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=?utf-8?Q?eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/22/2015

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  • =?utf-8?Q?eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 01/22/2015

    PRESS OFFICE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Contact: Chris Zakian
    Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net



    ** TOP STORY January 22, 2015
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Genocide Orphan
    Detail of a photo of Armenian Genocide refugees, United States Library
    of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.


    ** An Orphan's Story
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    He was a child of war: born to a kingdom under siege. His high-born
    parents died at the point of an Arab invader's sword, and little Vahan
    was taken into custody, brought in bondage to Damascus, and instructed
    in the tenets of an alien religion. Life in the emir's court was all
    he would know as he matured.

    But some faint ember of his earlier life remained in his heart. A
    generation passed, and with it the regime of his captors; and the
    now-adult Vahan seized a fleeting opportunity to return to the land of
    his birth: the province of Goghtn in the ancient Armenian stronghold
    of Vaspourakan. He entered Goghtn as a prince, to rule in the name of
    the conquerors. Yet once immersed in the folkways of his people, it
    was Vahan himself who was conquered. He took a wife, embraced the
    Christian faith anew, and settled into tranquil Armenian life.

    This was all too much for his Arab overlords, of course. Vahan was
    forced to flee Goghtn, and spent endless fugitive days moving from
    town to town, barely a step away from his pursuers. Eventually, he was
    seized by the Muslim constable of Armenia and spirited away to
    Syria-where he was reunited, in martyrdom, with his parents and his
    Lord.

    Though Vahan lived and died in the 8th century A.D., what happened to
    him 13 centuries ago in Goghtn (a region in present-day Nakhichevan)
    still resonates with Armenians-perhaps more deeply than ever in this
    100th year of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. In time, Vahan of
    Goghtn was recognized as a saint of the Armenian Church; today marks
    his feast day. As we honor his memory, let us also give thought to all
    the other children of war-those of 100 years ago, and those, sadly,
    among us today.



    ** Scripture of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Is 61:10-62:9
    2 Tm 2:15-26
    Jn 6:15-21


    ** Prayer of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    In faith I confess and bow down to you, Father and Son and Holy
    Spirit, uncreated and immortal nature, creator of angels, of men, and
    of all things. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, great
    sinner that I am. Amen.


    ** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    22 January: St. Vahan of Goghtn

    24 January: 150 Fathers of the Holy Council of Constantinople
    (A.D. 381)

    25 January: Barekendan of the Fast of Catechumens


    ** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Gallipoli
    A soldier stands over skulls of victims of the Armenian Genocide from
    the Armenian village of Sheyxalan in 1915.


    ** In the News
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Monday's edition of the British newspaper
    The Independent contained an article touching on the worldwide
    observance of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

    The wide-ranging piece covers the main facts of the Genocide,
    considers some ironies of subsequent history, and even exposes some
    `diplomatic mischief' intended to distract attention from the
    milestone.

    To read the online version, click here
    (http://ind.pn/1814sqC?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    .


    Hrant Dink
    Hrant Dink (1954-2007).


    ** Remembering Hrant Dink
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    On January 19, 2007, the Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was
    assassinated on the street outside his newspaper offices in
    Istanbul. Dink's prior writings on the Armenian Genocide had made him
    a well known figure in Turkey, and had prompted his prosecution under
    Turkey's retrograde law forbidding anti-Turkish statements.

    The murder of this brave and gentle man was later revealed to contain
    elements of state persecution along with what we in this country would
    call `hate crime.' It became a cause célèbre for Armenians the world
    over, but also for elements of Turkish society longing for a more open
    public discourse. At Hrant Dink's funeral, more than 100,000 people,
    Armenians side-by-side with ethnic Turks, jammed the streets of
    Istanbul carrying placards reading, `We are all Hrant Dink.'

    Even after eight years, the demoralizing horror of that terrible
    January day still lingers; and the astonishing spectacle of the
    subsequent weeks is likewise unforgettable. Today we again offer
    prayers for the repose of Hrant Dink's spirit, for the consolation of
    his loved ones, and for the light of Divine truth, which even the
    deepest darkness cannot extinguish.

    To read an essay written on the first anniversary of Hrant Dink's
    murder, click here
    (http://bit.ly/1eWlhQC?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    .


