Tweet
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 29, 2015
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.
IN MEMORIAM
Vahe Amirian
As we completed this week's Crossroads, we received the news of the
passing of Vahe Amirian who served for many years as a member of the
Prelacy's Executive Council, a member of the Prelacy's Building
Fund, a delegate to the National Representative Assembly, and faithful
member and leader of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
as well as a devoted supporter of the Armenian American
community. Funeral arrangements are being arranged and will be
circulated tomorrow. Asdvatz hokin lousavoreh; May God Illuminate his
soul.
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:
CATHOLICOI ATTEND ARMY DAY COMMEMORATION
On the occasion of Armenian Army Day in Armenia, His Holiness Karekin
II and His Holiness Aram I joined Armenia's President Serzh Sarkisian
and Artsakh's President Babo Sahakian, in a visit to the Yerablur
Military Pantheon yesterday to pay tribute to the memory of the
Armenian heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the
Homeland.
The Presidents of Armenia and Artsakh and the two Catholicoi offer
flowers
at the memorial at Yerablur Military Pantheon.
ST. GREGORY CHURCH (NORTH ANDOVER)
CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY
Last Sunday, January 25, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley in
North Andover, Massachusetts, celebrated its 45th anniversary. Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and presided over the anniversary
celebration.
Mrs. Sossy Jeknavorian was honored with the Prelacy's Certificate of
Merit for her years of dedication and serice to the parish's
Sunday/Armenian School. Past and present staff members received
recognition from the Board of Trustees for their outstanding service.
To read an article by Tom Vartabedian click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/0gqrrb).
Photos by Tom Vartabedian
Bishop Anoushavan with the faithful of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic
Church of Merrimack Valley.
Staff members of St. Gregory's Sunday/Armenian School, past and
present, were the recipients of this year's award for outstanding
service, presented by the Board of Trustees, while the school's
director, Mrs. Sossy Jeknavorian, was honored with the Prelacy
Certificate of Merit Award for her years of dedication and service in
this capacity. From left to right: Diane Movsessian, Leslie Boloian,
Sylvia Mahlebjian, Martha Hananian, Tom Vartabedian, Bishop
Anoushavan, Sossy Jeknavorian, Dn. John Saryan, Der Stephan, Joanne
Hidirsah, Vartkes Hovsepian.
Some of the students of the Sunday/Armenian School performed songs and
prayers during the banquet. Back row, from left: Der Stephan, Leslie
Boloian (4-5th Grade), Sylvia Mahlebjian (4-5th Grade), Diane
Movsessian (K-1st Grade), Anna Shahtanian, Bishop Anoushavan. Middle
Row, from left: Aram Ozoonian, Ava Movsessian, Alexander Movsessian,
Sossy Jeknavorian (Director). Front Row, from left: Armen Tokatlian,
Gabriella Melkonian, Narineh Boloian, Cameron Afarian, Andrew
Movsessian, Taylor Romano.
THE MARTYRED ARMENIAN WRITERS-A BOOK PRESENTATION
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
St. Illuminator's Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
Cultural Society
organized a presentation of Dr. Herand Markarian's newly published
book, The Martyred Armenian Writers, 1915-1922. The event took place
on Friday, January 23, at the Armenian Center in Woodside, Queens.
In his opening remarks, the pastor of St. Illuminator's Cathedral,
Rev. Father Mesrob Lakissian, said that this event was the Cathedral's
first event of the year commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. He asked the attendees to stand for a minute of
silence in
honor of the martyrs. Mrs. Zarmine Boghosian, the principal of Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School, was the evenings MC and eloquently
implemented the program.
In the first part of the program comments and addresses in English
were given by Iris Chekenian, Shant Mardirossian, President of the
Near East Foundation, and Dr. George Dermksian. Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, spoke about the different facets of
the book. Congratulatory letters were received from the Central
Executive Committee of Hamazkayin and the Hamazkayin of Armenia. The
Minister of the Diaspora, Mrs. Hranoush Hakobian, sent her comments in
a video, which was shared with the audience.
Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia's representative to the United
Nations, stressed the importance of works of this nature especially
during this commemorative year.
