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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/
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/
January 15, 2015
The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY 10016
tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]
`GIVING LIGHT TO THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS...'
Today the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Birth of
St. John the Forerunner (John the Baptist). The elderly couple
Zechariah and Elizabeth welcomed with great joy the birth of their son
who they named John just as the angel Garbriel had
instructed. Neighbors and relatives, who had gathered to celebrate the
birth of this special child, pondered about his future asking `What
then will this child become?' Having regained his voice after months
of silence, Zechariah said: `And you, child, will be called the
prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare
his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the
forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn
from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of
peace.' (Luke 1:76-79)
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE
This year Armenians worldwide are commemorating the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide that many believed to be the death-knell of
the Armenian people. The narrative of the resilience of the Armenian
people, the strength of the survivors through their faithfulness to
their Lord is truly a miraculous story.
Special events are scheduled in Washington, D.C., May 7 to 9, 2015,
that include an ecumenical prayer service, a Pontifical Divine
Liturgy, memorial concert, and a banquet that will honor organizations
and individuals who came to the aid of Armenian 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. In New
York, commemorative events organized by the joint committee will take
place on April 24, 25, and 26, including the annual gathering at Times
Square.
The following letter was issued by the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee (Eastern Region) this week to be distributed by all of the
participating organizations. Please read and make your donation to
further the work of the Centennial Committee.
The Centennial is almost upon us...
Though over 1.5 million lives were lost to history 100 years ago, we
as a people will never forget each and every man, woman and child who
perished in the Armenian Genocide of 1915. We are launching an
ambitious campaign to honor the history of those who came before us
and register their existence and suffering in the world's collective
memory. Please help us on this historic anniversary by considering a
donation to help restore history.
You can make an online donation in any amount at
https://www.crowdrise.com/AGCCAER
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/ovx1f/4f4cee/cu40qb)
Your contributions will fuel a campaign spanning public relations,
digital, print and broadcast media relations in addition to rapid
response countering anti-Armenian press. The digital media plan will
unite us all in a collective memorial to those whose identities were
washed away by history. It will be composed of millions of river
stones that take the shape of the Euphrates River - each stone will be
engraved with one name - one for each and every one of us who takes a
pledge to never forget the forgotten genocide.
We will implement an online movement to get as many people as possible
to take this pledge. Massive city billboards will show famous
Armenian-Americans `missing' until the genocide is universally
recognized and other non-Armenian celebrities lending their name to
stop genocides wherever they occur. We will push the media to tell
the truth about the Armenian Genocide and its consequences, enlisting
our supporters in the human rights and religious communities to stand
with us on this Centennial.
Our message? When one genocide is denied, so is every genocide.
This is our chance to raise awareness of our people on a scale never
before attempted. Our community is truly united behind this singular
effort. In an unprecedented measure our entire United States Armenian
community has come together to have our voice heard once and for all.
The campaign is big and ambitious. We are confident it will succeed.
But only with your help.
Donate online at https://www.crowdrise.com/AGCCAER
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/ovx1f/4f4cee/sm50qb)
If you prefer to donate by check, please make the check payable to any
of the following institutions:
=80¢Diocese of the Armenian Church
=80¢Prelacy of the Armenian Church
=80¢AGBU
=80¢AMAA
Please note `East Coast Centennial Committee' in the check memo and
mail to:
Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region
c/o AGBU
55 East 59th Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Together we can tell the world our story and ensure it's never
forgotten.
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA - EASTERN REGION
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
Armenian Catholic Eparchy of United States & Canada
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Armenian Missionary Association of America
Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
Armenian Assembly of America
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party
Armenian General Benevolent Union
Armenian National Committee of America
Armenian Relief Society
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Knights & Daughters of Vartan
Social Democratic Hunchakian Party
Armenian Bar Association
Armenian Network of America, Inc.
Armenian Youth Federation, Eastern Region
AGBU Young Professionals
Armenian Church Youth Organization of America
Armenian Students Association
MURONORHNEK PILGRIMAGE
A Pilgrimage to experience the Blessing of the Holy Oil (Muronorhnek)
in Antelias, Lebanon, is being organized with two options: Option A,
to Lebanon only (July 12-21); Option B, to Lebanon, Armenia and
Artsakh (July 12-28). Space is limited; reservations must be made by
February 12. Check details below:
VICAR ATTENDS EXHIBIT AT U.N.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, attended the opening of an
art exhibit at the United Nations in New York featuring the work of
Syrian Armenian artist Hagop Vanesian on January 8.
