle East, and also
for the safety of 220 Christians, mostly Assyrian, who were kidnapped
this week by ISIS terrorists from various villages in the Hassakeh
province in northern Syria.
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE RALLIES
AROUND GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL AND VISIT OF CATHOLICOS ARAM
The New England Regional Conference took place last Saturday, hosted
by Holy Trinity Church of Worcester, Massachusetts. Focal points of
discussion included the centennial observances in New York City and
Washington, DC, and
the upcoming pontifical visit by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
Pastors, members of the boards of trustees, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly attended the one-day seminar that
provided the opportunity to share ideas.
More photos and article by Tom Vartabedian here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/cizktb).
Participants at the New England Regional Conference last Saturday in
Worcester. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian)
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, March 1, Third Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday
of the Prodigal Son are: Isaiah 54:11-55:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1;
Luke 15:1-32.
So he told them this parable: `Which one of you, having a hundred
sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the
wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When
he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he
comes home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to
them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just
so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.
`Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does
not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she
finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and
neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I
had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner who repents.'
Then Jesus said, `There was a man who had two sons. The younger of
them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them.
A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout the country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him
to his fields to feed the pigs. He would have gladly filled himself
with the pods that the pigs were eating;
and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said,
`How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare,
but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and
I will say to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before
you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of
your hired hands.' So he set off and went to his father. But while he
was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion;
he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said
to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no
longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his
slaves,
`Quickly, bring out a robe-the best one-and put it
on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of
mine was
dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began
to celebrate.'
`Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached
the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and
asked what was going on. He replied, `Your brother has come, and your
father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe
and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came
out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, `Listen!
For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I
have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a
young goat
so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours
came
back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the
fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, `Son, you are
always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate
and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to
life; he was lost and has been found.'' (Luke 15:1-32)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/sa0ktb).
ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
This Saturday, February 28, we commemorate St. Cyril (315-386) of
Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and
conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when bishops were
embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any
attempts at compromises, even calling such attempts as
treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were spent
in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the possessions
of the church to raise money for the poor starving people. He was
condemned for selling church property and was banished. His best known
work
that has survived, `The Catechetical Lectures,' is believed to be one
of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian theology. The
lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by eighteen
lectures on the Christian faith that were used during Lent for those
preparing to be
baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the sacraments to be used
after Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages,
including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation
of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance
between correct belief and holy action.
Thousands of pilgrimages would come to Jerusalem for Holy Week. Cyril
instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in
Jerusalem. A detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in
the fourth century is available thanks to a woman named Egeria
(Etheria), believed to be a Spanish nun, who made a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem and kept a journal describing the liturgical practices at
the various holy sites.
SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 1, is the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son shows
God's fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent. (See
Bible reading above).
Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the
wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the
cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.
Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept your
house, purified the world from sins and having found your image in it
you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.
With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father, we
have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins;
come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us
from our sins.
Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the heavenly
Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirit's wisdom, pray
that we may be given a fountain of tears for the cleansing of our
sins.
(From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third
Sunday of
Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son.)
THE SUNRISE SERVICE (AREVAKAL)
Although there are references to a Sunrise Service in the Armenian
Church as early as the 7th century, the service as we know it today is
the work of
the 12th century Catholicos, St. Nerses Shnorhali (The Graceful) whose
music and prayers have greatly enriched the Armenian Church.
During Lent the Sunrise Service, which traditionally took place on
Wednesday and Friday mornings during Lent, takes place on Sundays
immediately following the closed-altar Divine Liturgy.
Although the Church takes on a mournful demeanor during Lent, the
Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being `light,'
representing our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any
other word throughout the service, whereas the word `darkness'
(khavar) is used just once.
The service consists of four parts, or sets. Each one follows the same
pattern starting with a hymn, followed by a litany by the deacon, and
a prayer
by the priest. Each set has a different theme. Readings are from the
book of Psalms.
The joyful music of the hymns and the stirring words make this one of
the most pleasant and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian
Church.
LENTEN REFLECTIONS CONTINUE
The second of the Prelacy's six-part Lenten Program took place last
night, Wednesday, February 25, at St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New
York City, with church service and reflections and meal fellowship,
presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The program will
continue on
subsequent Wednesdays during Lent.