In the second part of the program, Dr. Markarian, briefly introduced
each writer featured in his book, providing biographical information,
literary accomplishments, and anecdotal information. Aida
Zilelian-Sylak, Veh Harach Bezdikian, Natalie Gabrelian and Yeraz
Markarian Meschian read translated pieces from some of the featured
writers.
Dr. Markarian thanked all those who had helped in the production of
the book, which can be purchased from Libra-6 Productions, Inc., 160
Waters Edge,
Congers, NY 10920, for $25 (USA) including shipping and
handling. Those interested in sponsoring the distribution of the book
to colleges, public and
private libraries are encouraged to get in touch with the publisher
Libra-6 Productions, Inc.
Dr. Markarian, surrounded by some program participants, cuts a cake
honoring the new publication.
Dr. Herand Markarian autographs his latest book at a book presentation
last week.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 1, Third Sunday after Nativity
(Sunday
of the Catechumens) are: Isaiah 63:7-18; 2 Timothy 3:1-12; John
6:22-38.
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea
saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus
had not got
into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away
alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they
had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd
saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves
got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him,
=80=9CRabbi, when did you come here?' Jesus answered them, `Very
truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs,
but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food
that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which
the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.' Then they said to him, `What must we do to perform the
works of God?' Jesus answered them, `This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent.' So they said to him, =80=9CWhat sign
are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?
What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the
wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to
eat.'' Then Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell
you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my
Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God
is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'
They said to him, `Sir, give us this bread always.'
Jesus said to them, `I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But
I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything
that
the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will
never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own
will, but
the will of him who sent me. (John 6:22-38)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/g9qrrb).
THE PROPHET JONAH
On the fifth day of the fast of the Catechumens, which is tomorrow,
Friday, January 30, the Armenian Church commemorates the Prophet Jonah
(Hovnan), one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are not
considered less important that those called Major Prophets, but their
books in the Bible are shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were
servants of God who proclaimed His will to people in need of
repentance.
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories in
the
Old Testament. Jonah's feast falls on the last day of the Fast of the
Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented from
their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this preliminary
fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential season of the
year.
ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, January 31, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Sarkis the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful
soldiers. This is a
moveable feast that can occur between January 11 and February 15. It
follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the fast is not
connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be associated
with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the `Fast of
St. Sarkis.'
Sarkis lived during the fourth century in Cappadocia. He rose through
the military ranks because of his valiant campaign on behalf of the
Emperor Constantine. With the accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took
refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they joined the Persian army to
fight Julian. Father
and son fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur
II, tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and
embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and they were martyred. Fourteen
loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the bodies were also
martyred. Eventually, other Christians successfully retrieved the
remains and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth
century when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city
of Karpi in Vaspurakan, Armenia. A monastery was built over the site
of the graves.
ST. ADOM AND ST. SOUKIAS
The armies of Armenian soldiers were led by Adom Knooni and Manajihr
Rshdooni in the fifth century, before the battle of Avarayr. They were
ordered by their Persian commanders to leave Armenia and proceed to
one of the most distant outposts of the empire for the purpose of
keeping the Armenian soldiers far away from Armenia and thus prevent
them from defending the Armenians. The commanders recognized the
Persian plot and returned to Armenia with
their armies. They were pursued, captured and martyred by the Persian
forces. The Holy Sookiasians were members of the Royal Court who were
converted
and baptized by the Voskyan priests. They lived in isolation at Mount
Sougaved. When they refused to return to court and worship the pagan
gods, they
were martyred. This year Sts. Adom and his soldiers are remembered on
Monday, February 2, and the Sts. Sookias and Martyrs are remembered on
Tuesday,
February 3.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Birth of Gostan Zarian (February 8, 1885)
The life span of Gostan Zarian, one of the foremost names of twentieth
century Armenian literature, covered eight crucial decades. He was
active in Constantinople with the Western Armenian generation before
the genocide, then lived forty years in the Diaspora, and finally went
to die in Soviet Armenia. He was a sort of `wandering Armenian,' not
only physically, but also spiritually. His literature was at the
crossroads of many influences.
Zarian was born in Shamakhi (Azerbaijan) on February 8, 1885. His
father, a general in the Russian army, died when he was four, and he
was sent to Baku, where he attended a Russian school. In 1895 he moved
to France, where he continued his studies in Asnieres and
Saint-Germain-en-Laye, two suburbs of Paris. After finishing high
school, he went to the Université Libre
of Brussels and obtained a doctorate in literature and philosophy in
1909.