Bishop Anoushavan with the artist (fourth from left), and UN
Ambassador from the Republic of Syria, Dr. Bashar Jaafari (fifth from
left), and members of the metro area Armenian community at the opening
of the exhibit.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN PHILLY
St. Gregory Church of Philadelphia celebrated Christmas Eve services
(Jrakalouys) with the readings of the Books and a full liturgical
service. Following the service, two hundred parishioners gathered in
Founders Hall for the traditional Khutoum dinner to break their fast
with the community meal.
On Christmas day, in spite of snow and frigid temperatures, a large
number of the faithful filled the sanctuary to celebrate the Nativity
and Theophany of our Lord and the Blessing of the Water
service. Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor and the celebrant of
the services, was assisted by a full complement of altar servers and
chorister.
After Christmas Eve services the faithful enjoyed dinner. In this
photo Der Hayr blesses a plate of food before dinner.
Der Nerses and altar servers during the Blessing of the Water service
on Christmas.
BIBLE READINGS:
Bible readings for Sunday, January 18, First Sunday after Nativity:
Isaiah 54:1-13; 1 Timothy 1:1-11; John 2:1-11.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and
of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in
Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any
different doctrine, and not to occupy themselves with myths and
endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine
training that is known by faith. But the aim of such instruction is
love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere
faith: Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless
talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either
what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions.
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. This
means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but
for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the
unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for
murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers,
and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to
the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. (1
Timothy 1:1-11)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/ovx1f/4f4cee/8e60qb).
THE HERMITS: ANTHONY, TRYPHON, BARSAUMA, and ONOUPHRIUS
On Saturday, January 17, the Armenian Church remembers four early
Christians, the Hermits Anthony, Tryphon, Barsauma, and Onouphrius. Of
the four, Anthony is the best known. He lived during the time of our
Lord and he heard the words spoken by Jesus to a wealthy young man
advising, `If you will be perfect, go and sell all that you have and
give it to the poor and come follow me.' Anthony did exactly that,
lived as a hermit, preached the teachings of Jesus and encouraged
others to follow his example. The place he selected to live became the
site of the first monastery; and he is therefore recognized as the
father of monasticism.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
U.S. AMBASSADOR VISITS
Ambassador David Hale, the ambassador of the United States to Lebanon,
visited His Holiness Aram I on the occasion of the New Year. They
discussed the situation in the region and the presidential elections
in Lebanon. His Holiness informed the ambassador about the
commemorative activities for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
genocide.
PATRIARCH RAI'S REPRESENTATIVES VISIT
Archbishops Paul Sayah and Samir Mazloum, the Vicars General of the
Maronite Church, met with His Holiness Aram I last Friday. They
conveyed Patriarch Rai's greetings for the New Year and expressed his
concern regarding the situation in the region. Discussions led them to
an overview of the situation. The Vicars informed His Holiness of a
meeting to take place in the Vatican in February to discuss Christians
in the Middle East.
CATHOLICOS EXTENDS CONDOLENCES
In a letter of condolence to President Francois Hollande, His Holiness
Aram I, condemned the recent terrorist acts in Paris. His Holiness
wrote, =80=9CThe Armenian Church strongly believes in mutual
understanding, respect, and tolerance between religions, is committed
to justice, and to the peaceful resolution of conflict rooted in the
principles of human rights.' The Catholicos asked the French President
to express his condolences to the families of the victims and the
people of France.
NEW YEARS VISIT TO ELDERLY AND ILL
His Holiness Catholicos Aram, accompanied by members of the Cilician
Brotherhood, visited the Azounieh Sanatorium Hospital in the Chouf
Mountain and the Home for the Elderly in Bourj Hammoud on the occasion
of the New Year and Christmas. In each instance, His Holiness met with
the leadership of the institutions thanking them for their service to
the community. With the help of the clergy, gifts were distributed,
amidst the singing of Christmas hymns and prayers.
ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL BOMBED
The Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Pity in Aleppo was
bombed in the early morning hours of January 9. The church sustained
extensive damage with part of the dome collapsed, however there were
no injuries. Had it occurred two hours later, many worshippers would
have been in the cathedral because a special mass was scheduled to
take place at 7 a.m. Four months ago the Armenian Genocide Memorial
and Church of Deir Zor was destroyed.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Assassination of Hrant Dink (January 19, 2007)
Eight years ago, the assassination of journalist Hrant Dink became a
crucial moment in the last decade of Turkish public life and a symbol
of intolerance against freedom of speech.