    ** DIOCESAN NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Armenian Genocide Cintennial


    ** Resources for the Genocide Centennial
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    With the 100th year of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide advancing
    rapidly, the Eastern Diocese has created a special section on its
    website for downloadable resources. Parishes, community groups, and
    anyone else can obtain materials to help them inform local press and
    reach out to their surrounding communities. This week, a downloadable
    map of "Historic Armenia Through the Ages" was added to the
    offerings-these can be accessed by clicking here
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=e057cdb7f4&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    .

    In the meantime, the Armenian-American community is building towards a
    national observance in Washington, DC, in May 2015. Special events are
    scheduled for May 7 to 9-including an ecumenical prayer service at the
    National Cathedral, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert,
    and an awards banquet honoring those who helped the survivors. His
    Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
    Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House
    of Cilicia, both will journey to the United States to lead the
    Washington commemoration. They will be joined by Armenians from across
    the U.S., under the auspices of the Eastern and Western Dioceses, and
    the Eastern and Western Prelacies. Click here
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=7c0785e7cf&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to learn more about the May events in the nation's capital.

    The Eastern Diocese's Annual Diocesan Assembly and Clergy Conference
    will convene in Washington that same week; details on the 2015
    Assembly will be forthcoming.

    People in the New York metro region should also reserve the dates of
    April 24, 25, and 26 for commemoration events in New York City. These
    will include liturgical celebrations and the annual Times Square
    program sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, has appointed George
    and Lorraine Marootian as Diocesan liaisons to the Genocide
    commemorative committees. They will be working with established
    committees at the national, regional, and local levels, and have begun
    reaching out to our parish communities. Contact them via e-mail at
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


    Never Forget 1915


    ** Support the Genocide Awareness Campaign
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America (Eastern Region)
    is planning a creative national campaign spanning public relations,
    social media, and print and broadcast outlets to raise awareness about
    the Armenian Genocide in this milestone year.

    The committee is raising funds to finance the national
    campaign. Please consider supporting this ambitious outreach
    effort. Click here
    (https://www.crowdrise.com/agccaer?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to make a donation.

    In addition, the Centennial Committee (Eastern Region) has launched a
    new website-www.agccaer.org-which will soon offer a listing of events
    organized nationwide in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. They
    are asking all local committees to share their contact information to
    assist in this effort.


    Prayer Service


    ** Virginia Churches Approve Genocide Resolution
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Last fall, the Virginia Council of Churches approved a resolution
    calling for the commemoration of the 100th year of remembrance of the
    Armenian Genocide by its member churches.

    Rev. Dr. Jonathon Barton, executive director of the Virginia Council
    of Churches, was instrumental in spearheading the
    resolution. Fr. Barton has close ties with the St. James Armenian
    Church of Richmond, VA, and is an honorary member of the Armenian
    Genocide Centennial Committee in Virginia.

    The resolution was presented at the Virginia Council of Churches
    annual meeting last November by Bedros Bandazian and Sona Pomfret of
    St. James Armenian Church.

    It reads, in part: `The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of
    Central Virginia and the people of Saint James Armenian Orthodox
    Church-a member of the Virginia Council of Churches-represent an
    ancient Christian tradition, remain devoted brothers and sisters in
    Christ, and strive to inform Virginians of all faiths about the
    Armenian Genocide.' The resolution also calls on Virginia churches to
    participate in an ecumenical service on Saturday, April 18, organized
    by the local Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee.

    Click here
    (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/VirginiaResolution.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+ E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to read more.


    FAR
    Children take part in a theater therapy session at the FAR Children's
    Center in Yerevan.


    ** FAR Launches Daycare Service in Yerevan
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The Fund for Armenian Relief's Children's Center recently launched a
    new Daycare Service in Yerevan, Armenia, which provides at-risk
    teenagers with after-school psychological support.

    The sessions are held two to three times a week, and are designed to
    mitigate the risks of dropping out, bullying, crime, and
    suicide. Young people ages 11 to 16 attend the Daycare Service
    sessions at the recommendation of school officials. The new initiative
    has already reached 43 at-risk students from six schools in Yerevan's
    Zeytun neighborhood.