Zarian initially wrote poetry and essays in Russian and French, until
the famous Belgian poet Emile Verhaeren advised him to write in his
mother tongue. The Armenian poet, who already spoke Armenian, went to
Constantinople in 1910, where he started to participate in the renewal
of literary life. In
mid-1911 he left the Ottoman capital and went to Venice, where he
studied Armenian with the Mekhitarist Fathers until the end of
1912. He married Rachel (Takuhi) Shahnazarian in December 1912, from
whom he would have three children, and the newlyweds moved back to
Constantinople. Zarian would actively participate in Western Armenian
literary life until the beginning of the war. He was one of the
leading voices of the group `Mehian,' together with Hagop Kufejian
(Oshagan), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel Varoujan, and Aharon (Dadourian),
and editor-in-chief of the homonymous journal
Mehian, which was published from January-July 1914.
Zarian escaped with his family to Bulgaria in late October 1914, the
day before Turkey declared war and joined the Central Powers, and thus
he avoided the genocide. After living for a year in Bulgaria, he moved
to Italy, where he lived for the next six years in Rome and
Florence. In 1916 he published his poem `Three Songs,' translated from
Armenian into Italian, which was widely critiqued. His literary
activities were matched with an active engagement for the Armenian
Cause. In 1919 he went to the Caucasus as a special reporter for
several Italian newspapers.
Zarian moved back to Constantinople in late 1921, when the remnants of
the
Western Armenian intelligentsia were starting again a cultural and
literary movement. He published the monthly Partzravank, together with
Oshagan, Vahan Tekeyan, Shahan Berberian, and Kegham Kavafian, which
lasted from January-July 1922. He also published his first book in
Armenian, a collection of
poems entitled The Crown of the Days. At the end of the year, when the
Kemalist forces were about to occupy Constantinople, the writer
accepted an invitation of the Soviet Armenian government and moved to
Yerevan. For the next two years, he taught European literature at
Yerevan University. However,
he returned to Europe in June 1924 and would spend the next four
decades on the move. He lived in Paris, Venice, Milan, Corfu,
Florence, New York (1942-1947), Amsterdam, Ischia, Beirut,
Aix-en-Provence, Vienna, Rapallo, Oakland, California (1960-1962), and
in 1963 he repatriated to Soviet Armenia.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Zarian published his major works of prose in
the monthly Hairenik of Boston, such as The Traveller and His Road,
Bancoop and the Bones of the Mammoth, and Countries and Gods, among
others. He also published as a book his poems The Bride of Dadrakom in
1930 and Three Songs (1931), and his masterpiece, the novel The Ship
on the Mountain (1943). He contributed prose, poetry, essays, and
commentary to a variety of Armenian and non-Armenian publications,
writing in Armenian, French, Italian, and, later, English. He
published two short-lived journals, the literary monthly La
Tour de Babel in French (1925), and the pioneering journal of Armenian
Studies in New York, Armenian Quarterly (1946). He was friends with
various noted European writers, such as English novelist Lawrence
Durrell and others.
He taught at the American University of Beirut and at the University
of California at Berkeley.
His return to Armenia was somewhat controversial, because he had
criticized the Soviet regime in several works. His novel The Ship on
the Mountain was about the period of the first independence. It was
reissued in a heavily censored way (1963) and this created a heated
polemics. In any case, Zarian
was almost ignored in the last years of his life. He died on December
15, 1969 and was almost totally forgotten by literary circles in
Armenia until the end of the regime. Several of his works were printed
in book form in the 1970s and 1980s in the Diaspora. His rediscovery
in Armenia started with the twenty-first book century, and several
works scattered in the press and
also unpublished have also been published.
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/0wy4f/4f4cee/w1rrrb) 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)
Unbreakable as a Diamond
Diamond is another of those words that English and Armenian languages
share due to some common source. More than two thousand years ago, the
Latin word adamantem meant `the hardest metal,' and then it was used
to mean our well-known diamond. Then Old French borrowed from
Medieval Latin (diamantem) and turned it into diamant. In the early
fourteenth century, the word entered English as diamond.