Dink was born in Malatia on September 15, 1954. At the age of five,
his family moved to Istanbul. Due to the separation of their parents,
he and his two brothers were sent to the kindergarten of the Armenian
Evangelical Church of GedigpaÅ=9Fa as boarders. The three brothers
continued their education at the elementary school of the same church
in Incirdibi and went to its summer camp in Tuzla. Hrant went to the
Bezjian School in junior high and to the Surp Khach Tbrevank in high
school, and graduated as a senior from the public school of
Å=9EiÅ=9Fli.
At summer camp, he met Rakel Yagbasan, five years his junior, who was
born in Silopi and came from the Varto clan. In 1972 he entered
university and engaged in the Turkish leftist movement, which he left
four years later, when he got married. Hrant and Rakel Dink had three
children. He completed his degree in zoology, but could not finish his
second bachelor degree in philosophy.
In 1979 he opened a bookstore with his brothers, which they ran
successfully. From 1979-1984, he and his wife also ran the Tuzla
summer camp, until the Turkish government seized it after a five year
legal battle.
In the 1990s Dink was a contributor to Marmara newspaper, reviewing
Turkish books about Armenians with the pen name `Chutak' (Violin). On
April 5, 1996, he launched the first bilingual (Turkish and Armenian)
weekly in the history of Turkey, Agos, which he edited until his
death. Agos spoke loudly against any unfair treatment of the Armenian
community in Turkey, covered human rights violations and problems of
democratization in Turkey, carried news of developments in the
Republic of Armenia, with special emphasis on Turkey-Armenia
relations, published articles and serials on the Armenian cultural
heritage and its contributions to the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, and
criticized malfunctions and lack of transparency in Armenian
institutions.
Dink was also a commentator for Turkish periodicals. He wrote about
the establishment of good neighborhood relations between Turkey and
Armenia, the opening of the borders, support of Turkish democratic
processes, and the Armenian genocide. He also lectured in many
countries about Armenian identity and Turkish-Armenian relations.
His views and his outspokenness started to discomfort many people. He
was prosecuted three times for denigrating Turkishness, pursuant to
article 301 of the Turkish Penal Court. He was taken to court for
statements during a lecture in Urfa (2002), but acquitted in 2006. A
second trumped-up charge, stemming from the purposeful
misunderstanding of a statement, resulted in a six-month suspended
sentence (2005) that Dink, after ending all avenues in the Turkish
judicial system, had appealed to the European Court of Human Rights at
the time of his death. The ECHR concluded in 2010 that Turkish
authorities had violated his freedom of speech. A third trial came in
2006 after he declared to Reuters that what happened in 1915 was
genocide. The latter was dropped after his death, but Agos general
director Arat Dink (his son) and publisher Sarkis Seropyan were
sentenced to one year of prison.
The actual witch hunt had started in February 2004, after the
mainstream Hurriyet daily reprinted a news piece from Agos, published
in September 2003, claiming that Sabiha Gökçen, one of the adoptive
daughters of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was actually an Armenian orphan of
the genocide. The press release from the office of the Chief of
General Staff stated on February 22, 2004: `Whatever the reason,
opening up such a symbol to public debate is a crime against national
unity and social peace.'. Dink was called to the governor's office in
Istanbul and given a warning by two people whose identities remained
undisclosed. Afterwards, a virulent campaign started in the press that
continued until his death. The well-known journalist Mehmet Ali Birand
wrote, `We are the real murderers of Hrant. We have brought up our
murderers in an atmosphere and mentality created by Article 301.'
On January 19, 2007, Hrant Dink was killed outside the offices of Agos
by seventeen-year-old Ogün Samast. His burial ceremony became a
demonstration of more than one hundred thousand people protesting the
killing and claiming, `We are all Armenians. We are all Hrant Dink.'
His assassin was condemned to 22 years and 10 months in prison in
2011, while another suspect, Yasin Hayal, convicted of ordering the
murder, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, it has become clear that justice has not been served yet. The
Turkish top court ruled in July 2014 that the investigation of the
killing was flawed, and recent arrests of policemen for `negligence'
in the inquiry of the murder have shown that there is still a long way
before closing the books on the assassination of the brave Armenian
journalist.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be read on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
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/ovx1f/4f4cee/o760qb) 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
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
There Are Many Ways to `Kick the Bucket'
If you open a thesaurus of the English language (or the thesaurus of
your computer) you will find more than a dozen ways to say `to die,'
including the slang expression of the title. Every language has its
own variety and Armenian is not an exception.
However, the abundance of synonyms does not mean that you can use them
interchangeably. The same is true in Armenian. There are different
ways for various circumstances and subjects.
The Armenian word for death is mah (Õ´Õ¡Õ°). However, the verb mahanal
(Õ´Õ¡Õ°Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¬) does not exactly mean `to die,' but includes the
concept of slowness. Therefore, we use it to refer to the gradual
death of any social phenomenon, like a tribe, a dialect, or a custom.