This year, instead of faith-based topics, the Lenten reflections are
focusing on diverse aspects of the Armenian Genocide, in commemoration
of the centennial anniversary. The reflections are presented by young
adults, three every Wednesday. Last night's presentations were offered
by Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian, and Arousiag Markarian.
Next Wednesday, March 4, reflections will be presented by Seta
Tavitian Megherian, Yeraz Markarian Meschian, Ph.D., and Tamar
Harutunian, Esq.
The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacy's Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy's Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies' Guild of St. Illuminator's Cathedral.
The presenters last night were Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian,
Arousiag Markarian.
Last week's reflections by Lori Hatem Asquith, Esq., Ara Sarajian,
and Krikor Yeremian can be seen here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/820ktb).
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The annual Musical Armenia concert series presented by the Eastern
Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will
take place Friday, March 20, 2015 at 8 p.m. in Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall in New York City. The high standards of professionalism
as represented by
the roster of artists featured during the past years will continue
with this year's thirty-second concert of the series. A duo of
exceptionally talented musicians, Patil Harboyan, pianist, and Heather
Tuach, cellist,
in a program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, will present the works of Armenian composers, including
Atamian, Babajanian, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and
Talalyan. A considerable part of
the program will be devoted to the work of the great Armenian composer
and
musicologist Komitas Vardapet, who was among the intellectuals and
leaders
arrested on April 24, 1915, at the onslaught of the Armenian
Genocide. Continue reading the entire press release here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/ov1ktb).
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/kkucg/4f4cee/4n2ktb) 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
UNITED ARMENIAN FUND SHIPS $17 MILLION OF AID
The United Armenian Fund delivered over $17 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia and Artsakh from October 1, 2013 to September
30, 2014, according to a recent audit of its financial statements. The
UAF spent only 2%
of its total revenues on administrative expenses, allocating the
remaining
98% to assisting the people of Armenia and Artsakh.
In the past 25 years, the UAF has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh a
grand
total of $697 million worth of relief supplies on board 158 airlifts
and 2,192 sea containers. The UAF is the collective efforts of the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association of
America, Armenian Relief Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Armenia becomes a member of the United Nations (March 2, 1992)
The Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia declared the
independence of Armenia by 213 votes to 0 on September 23, after the
popular referendum of September 21 had answered with an overwhelming
`Yes' to the question whether Armenians wanted independence.
The three Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) had been
incorporated into the United Nations in September 1991, and thus,
Lithuania recognized the independence of Armenia in November. However,
international recognition essentially started after December 10, 1991,
the date when the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
was officially dissolved. Ironically, Turkey was among the first
countries to recognize Armenian independence on December 24, 1991, one
day before the United States, but has refused to establish diplomatic
relations until the present.
The Republic of Armenia officially applied for membership in the
United Nations on January 23, 1992. Six days later, the U.N. Security
Council discussed the application of Armenia in its session 3035 and
advised the U.N. General Assembly to incorporate the newly independent
Republic as a member (resolution 735, January 29, 1992).
On March 2, 1992, Ambassador Samir S. Shihabi of Saudi Arabia opened
the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly as its president. Secretary
General Boutros Boutros-Ghali placed on the agenda the application of
nine countries, eight of them former Soviet republics (Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirguizia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and Uzbekistan), as well as San Marino, which previously had enjoyed
observer status. The Republic of Armenia was represented by Foreign
Minister Raffi Hovannisian; Armenian ambassador to the United Nations,
Alexander Arzumanian, and Armenian ambassador to the United Kingdom,
Armen Sargsyan. Some 30 representatives of the Armenian
American community were also attending, including Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church, of blessed memory.
A large crowd gathered on March 2, 1992, to witness the raising of the
tricolor of the Republic of Armenia in fron of the United Nations
headquarters
in New York City.
The need to find a solution to the ongoing crisis of Karabagh was
noted by
the representatives of the United States, the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Russian Federation, and
the European Community. Foreign Minister Hovannisian spoke and, after
greeting those present in Armenian, continued speaking in English and
declared that Armenia wanted a peaceful resolution of the issue.