Actually, the Romans had borrowed the word from Greek:
á¼=80δάμαÏ=82 (adámas "unbreakable," with á¼=80 meaning
`un' and δάμαÏ=82 `conquer, overpower'). The Armenians did the
same: the word Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (adamand; Western Armenian atamant)
already appeared in the Bible with the meaning of the precious stone.
Incidentally, the format of the Armenian word is very close to English
adamant, whose meaning comes directly from the Greek meaning
`unbreakable,' via Latin and French. While the English language
created two words from the same original source, the Armenian language
simply used atamant and, at times, gave it a metaphoric meaning. For
instance, St. Gregory of Narek used the expressions atamantea sird
(Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¥Õ¡Õµ Õ½Õ«Ö=80Õ¿ `diamond heart') or atamantea havadk
(Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¥Õ¡Õµ Õ°Õ¡Ö=82Õ¡Õ¿Ö=84 `diamond faith') to mean that
the heart or the faith can be as unbreakable
as a diamond.
Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner' can be read on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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 5-`Code Name `Haiko': Discovering
the Last Unknown Participant in Talaat Pasha's Liquidation,' a lecture
by Dr. Vartan Matiossian, director of the Armenian National Education
Committee, 7 pm in the Guild Hall of the Armenian Diocese, 630 Second
Avenue, New York, sponsored by the Zohrab Information Center. For
information: [email protected] or 212-686-0710.
February 6-Hamazkayin of New York presents a Bilingual lecture by
Khatchig Mouradian, `From Der Zor to Kobani (Arabpunar): Turkey,
Kurds, and Armenians,' Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside,
New York, at 8 pm. Donation: $10.
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 21-Eastern Prelacy's Annual New England Regional Conference,
hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Conference is
open to all clergy, board of trustee members, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly. Conference will begin at 9:30 am and
conclude at 4:00 pm.
February 21-94th commemoration of the February 18th Revolt, sponsored
by the Lowell `Aharonian' Gomideh, 6 pm, ARS Community Center, 142
Liberty Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. Dinner & program, =80=9CSeldom
Visited Armenia,' a visual presentation by Joe Dagdigian. Admission
$20 adults; $10 students.
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 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 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 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.
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/
January 29, 2015
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.
IN MEMORIAM
Vahe Amirian
As we completed this week's Crossroads, we received the news of the
passing of Vahe Amirian who served for many years as a member of the
Prelacy's Executive Council, a member of the Prelacy's Building
Fund, a delegate to the National Representative Assembly, and faithful
member and leader of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
as well as a devoted supporter of the Armenian American
community. Funeral arrangements are being arranged and will be
circulated tomorrow. Asdvatz hokin lousavoreh; May God Illuminate his
soul.
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:
CATHOLICOI ATTEND ARMY DAY COMMEMORATION
On the occasion of Armenian Army Day in Armenia, His Holiness Karekin
II and His Holiness Aram I joined Armenia's President Serzh Sarkisian
and Artsakh's President Babo Sahakian, in a visit to the Yerablur
Military Pantheon yesterday to pay tribute to the memory of the
Armenian heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the
Homeland.
The Presidents of Armenia and Artsakh and the two Catholicoi offer
flowers
at the memorial at Yerablur Military Pantheon.
ST. GREGORY CHURCH (NORTH ANDOVER)
CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY
Last Sunday, January 25, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley in
North Andover, Massachusetts, celebrated its 45th anniversary. Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and presided over the anniversary
celebration.
Mrs. Sossy Jeknavorian was honored with the Prelacy's Certificate of
Merit for her years of dedication and serice to the parish's
Sunday/Armenian School. Past and present staff members received
recognition from the Board of Trustees for their outstanding service.
To read an article by Tom Vartabedian click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/0gqrrb).
Photos by Tom Vartabedian
Bishop Anoushavan with the faithful of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic
Church of Merrimack Valley.
Staff members of St. Gregory's Sunday/Armenian School, past and
present, were the recipients of this year's award for outstanding
service, presented by the Board of Trustees, while the school's
director, Mrs. Sossy Jeknavorian, was honored with the Prelacy
Certificate of Merit Award for her years of dedication and service in
this capacity. From left to right: Diane Movsessian, Leslie Boloian,
Sylvia Mahlebjian, Martha Hananian, Tom Vartabedian, Bishop
Anoushavan, Sossy Jeknavorian, Dn. John Saryan, Der Stephan, Joanne
Hidirsah, Vartkes Hovsepian.