If you want to refer to the death of a common mortal, you simply say:
=80=9CMartu merav' (Õ=84Õ¡Ö=80Õ¤Õ¨ Õ´Õ¥Õ¼Õ¡Ö=82, `The man
died'). However, if that common mortal gave up his or her life on a
battlefield, e.g. sacrificed it, you say `Zinvoru zohvetsav'
(Ô¶Õ«Õ¶Õ¸Ö=82Õ¸Ö=80Õ¨ Õ¦Õ¸Õ°Õ¸Ö=82Õ¥Ö=81Õ¡Ö=82) and not `Zinvore
merav.'
Now, if a priest (or any other ecclesiastic) passes away, we have a
more nuanced and particular way to say it, which has no exact
equivalent in English: `Kahanan vakhjanetsav' (Õ'Õ¡Õ°Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¶
Õ¾Õ¡Õ-Õ³Õ¡Õ¶Õ¥Ö=81Õ¡Ö=82). The verb vakhjanil comes from vakhjan
(Õ¾Õ¡Õ-Õ³Õ¡Õ¶ `end'), and thus, an approximate translation would be
something like `the priest met his end.' It is not polite to say
`Kahanan merav.'
There is also a particular way for an animal, whether it is a pet or a
wild beast: `Gadoon sadgetsav' (Ô¿Õ¡Õ¿Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶
Õ½Õ¡Õ¿Õ¯Õ¥Ö=81Õ¡Ö=82). The verb sadgil comes from sadag, which denotes
the dead body of an animal. Your beloved pet may have been as
human-like as you want, but in the same way you do not say `The cat
passed away,' you should not say `Gadoon merav.'
Of course, if you hold a grudge with someone, you can say sadgetsav
instead of merav to express your dismissal. However, it is hard to
think that you interacted with a person who was at the level of your
furry friend. When you dehumanize someone, doesn't it say something
about your own humanity?
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
This Monday, January 19, is a federal holiday in the United States
honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was born on January 15,
1929, and was the leader of the civil rights movement based on
Christian ideals and techniques of non-violence taken from Gandhi. He
was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
January 17 to 25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme
of the week of prayer for 2015, `Give me a drink,' comes from the
gospel of John from the story about Jesus and the woman at the well
(John 4:1-43).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 18-`The Near East Relief Historical Society=80'Remembering the
Past, Investing in the Future,' a presentation by Molly Sullivan,
Esq., Director & Curator, Near East Relief Historical Society-Near
East Foundation, 1 pm at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. For
more information: [email protected].
January 21-Middle Eastern and Middle Eastern American Center presents
lecture by Vahe Tachjian, `Building the `Model Ottoman Citizen;' Life
and Death in the Region of Harput-Mamuretulaziz (1908-1915),' at the
Segal Theater, the Graduate Center of CUNY, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York
City, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Co-sponsored by The Hagop Kevorkian Center for
Near Eastern Studies at NYU.
January 23-A Centennial Commemoration: Book presentation, `The
Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922, by Herand M. Markarian, sponsored
by St. Illuminator's Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York, under
auspices of Archbishop Oshagan. Participants include: Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Dr. George Dermksian, Iris Chekenian, and Shant
Mardirossian. Master of Ceremonies: Zarmine Boghosian. Readings by
Veh-Harach Bezdikian, Natalie Gabrielian, Yeraz Markarian Meschian,
Aida Zilelian-Silak. The Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside,
New York at 8:05 pm.
January 25-45th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Divine Liturgy and celebration presided by Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian. Contact Sossy Jeknavorian ([email protected])
for tickets to anniversary celebration; $40 adults; $10
children. Advance reservations required.
February 5-Avak luncheon, sponsored by St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker: Ruth Thomasian,
executive director Project SAVE Archives, `Preserving Your Precious
Photographs.' Guests may bring photos for discussion on persons,
places, and situations.
February 7-Armenian Relief Society, NJ Shakeh Chapter presents
=80=9CThe Sound of Music' (in Armenian), performed by the Bedros
Atamian Theatrical Group of Hamazkayin Sanahin Chapter, Montreal,
Canada. Director and playwright, Lena Khacherian, at Fort Lee High
School, 3000 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, New Jersey. Tickets: $50, $35,
$25. Contact: Ani Keshishian 201-417-0204; Anik Kechichian
201-394-4408; Lena Tarakjian 201-592-7991.
February 9-11-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the Eastern
Prelacy.
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 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 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 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 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).
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 (location to be announced).
May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
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.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy's web
site.