    Click here
    (http://bit.ly/1y3ORvn?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to read more on FAR's blog.



    ** PARISH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    St. Sarkis Church, Charlotte, NC
    Fr. Samuel Rith-Najarian administers Holy Communion.


    ** A New Priest's First Badarak
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    On Sunday, January 18, the newly ordained Rev. Fr. Samuel
    Rith-Najarian celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church
    of Charlotte, NC.

    The former Dn. Benjamin Rith-Najarian was ordained to the holy
    priesthood at St. Sarkis Church on December 7 by Diocesan Primate
    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and spent his 40-day period of seclusion
    at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

    Also taking part in last Sunday's badarak were the Very
    Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, and Very
    Rev. Fr. John Meno of the Syrian Orthodox Church, who is a close
    friend of the Charlotte parish. Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, who served as
    the godfather of Fr. Samuel's ordination, assisted on the altar.

    Fr. Rith-Najarian will serve as the pastor of St. Sarkis Church. Click
    here
    (http://smu.gs/15vZ90I?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to view photos of his antranig badarak.


    Deacon Gevork Gevorkian
    Fr. Odabashian (center) dedicates Dn. Gevorkian's books.


    ** New Books Dedicated in Providence
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, visited
    Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, on Sunday, January 18,
    where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and dedicated two new books
    authored by a local parishioner.

    The kinetson ceremony, in which wine is symbolically poured over newly
    published tomes, was performed by Fr. Odabashian following
    services. Dn. Gevork Gevorkian's books-Examination of the Christian
    Rejection of Cremation and St. John Chrysostom: How to Forgive the
    Offense?-were recently published by Holy Etchmiadzin.

    The first book, written in Western Armenian, explains the Christian
    practice of burial and the belief that the body will rise together
    with the soul. The book will serve as a guide for pastors advising the
    faithful during times of bereavement.

    In How to Forgive the Offense?, available in English and Russian,
    Dn. Gevorkian compiled the homilies of the great church father
    St. John Chrysostom on the Christian practice of
    forgiveness. Dn. Gevorkian's volume presents these historic works in
    an accessible and applicable way. The book is dedicated to the Very
    Rev. Fr. Shnork Kasparian, of blessed memory.


    Armenian Church in Austin
    Dn. Narek Garabedian with parishioners in Austin.


    ** Austin Parish Learns About Christmas in Jerusalem
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    On Saturday, January 17, the mission parish of Austin, TX, welcomed
    St. Nersess seminarian Dn. Narek Garabedian. Dn. Garabedian performed
    the mid-day service and gave a presentation on Christmas in the Holy
    Land (which is observed on January 18 and 19).

    Dn. Garabedian, who spent four years studying in Jerusalem, gave the
    community a first-hand look at how the Armenian Patriarchate of
    Jerusalem observes the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
    Jesus Christ. He later presented the parishioners with wooden crosses
    that had been blessed in Jerusalem.

    Click here
    (http://smu.gs/1yOx6Ea?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to view photos.


    Upcoming events


    ** Upcoming Parish Events
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
    On Friday, January 23, St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host a
    presentation by Vahé Tachjian, Ph.D., on the `Houshamadyan Project,'
    an attempt to reconstruct Ottoman Armenian life through archival
    documents, photographs, and other materials. The talk will begin at
    7:45 p.m. Admission is free. Click here
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id`1922f489&e=3a a2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to view a flyer for information.

    St. Mary Church | Livingston, NJ
    The Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest New Jersey, in
    collaboration with St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, is hosting an
    exhibit in commemoration of the 100th year of remembrance of the
    Armenian Genocide. The exhibit will open on Monday, January 26, with
    the screening of a film about the Armenian Genocide. It will run
    through April 30. Click here
    (http://bit.ly/1BygD9q?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    for information.

    St. Sarkis Church | Dallas, TX
    The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Dallas-Fort Worth will
    host two events this month in commemoration of the 100th year of
    remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

    On Sunday, January 25, filmmaker Bared Maronian will speak about his
    latest project, a documentary titled "Women of 1915.' A preview of the
    film and a discussion will be held at St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX,
    beginning at 1:15 p.m.