Some of the students of the Sunday/Armenian School performed songs and
prayers during the banquet. Back row, from left: Der Stephan, Leslie
Boloian (4-5th Grade), Sylvia Mahlebjian (4-5th Grade), Diane
Movsessian (K-1st Grade), Anna Shahtanian, Bishop Anoushavan. Middle
Row, from left: Aram Ozoonian, Ava Movsessian, Alexander Movsessian,
Sossy Jeknavorian (Director). Front Row, from left: Armen Tokatlian,
Gabriella Melkonian, Narineh Boloian, Cameron Afarian, Andrew
Movsessian, Taylor Romano.
THE MARTYRED ARMENIAN WRITERS-A BOOK PRESENTATION
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
St. Illuminator's Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
Cultural Society
organized a presentation of Dr. Herand Markarian's newly published
book, The Martyred Armenian Writers, 1915-1922. The event took place
on Friday, January 23, at the Armenian Center in Woodside, Queens.
In his opening remarks, the pastor of St. Illuminator's Cathedral,
Rev. Father Mesrob Lakissian, said that this event was the Cathedral's
first event of the year commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. He asked the attendees to stand for a minute of
silence in
honor of the martyrs. Mrs. Zarmine Boghosian, the principal of Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School, was the evenings MC and eloquently
implemented the program.
In the first part of the program comments and addresses in English
were given by Iris Chekenian, Shant Mardirossian, President of the
Near East Foundation, and Dr. George Dermksian. Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, spoke about the different facets of
the book. Congratulatory letters were received from the Central
Executive Committee of Hamazkayin and the Hamazkayin of Armenia. The
Minister of the Diaspora, Mrs. Hranoush Hakobian, sent her comments in
a video, which was shared with the audience.
Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia's representative to the United
Nations, stressed the importance of works of this nature especially
during this commemorative year.
In the second part of the program, Dr. Markarian, briefly introduced
each writer featured in his book, providing biographical information,
literary accomplishments, and anecdotal information. Aida
Zilelian-Sylak, Veh Harach Bezdikian, Natalie Gabrelian and Yeraz
Markarian Meschian read translated pieces from some of the featured
writers.
Dr. Markarian thanked all those who had helped in the production of
the book, which can be purchased from Libra-6 Productions, Inc., 160
Waters Edge,
Congers, NY 10920, for $25 (USA) including shipping and
handling. Those interested in sponsoring the distribution of the book
to colleges, public and
private libraries are encouraged to get in touch with the publisher
Libra-6 Productions, Inc.
Dr. Markarian, surrounded by some program participants, cuts a cake
honoring the new publication.
Dr. Herand Markarian autographs his latest book at a book presentation
last week.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 1, Third Sunday after Nativity
(Sunday
of the Catechumens) are: Isaiah 63:7-18; 2 Timothy 3:1-12; John
6:22-38.
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea
saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus
had not got
into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away
alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they
had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd
saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves
got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him,
=80=9CRabbi, when did you come here?' Jesus answered them, `Very
truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs,
but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food
that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which
the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.' Then they said to him, `What must we do to perform the
works of God?' Jesus answered them, `This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent.' So they said to him, =80=9CWhat sign
are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?
What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the
wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to
eat.'' Then Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell
you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my
Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God
is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'
They said to him, `Sir, give us this bread always.'
Jesus said to them, `I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But
I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything
that
the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will
never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own
will, but
the will of him who sent me. (John 6:22-38)
For a listing of the coming week's Bible readings click here
(https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/g9qrrb).
THE PROPHET JONAH
On the fifth day of the fast of the Catechumens, which is tomorrow,
Friday, January 30, the Armenian Church commemorates the Prophet Jonah
(Hovnan), one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are not
considered less important that those called Major Prophets, but their
books in the Bible are shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were
servants of God who proclaimed His will to people in need of
repentance.
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories in
the
Old Testament. Jonah's feast falls on the last day of the Fast of the
Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented from
their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this preliminary
fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential season of the
year.
ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, January 31, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Sarkis the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful
soldiers. This is a
moveable feast that can occur between January 11 and February 15. It
follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the fast is not
connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be associated
with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the `Fast of
St. Sarkis.'