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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/
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/
January 15, 2015
The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY 10016
tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]
`GIVING LIGHT TO THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS...'
Today the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Birth of
St. John the Forerunner (John the Baptist). The elderly couple
Zechariah and Elizabeth welcomed with great joy the birth of their son
who they named John just as the angel Garbriel had
instructed. Neighbors and relatives, who had gathered to celebrate the
birth of this special child, pondered about his future asking `What
then will this child become?' Having regained his voice after months
of silence, Zechariah said: `And you, child, will be called the
prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare
his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the
forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn
from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of
peace.' (Luke 1:76-79)
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE
This year Armenians worldwide are commemorating the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide that many believed to be the death-knell of
the Armenian people. The narrative of the resilience of the Armenian
people, the strength of the survivors through their faithfulness to
their Lord is truly a miraculous story.
Special events are scheduled in Washington, D.C., May 7 to 9, 2015,
that include an ecumenical prayer service, a Pontifical Divine
Liturgy, memorial concert, and a banquet that will honor organizations
and individuals who came to the aid of Armenian 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. In New
York, commemorative events organized by the joint committee will take
place on April 24, 25, and 26, including the annual gathering at Times
Square.
The following letter was issued by the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee (Eastern Region) this week to be distributed by all of the
participating organizations. Please read and make your donation to
further the work of the Centennial Committee.
The Centennial is almost upon us...
Though over 1.5 million lives were lost to history 100 years ago, we
as a people will never forget each and every man, woman and child who
perished in the Armenian Genocide of 1915. We are launching an
ambitious campaign to honor the history of those who came before us
and register their existence and suffering in the world's collective
memory. Please help us on this historic anniversary by considering a
donation to help restore history.
You can make an online donation in any amount at
https://www.crowdrise.com/AGCCAER
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/ovx1f/4f4cee/cu40qb)
Your contributions will fuel a campaign spanning public relations,
digital, print and broadcast media relations in addition to rapid
response countering anti-Armenian press. The digital media plan will
unite us all in a collective memorial to those whose identities were
washed away by history. It will be composed of millions of river
stones that take the shape of the Euphrates River - each stone will be
engraved with one name - one for each and every one of us who takes a
pledge to never forget the forgotten genocide.
We will implement an online movement to get as many people as possible
to take this pledge. Massive city billboards will show famous
Armenian-Americans `missing' until the genocide is universally
recognized and other non-Armenian celebrities lending their name to
stop genocides wherever they occur. We will push the media to tell
the truth about the Armenian Genocide and its consequences, enlisting
our supporters in the human rights and religious communities to stand
with us on this Centennial.
Our message? When one genocide is denied, so is every genocide.
This is our chance to raise awareness of our people on a scale never
before attempted. Our community is truly united behind this singular
effort. In an unprecedented measure our entire United States Armenian
community has come together to have our voice heard once and for all.
The campaign is big and ambitious. We are confident it will succeed.
But only with your help.
Donate online at https://www.crowdrise.com/AGCCAER
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/ovx1f/4f4cee/sm50qb)
If you prefer to donate by check, please make the check payable to any
of the following institutions:
=80¢Diocese of the Armenian Church
=80¢Prelacy of the Armenian Church
=80¢AGBU
=80¢AMAA
Please note `East Coast Centennial Committee' in the check memo and
mail to:
Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region
c/o AGBU
55 East 59th Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Together we can tell the world our story and ensure it's never
forgotten.
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA - EASTERN REGION
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
Armenian Catholic Eparchy of United States & Canada
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Armenian Missionary Association of America
Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
Armenian Assembly of America
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party
Armenian General Benevolent Union
Armenian National Committee of America
Armenian Relief Society
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Knights & Daughters of Vartan
Social Democratic Hunchakian Party
Armenian Bar Association
Armenian Network of America, Inc.
Armenian Youth Federation, Eastern Region
AGBU Young Professionals
Armenian Church Youth Organization of America
Armenian Students Association
MURONORHNEK PILGRIMAGE
A Pilgrimage to experience the Blessing of the Holy Oil (Muronorhnek)
in Antelias, Lebanon, is being organized with two options: Option A,
to Lebanon only (July 12-21); Option B, to Lebanon, Armenia and
Artsakh (July 12-28). Space is limited; reservations must be made by
February 12. Check details below:
VICAR ATTENDS EXHIBIT AT U.N.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, attended the opening of an
art exhibit at the United Nations in New York featuring the work of
Syrian Armenian artist Hagop Vanesian on January 8.