    On Monday January 26, Bared Maronian will screen his documentary film
    "Orphans of the Genocide." The film will be shown at the Magnolia
    Theatre (3699 McKinney Avenue in Dallas) beginning at 7 p.m. Admission
    is free.

    St. Gregory the Illuminator Church | Chicago, IL
    St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, will host its
    annual `Armenian Winter Fest' on Saturday, January 31, from 4 to 10
    p.m. Enjoy Armenian food, raffles, and other activities. Click here
    (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/SGACWinterFest2015.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+ E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to view a flyer for information.

    St. Mary Church | Hollywood, FL
    St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, will host an `Armenian Food and
    Music Fest' on Saturday, January 31 (12 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday,
    February 1 (12 to 7 p.m.). Enjoy homemade Armenian food and pastries,
    live music, arts and crafts vendors, and activities for
    children. Click here
    (http://bit.ly/15CU5IP?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to view a flyer.

    Vendors and sponsors are welcome. Click here
    (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/images/d7872e5f-f9ab-455d-a53d-4e537228e35b.jpg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to download a sponsorship form. For information, e-mail
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , call (954) 450-5578, or
    visit www.stmaryarmenianchurch.org.


    ** YOUTH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    ACYOA Lent Retreat


    ** ACYOA Lenten Retreats
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The ACYOA Central Council has scheduled three regional Lenten retreats
    for ACYOA Seniors across the Eastern Diocese. The day-long
    retreats-themed `Living the Gospel of Christ: Legacy of Our
    Martyrs'-will include Bible study, small group discussions, and
    presentations focusing on the upcoming canonization of the martyrs of
    the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

    The New England retreat
    (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/NewEngland2015.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    will be held on Saturday, February 28, at Holy Resurrection Church in
    New Britain, CT; the Midwest retreat
    (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Midwest2015.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at St. Mesrob Church in Racine,
    WI; and the New York-metro and Mid-Atlantic retreat
    (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/MetroRetreat2015.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    will go forward on Saturday, March 21, at the Church of the Holy
    Martyrs in Bayside, NY.

    For information, contact the staff of the Diocese's Department of
    Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Lorie Odabashian at
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , or
    (212) 686-0710, ext. 143; or Jennifer Morris at
    [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ,
    or (248) 686-0702.


    ** EVENTS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral


    ** An Evening at the Opera
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will host `An Evening at the Opera' on
    Friday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m.

    Enjoy a program featuring Armenian and Western opera music, performed
    by internationally-acclaimed artists Narine Ojakhyan and Yeghishe
    Manucharyan. Lusine Badalyan will accompany on the piano.

    Click here
    (http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/OperaEvening2015.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to view a flyer for ticket information. St. Vartan Cathedral is
    located at 630 Second Avenue (at 34th Street) in Manhattan.


    Farah Siraj
    Jordanian fusion artist Farah Siraj will perform during the dinner and
    music program on February 14.


    ** Artist Farah Siraj to Perform at Diocesan Center
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The recently formed St. Vartan Cathedral Community of New York City is
    hosting an exciting evening of dinner and music featuring talented
    Jordanian fusion artist Farah Siraj, on Saturday, February 14.

    Join them in celebrating Poon Paregentan-the Armenian `Mardi Gras`-and
    Valentine's Day, from 7 to 11 p.m. in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
    Auditorium (Second Avenue at 35th Street). Tickets are $50. Click on
    the following links to view a flyer
    (http://bit.ly/1KRbL3b?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    and to purchase tickets
    (http://bit.ly/1yh6oa5?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    .


    Zohrab Information Center


    ** Zohrab Center Announces Spring Schedule
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The Diocese's Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will open its
    spring season of lectures on Thursday, February 5, with a talk by
    Dr. Vartan Matiossian titled `Code Name Haiko: Discovering the Last
    Unknown Participants in Talaat Pasha's Liquidation.' The event will be
    held at the Diocesan Center in New York, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission
    is free.

    Other Zohrab Center events planned for the spring include talks on
    Armenian art, a guide to the Armenian Church's Holy Week ceremonies,
    and various book presentations. Click here
    (http://bit.ly/1C5hcr4?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bdd960541c-September_4_20149_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term =0_3f0172fcf2-bdd960541c-159688434)
    to visit the Zohrab Center blog for a complete schedule.

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