The resolution 46/227 of the General Assembly was approved on the same
day. Due to the civil war, the membership of Georgia was to be
approved in July 1992.
The representatives of the invited countries, led by Boutros-Ghali,
were invited to the ceremony of the raising of the flags at 1:30
p.m. Thousands of Armenians had gathered outside the United Nations
headquarters and their overwhelming applause greeted Raffi Hovannisian
while he raised the Armenian flag. The tricolor floating in front of
the United Nations became a symbol of Armenia's membership in the
international community.
In remembrance of this historic date, the government of the Republic
of Armenia issued a resolution on March 23, 2012, which established
March 2 as the day of the diplomat of the Republic of Armenia.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
100th ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE AT THE BOOKSTORE. . .
The Prelacy's Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories, novels,
memoirs, eyewitness testimonies, poetry, and essays. We continue to
feature two titles from the Bookstore's collection.
British Reports on Ethnic Cleansing in Anatolia, 1919-1922
Compiled by Vartkes Yeghiayan
These British reports shed new documentary light on the ethnic
cleansing that was carried out in Anatolia in the post World War I
period, from 1919-1922, and became part of the so-called Turkish `war
of independence' that ended with the disappearance of Greeks and
Armenians from their historical lands and the foundation of the
Republic of Turkey.
Softcover, $20.00, plus shipping & handling
British Diplomacy and the Armenian Question, from the 1830s to 1914
By Arman J. Kirakossian
This volume traces the development of British foreign policy regarding
the
Ottoman Empire, its Armenian population, and other ethnic elements. It
explores British diplomatic activities and the British government's
role at various stages of the Armenian Question.
Softcover, $32.00, plus shipping and handling
To order these or other books, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by
telephone (212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
If Something Is Scarce, Then It is Expensive
The name of the toothed cutting tool that we today call saw has
evolved over time. It was sawe in Middle English and sagu in Old
English. The name has a common origin with all Germanic languages, and
the common root is Proto-Germanic
sago, a word that meant `a cutting tool' and came from an
Indo-European root meaning `to cut.'
This looks very straightforward, and it is interesting to see how the
same
concept varies from language to language. The word saw in Armenian is
sughots (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=81), a composite term which comes from the root soogh
(Õ½Õ¸Ö=82Õ²) and the suffix -ots (Õ¸Ö=81). The origin of soogh,
however, is unknown.
What does this root mean? It has nothing to do, in appearance, with
cutting. Soogh means `scarce, brief, short.' (The word sughakrutiun
(Õ½Õ²Õ¡Õ£Ö=80Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶, =80=9Cshort-writing'), for instance, is
the Armenian term for =80=9Cshorthand.') Thus, sughots literally means
`that makes small.' When you use a saw, you cut something into pieces
and make it smaller than the original.
Everything is good so far. But some readers are probably aware of the
word
soogh `expensive' and the noun sughootioon (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶
`expensiveness'). This meaning only exists in Western Armenian,
including several of its dialects; if Eastern Armenian speakers hear
these words, they understand soogh as =80=9Cscarce' and sughootioon as
`scarcity.' For them, `expensive' is tang (Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯) and
=80=9Cexpensiveness' is tangootioon
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶). However, it is intriguing that speakers of
both branches share the composite adjective tangakeen
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ¶, `valuable').
But how come soogh means both `scarce' and expensive'? The explanation
is very simple: the economic principle of demand and supply. Something
abundant has a cheap value, but if that same item is scarce, then it
becomes expensive. Thus, the origin of the meaning `expensive' for the
word soogh.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG TERTERIAN
(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)
Episode 26: Interview with Professor Mark Movsesian, `Christians in
the Middle East from the Armenian Genocide to ISIS.' Click to
listen. (https://t.e2ma.net/click/kkucg/4f4cee/kg3ktb)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 28-March 1-Armenian Relief Society Youth Connect Program,
at New York University, `Looking Beyond the Centennial.' Featuring:
Khatchig Mouradian, ARS Youth Connect Program Director; Speakers,
Scout Tufankjian, Photojournalist and Eric Nazarian, Filmmaker. For
Armenian college students, 18-25 years old. Deadline for registration
(required) January 30. Space is limited. $25 registration fee includes
meals and the evening dinner. Overnight accommodation available for
out-of-town students. For more information: [email protected] or
617-926-3801.