Bishop Anoushavan with the artist (fourth from left), and UN
Ambassador from the Republic of Syria, Dr. Bashar Jaafari (fifth from
left), and members of the metro area Armenian community at the opening
of the exhibit.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN PHILLY
St. Gregory Church of Philadelphia celebrated Christmas Eve services
(Jrakalouys) with the readings of the Books and a full liturgical
service. Following the service, two hundred parishioners gathered in
Founders Hall for the traditional Khutoum dinner to break their fast
with the community meal.
On Christmas day, in spite of snow and frigid temperatures, a large
number of the faithful filled the sanctuary to celebrate the Nativity
and Theophany of our Lord and the Blessing of the Water
service. Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor and the celebrant of
the services, was assisted by a full complement of altar servers and
chorister.
After Christmas Eve services the faithful enjoyed dinner. In this
photo Der Hayr blesses a plate of food before dinner.
Der Nerses and altar servers during the Blessing of the Water service
on Christmas.
BIBLE READINGS:
Bible readings for Sunday, January 18, First Sunday after Nativity:
Isaiah 54:1-13; 1 Timothy 1:1-11; John 2:1-11.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and
of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in
Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any
different doctrine, and not to occupy themselves with myths and
endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine
training that is known by faith. But the aim of such instruction is
love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere
faith: Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless
talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either
what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions.
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. This
means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but
for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the
unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for
murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers,
and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to
the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. (1
Timothy 1:1-11)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/ovx1f/4f4cee/8e60qb).
THE HERMITS: ANTHONY, TRYPHON, BARSAUMA, and ONOUPHRIUS
On Saturday, January 17, the Armenian Church remembers four early
Christians, the Hermits Anthony, Tryphon, Barsauma, and Onouphrius. Of
the four, Anthony is the best known. He lived during the time of our
Lord and he heard the words spoken by Jesus to a wealthy young man
advising, `If you will be perfect, go and sell all that you have and
give it to the poor and come follow me.' Anthony did exactly that,
lived as a hermit, preached the teachings of Jesus and encouraged
others to follow his example. The place he selected to live became the
site of the first monastery; and he is therefore recognized as the
father of monasticism.
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
U.S. AMBASSADOR VISITS
Ambassador David Hale, the ambassador of the United States to Lebanon,
visited His Holiness Aram I on the occasion of the New Year. They
discussed the situation in the region and the presidential elections
in Lebanon. His Holiness informed the ambassador about the
commemorative activities for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
genocide.
PATRIARCH RAI'S REPRESENTATIVES VISIT
Archbishops Paul Sayah and Samir Mazloum, the Vicars General of the
Maronite Church, met with His Holiness Aram I last Friday. They
conveyed Patriarch Rai's greetings for the New Year and expressed his
concern regarding the situation in the region. Discussions led them to
an overview of the situation. The Vicars informed His Holiness of a
meeting to take place in the Vatican in February to discuss Christians
in the Middle East.
CATHOLICOS EXTENDS CONDOLENCES
In a letter of condolence to President Francois Hollande, His Holiness
Aram I, condemned the recent terrorist acts in Paris. His Holiness
wrote, =80=9CThe Armenian Church strongly believes in mutual
understanding, respect, and tolerance between religions, is committed
to justice, and to the peaceful resolution of conflict rooted in the
principles of human rights.' The Catholicos asked the French President
to express his condolences to the families of the victims and the
people of France.
NEW YEARS VISIT TO ELDERLY AND ILL
His Holiness Catholicos Aram, accompanied by members of the Cilician
Brotherhood, visited the Azounieh Sanatorium Hospital in the Chouf
Mountain and the Home for the Elderly in Bourj Hammoud on the occasion
of the New Year and Christmas. In each instance, His Holiness met with
the leadership of the institutions thanking them for their service to
the community. With the help of the clergy, gifts were distributed,
amidst the singing of Christmas hymns and prayers.
ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL BOMBED
The Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Pity in Aleppo was
bombed in the early morning hours of January 9. The church sustained
extensive damage with part of the dome collapsed, however there were
no injuries. Had it occurred two hours later, many worshippers would
have been in the cathedral because a special mass was scheduled to
take place at 7 a.m. Four months ago the Armenian Genocide Memorial
and Church of Deir Zor was destroyed.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Assassination of Hrant Dink (January 19, 2007)
Eight years ago, the assassination of journalist Hrant Dink became a
crucial moment in the last decade of Turkish public life and a symbol
of intolerance against freedom of speech.
Dink was born in Malatia on September 15, 1954. At the age of five,
his family moved to Istanbul. Due to the separation of their parents,
he and his two brothers were sent to the kindergarten of the Armenian
Evangelical Church of GedigpaÅ=9Fa as boarders. The three brothers
continued their education at the elementary school of the same church
in Incirdibi and went to its summer camp in Tuzla. Hrant went to the
Bezjian School in junior high and to the Surp Khach Tbrevank in high
school, and graduated as a senior from the public school of
Å=9EiÅ=9Fli.