Sarkis lived during the fourth century in Cappadocia. He rose through
the military ranks because of his valiant campaign on behalf of the
Emperor Constantine. With the accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took
refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they joined the Persian army to
fight Julian. Father
and son fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur
II, tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and
embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and they were martyred. Fourteen
loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the bodies were also
martyred. Eventually, other Christians successfully retrieved the
remains and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth
century when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city
of Karpi in Vaspurakan, Armenia. A monastery was built over the site
of the graves.
ST. ADOM AND ST. SOUKIAS
The armies of Armenian soldiers were led by Adom Knooni and Manajihr
Rshdooni in the fifth century, before the battle of Avarayr. They were
ordered by their Persian commanders to leave Armenia and proceed to
one of the most distant outposts of the empire for the purpose of
keeping the Armenian soldiers far away from Armenia and thus prevent
them from defending the Armenians. The commanders recognized the
Persian plot and returned to Armenia with
their armies. They were pursued, captured and martyred by the Persian
forces. The Holy Sookiasians were members of the Royal Court who were
converted
and baptized by the Voskyan priests. They lived in isolation at Mount
Sougaved. When they refused to return to court and worship the pagan
gods, they
were martyred. This year Sts. Adom and his soldiers are remembered on
Monday, February 2, and the Sts. Sookias and Martyrs are remembered on
Tuesday,
February 3.
THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Birth of Gostan Zarian (February 8, 1885)
The life span of Gostan Zarian, one of the foremost names of twentieth
century Armenian literature, covered eight crucial decades. He was
active in Constantinople with the Western Armenian generation before
the genocide, then lived forty years in the Diaspora, and finally went
to die in Soviet Armenia. He was a sort of `wandering Armenian,' not
only physically, but also spiritually. His literature was at the
crossroads of many influences.
Zarian was born in Shamakhi (Azerbaijan) on February 8, 1885. His
father, a general in the Russian army, died when he was four, and he
was sent to Baku, where he attended a Russian school. In 1895 he moved
to France, where he continued his studies in Asnieres and
Saint-Germain-en-Laye, two suburbs of Paris. After finishing high
school, he went to the Université Libre
of Brussels and obtained a doctorate in literature and philosophy in
1909.
Zarian initially wrote poetry and essays in Russian and French, until
the famous Belgian poet Emile Verhaeren advised him to write in his
mother tongue. The Armenian poet, who already spoke Armenian, went to
Constantinople in 1910, where he started to participate in the renewal
of literary life. In
mid-1911 he left the Ottoman capital and went to Venice, where he
studied Armenian with the Mekhitarist Fathers until the end of
1912. He married Rachel (Takuhi) Shahnazarian in December 1912, from
whom he would have three children, and the newlyweds moved back to
Constantinople. Zarian would actively participate in Western Armenian
literary life until the beginning of the war. He was one of the
leading voices of the group `Mehian,' together with Hagop Kufejian
(Oshagan), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel Varoujan, and Aharon (Dadourian),
and editor-in-chief of the homonymous journal
Mehian, which was published from January-July 1914.
Zarian escaped with his family to Bulgaria in late October 1914, the
day before Turkey declared war and joined the Central Powers, and thus
he avoided the genocide. After living for a year in Bulgaria, he moved
to Italy, where he lived for the next six years in Rome and
Florence. In 1916 he published his poem `Three Songs,' translated from
Armenian into Italian, which was widely critiqued. His literary
activities were matched with an active engagement for the Armenian
Cause. In 1919 he went to the Caucasus as a special reporter for
several Italian newspapers.