March 1-One Nation, One Culture: A Cultural Evening of Song & Dance
dedicated to the Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary, Felician
College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey at 4 pm. Organized by
the New Jersey
chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, with
co-sponsorship of AGBU Ararat NY, Homenetmen Regional Executive,
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association of Greater New York.
March 5-Official opening of Exhibit on Armenian textiles, `Stitching
to Survive: Handwork of Armenian Women,' 6-8 pm, at the United
Nations, New York. Reception to follow. Organized by the Armenian
Relief Society, Inc., and the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN.
March 5-27-Solo Exhibition of art by Seeroon Yeretzian,
N.A.W.A. Gallery, 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1405, New York City, Tuesday
to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Opening reception on March 5, 5 pm to 8
pm. For information: 212-675-1616.
March 6-Conference, `Rebuilding a Nation: The Armenian Woman's Century
of Resistance and Empowerment,' 10 am-4 pm, at
Salvation Army Auditorium, 221 East 52nd Street, New York
City. Organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the
Armenian Relief Society, Inc.
March 6-8-National Athletic Tournament, hosted by the North Andover
(Massachusetts) `Sassoun' AYF Chapter; accommodations, Andover Wyndham
Hotel, 978-975-3600, book under `AYF' for special rate ($109); March
6, Characters Sports Club, 7 pm-midnight for those over 21; March 7,
basketball & volleyball, Lawrence High School field house, 70-71 North
Parish Road, Lawrence; 8 am-6 pm, mini-bus transportation
available. Saturday night dance at hotel, 8:30 pm with Kevork Artinian
& Friends. For tickets: Rich Minasian [email protected] or
201-218-7126. Contact Mgo Kassabian for flight information,
[email protected].
March 7-Cultural program in commemoration of the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian genocide, sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of
Eastern USA, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate. At 7 pm at
Waterside Restaurant & Catering, 7800 River Road, North Bergen, New
Jersey. Donation: $100. For information: Knar Kiledjian 201-233-1566;
Lena Orangian 516-724-3005 or by email to [email protected].
March 7-The 2015 Kyrkostas Concert, sponsored by the Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Museum at Queens
College will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide by celebrating the accomplishments of the musicians, dancers,
and artists of the survivors. At 7 pm at Kaloustian Hall, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Boulevard,
Bayside, New York. Reception will follow the program. Donation $15 per
person (2 for $25), children 12 and under $5. For information,
directions and reservations: 718-428-5650.
March 8-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, Ladies Guild Lenten Luncheon, following the Divine
Liturgy. For
information: 201-943-2950.
March 13-15-`Responsibility 2015,' International conference for
Armenian Genocide's centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. www.responsibility2015.com for information.
March 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, Annual Membership Meeting following the Divine
Liturgy. For information: 201-943-2950.
March 20-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy
Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists Patil Harboyan, piano and Heather Tuach, cello,
will present a
program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
that will include works of Armenian composers Atamian, Babajanian,
Gomidas, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and Talalyan. Tickets
are $25 and will be on sale after December 20th at the box office and
the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.
March 13-15-International conference, `Responsibility 2015' marking
the Armenian Genocide's centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel, New
York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site (www.responsibility2015.com).
March 21-`Renewal and Remembrance,' Centennial Commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide presented by Hamazkayin of Philadelphia, at Founders
Hall, 7:30 pm, celebrating three generations of the Armenian singer in
the Diaspora, featuring Maroush Paneyan-Nigon (soprano), Barig
Naltantian (soprano), Vartan Gabrielian (baritone), and Gary Gress
(piano) performing works by European, American and Armenian
composers. Tickets: $35. Anny Aghajanian 215-699-9296; Elizabeth
Dramgotchian 215-920-6054; Kari Ghezarian 484-919-0203.
March 28-Eastern Prelacy's Mid Atlantic Regional Conference for
pastors, trustees, and delegates, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 10 am to 4 pm.
April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.
April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris
Bohjalian.
April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy in New York City (site to be announced), presided by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.'
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, 6 pm, Marriott Marquis.
May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen's
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
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.
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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]