At summer camp, he met Rakel Yagbasan, five years his junior, who was
born in Silopi and came from the Varto clan. In 1972 he entered
university and engaged in the Turkish leftist movement, which he left
four years later, when he got married. Hrant and Rakel Dink had three
children. He completed his degree in zoology, but could not finish his
second bachelor degree in philosophy.
In 1979 he opened a bookstore with his brothers, which they ran
successfully. From 1979-1984, he and his wife also ran the Tuzla
summer camp, until the Turkish government seized it after a five year
legal battle.
In the 1990s Dink was a contributor to Marmara newspaper, reviewing
Turkish books about Armenians with the pen name `Chutak' (Violin). On
April 5, 1996, he launched the first bilingual (Turkish and Armenian)
weekly in the history of Turkey, Agos, which he edited until his
death. Agos spoke loudly against any unfair treatment of the Armenian
community in Turkey, covered human rights violations and problems of
democratization in Turkey, carried news of developments in the
Republic of Armenia, with special emphasis on Turkey-Armenia
relations, published articles and serials on the Armenian cultural
heritage and its contributions to the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, and
criticized malfunctions and lack of transparency in Armenian
institutions.
Dink was also a commentator for Turkish periodicals. He wrote about
the establishment of good neighborhood relations between Turkey and
Armenia, the opening of the borders, support of Turkish democratic
processes, and the Armenian genocide. He also lectured in many
countries about Armenian identity and Turkish-Armenian relations.
His views and his outspokenness started to discomfort many people. He
was prosecuted three times for denigrating Turkishness, pursuant to
article 301 of the Turkish Penal Court. He was taken to court for
statements during a lecture in Urfa (2002), but acquitted in 2006. A
second trumped-up charge, stemming from the purposeful
misunderstanding of a statement, resulted in a six-month suspended
sentence (2005) that Dink, after ending all avenues in the Turkish
judicial system, had appealed to the European Court of Human Rights at
the time of his death. The ECHR concluded in 2010 that Turkish
authorities had violated his freedom of speech. A third trial came in
2006 after he declared to Reuters that what happened in 1915 was
genocide. The latter was dropped after his death, but Agos general
director Arat Dink (his son) and publisher Sarkis Seropyan were
sentenced to one year of prison.
The actual witch hunt had started in February 2004, after the
mainstream Hurriyet daily reprinted a news piece from Agos, published
in September 2003, claiming that Sabiha Gökçen, one of the adoptive
daughters of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was actually an Armenian orphan of
the genocide. The press release from the office of the Chief of
General Staff stated on February 22, 2004: `Whatever the reason,
opening up such a symbol to public debate is a crime against national
unity and social peace.'. Dink was called to the governor's office in
Istanbul and given a warning by two people whose identities remained
undisclosed. Afterwards, a virulent campaign started in the press that
continued until his death. The well-known journalist Mehmet Ali Birand
wrote, `We are the real murderers of Hrant. We have brought up our
murderers in an atmosphere and mentality created by Article 301.'
On January 19, 2007, Hrant Dink was killed outside the offices of Agos
by seventeen-year-old Ogün Samast. His burial ceremony became a
demonstration of more than one hundred thousand people protesting the
killing and claiming, `We are all Armenians. We are all Hrant Dink.'
His assassin was condemned to 22 years and 10 months in prison in
2011, while another suspect, Yasin Hayal, convicted of ordering the
murder, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, it has become clear that justice has not been served yet. The
Turkish top court ruled in July 2014 that the investigation of the
killing was flawed, and recent arrests of policemen for `negligence'
in the inquiry of the murder have shown that there is still a long way
before closing the books on the assassination of the brave Armenian
journalist.
Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History' can be read on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
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/ovx1f/4f4cee/o760qb) 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
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
There Are Many Ways to `Kick the Bucket'
If you open a thesaurus of the English language (or the thesaurus of
your computer) you will find more than a dozen ways to say `to die,'
including the slang expression of the title. Every language has its
own variety and Armenian is not an exception.
However, the abundance of synonyms does not mean that you can use them
interchangeably. The same is true in Armenian. There are different
ways for various circumstances and subjects.
The Armenian word for death is mah (Õ´Õ¡Õ°). However, the verb mahanal
(Õ´Õ¡Õ°Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¬) does not exactly mean `to die,' but includes the
concept of slowness. Therefore, we use it to refer to the gradual
death of any social phenomenon, like a tribe, a dialect, or a custom.