Zarian moved back to Constantinople in late 1921, when the remnants of
the
Western Armenian intelligentsia were starting again a cultural and
literary movement. He published the monthly Partzravank, together with
Oshagan, Vahan Tekeyan, Shahan Berberian, and Kegham Kavafian, which
lasted from January-July 1922. He also published his first book in
Armenian, a collection of
poems entitled The Crown of the Days. At the end of the year, when the
Kemalist forces were about to occupy Constantinople, the writer
accepted an invitation of the Soviet Armenian government and moved to
Yerevan. For the next two years, he taught European literature at
Yerevan University. However,
he returned to Europe in June 1924 and would spend the next four
decades on the move. He lived in Paris, Venice, Milan, Corfu,
Florence, New York (1942-1947), Amsterdam, Ischia, Beirut,
Aix-en-Provence, Vienna, Rapallo, Oakland, California (1960-1962), and
in 1963 he repatriated to Soviet Armenia.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Zarian published his major works of prose in
the monthly Hairenik of Boston, such as The Traveller and His Road,
Bancoop and the Bones of the Mammoth, and Countries and Gods, among
others. He also published as a book his poems The Bride of Dadrakom in
1930 and Three Songs (1931), and his masterpiece, the novel The Ship
on the Mountain (1943). He contributed prose, poetry, essays, and
commentary to a variety of Armenian and non-Armenian publications,
writing in Armenian, French, Italian, and, later, English. He
published two short-lived journals, the literary monthly La
Tour de Babel in French (1925), and the pioneering journal of Armenian
Studies in New York, Armenian Quarterly (1946). He was friends with
various noted European writers, such as English novelist Lawrence
Durrell and others.
He taught at the American University of Beirut and at the University
of California at Berkeley.
His return to Armenia was somewhat controversial, because he had
criticized the Soviet regime in several works. His novel The Ship on
the Mountain was about the period of the first independence. It was
reissued in a heavily censored way (1963) and this created a heated
polemics. In any case, Zarian
was almost ignored in the last years of his life. He died on December
15, 1969 and was almost totally forgotten by literary circles in
Armenia until the end of the regime. Several of his works were printed
in book form in the 1970s and 1980s in the Diaspora. His rediscovery
in Armenia started with the twenty-first book century, and several
works scattered in the press and
also unpublished have also been published.
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/0wy4f/4f4cee/w1rrrb) 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)
Unbreakable as a Diamond
Diamond is another of those words that English and Armenian languages
share due to some common source. More than two thousand years ago, the
Latin word adamantem meant `the hardest metal,' and then it was used
to mean our well-known diamond. Then Old French borrowed from
Medieval Latin (diamantem) and turned it into diamant. In the early
fourteenth century, the word entered English as diamond.
Actually, the Romans had borrowed the word from Greek:
á¼=80δάμαÏ=82 (adámas "unbreakable," with á¼=80 meaning
`un' and δάμαÏ=82 `conquer, overpower'). The Armenians did the
same: the word Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (adamand; Western Armenian atamant)
already appeared in the Bible with the meaning of the precious stone.
Incidentally, the format of the Armenian word is very close to English
adamant, whose meaning comes directly from the Greek meaning
`unbreakable,' via Latin and French. While the English language
created two words from the same original source, the Armenian language
simply used atamant and, at times, gave it a metaphoric meaning. For
instance, St. Gregory of Narek used the expressions atamantea sird
(Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¥Õ¡Õµ Õ½Õ«Ö=80Õ¿ `diamond heart') or atamantea havadk
(Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¥Õ¡Õµ Õ°Õ¡Ö=82Õ¡Õ¿Ö=84 `diamond faith') to mean that
the heart or the faith can be as unbreakable
as a diamond.
Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner' can be read on the
Prelacy's web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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 5-`Code Name `Haiko': Discovering
the Last Unknown Participant in Talaat Pasha's Liquidation,' a lecture
by Dr. Vartan Matiossian, director of the Armenian National Education
Committee, 7 pm in the Guild Hall of the Armenian Diocese, 630 Second
Avenue, New York, sponsored by the Zohrab Information Center. For
information: [email protected] or 212-686-0710.
February 6-Hamazkayin of New York presents a Bilingual lecture by
Khatchig Mouradian, `From Der Zor to Kobani (Arabpunar): Turkey,
Kurds, and Armenians,' Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside,
New York, at 8 pm. Donation: $10.
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 21-Eastern Prelacy's Annual New England Regional Conference,
hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Conference is
open to all clergy, board of trustee members, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly. Conference will begin at 9:30 am and
conclude at 4:00 pm.
February 21-94th commemoration of the February 18th Revolt, sponsored
by the Lowell `Aharonian' Gomideh, 6 pm, ARS Community Center, 142
Liberty Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. Dinner & program, =80=9CSeldom
Visited Armenia,' a visual presentation by Joe Dagdigian. Admission
$20 adults; $10 students.
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 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 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 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.
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]