If you want to refer to the death of a common mortal, you simply say:
=80=9CMartu merav' (Õ=84Õ¡Ö=80Õ¤Õ¨ Õ´Õ¥Õ¼Õ¡Ö=82, `The man
died'). However, if that common mortal gave up his or her life on a
battlefield, e.g. sacrificed it, you say `Zinvoru zohvetsav'
(Ô¶Õ«Õ¶Õ¸Ö=82Õ¸Ö=80Õ¨ Õ¦Õ¸Õ°Õ¸Ö=82Õ¥Ö=81Õ¡Ö=82) and not `Zinvore
merav.'
Now, if a priest (or any other ecclesiastic) passes away, we have a
more nuanced and particular way to say it, which has no exact
equivalent in English: `Kahanan vakhjanetsav' (Õ'Õ¡Õ°Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¶
Õ¾Õ¡Õ-Õ³Õ¡Õ¶Õ¥Ö=81Õ¡Ö=82). The verb vakhjanil comes from vakhjan
(Õ¾Õ¡Õ-Õ³Õ¡Õ¶ `end'), and thus, an approximate translation would be
something like `the priest met his end.' It is not polite to say
`Kahanan merav.'
There is also a particular way for an animal, whether it is a pet or a
wild beast: `Gadoon sadgetsav' (Ô¿Õ¡Õ¿Õ¸Ö=82Õ¶
Õ½Õ¡Õ¿Õ¯Õ¥Ö=81Õ¡Ö=82). The verb sadgil comes from sadag, which denotes
the dead body of an animal. Your beloved pet may have been as
human-like as you want, but in the same way you do not say `The cat
passed away,' you should not say `Gadoon merav.'
Of course, if you hold a grudge with someone, you can say sadgetsav
instead of merav to express your dismissal. However, it is hard to
think that you interacted with a person who was at the level of your
furry friend. When you dehumanize someone, doesn't it say something
about your own humanity?
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
This Monday, January 19, is a federal holiday in the United States
honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was born on January 15,
1929, and was the leader of the civil rights movement based on
Christian ideals and techniques of non-violence taken from Gandhi. He
was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
January 17 to 25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme
of the week of prayer for 2015, `Give me a drink,' comes from the
gospel of John from the story about Jesus and the woman at the well
(John 4:1-43).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 18-`The Near East Relief Historical Society=80'Remembering the
Past, Investing in the Future,' a presentation by Molly Sullivan,
Esq., Director & Curator, Near East Relief Historical Society-Near
East Foundation, 1 pm at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. For
more information: [email protected].
January 21-Middle Eastern and Middle Eastern American Center presents
lecture by Vahe Tachjian, `Building the `Model Ottoman Citizen;' Life
and Death in the Region of Harput-Mamuretulaziz (1908-1915),' at the
Segal Theater, the Graduate Center of CUNY, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York
City, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Co-sponsored by The Hagop Kevorkian Center for
Near Eastern Studies at NYU.
January 23-A Centennial Commemoration: Book presentation, `The
Martyred Armenian Writers 1915-1922, by Herand M. Markarian, sponsored
by St. Illuminator's Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York, under
auspices of Archbishop Oshagan. Participants include: Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Dr. George Dermksian, Iris Chekenian, and Shant
Mardirossian. Master of Ceremonies: Zarmine Boghosian. Readings by
Veh-Harach Bezdikian, Natalie Gabrielian, Yeraz Markarian Meschian,
Aida Zilelian-Silak. The Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside,
New York at 8:05 pm.
January 25-45th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Divine Liturgy and celebration presided by Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian. Contact Sossy Jeknavorian ([email protected])
for tickets to anniversary celebration; $40 adults; $10
children. Advance reservations required.
February 5-Avak luncheon, sponsored by St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker: Ruth Thomasian,
executive director Project SAVE Archives, `Preserving Your Precious
Photographs.' Guests may bring photos for discussion on persons,
places, and situations.
February 7-Armenian Relief Society, NJ Shakeh Chapter presents
=80=9CThe Sound of Music' (in Armenian), performed by the Bedros
Atamian Theatrical Group of Hamazkayin Sanahin Chapter, Montreal,
Canada. Director and playwright, Lena Khacherian, at Fort Lee High
School, 3000 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, New Jersey. Tickets: $50, $35,
$25. Contact: Ani Keshishian 201-417-0204; Anik Kechichian
201-394-4408; Lena Tarakjian 201-592-7991.
February 9-11-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the Eastern
Prelacy.
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 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 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 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 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).
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 (location to be announced).
May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.
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.
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]