PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: info@armenianprelacy.org
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER – April 7, 2005
JOINT UNITED COMMEMORATION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE GENOCIDE IN NEW YORK
Up and down the east coast, and beyond, Armenian Americans are preparing
to come to New York on Sunday, April 24, to commemorate the 90th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
For up-to-date information about the events go to
Check with your local parishes and organizations for travel
arrangements.
CATHOLICOS ARAM OFFERS CONDOLENCE
FOLLOWING DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, made the
following statement expressing his profound sadness following the
announcement of the death of His Holiness John Paul II:
His Holiness Pope John Paul II will remain an outstanding figure in the
modern history of world Christendom. In fact, his relentless effort to make
the Gospel of Christ a living reality in the life of people, his unyielding
prophetic witness to make the moral values the guiding principles of human
societies, his firm commitment to the cause of Christian unity, his openness
to other religions with a clear vision of living together as a reconciled
community in the midst of diversities, and his continuous advocacy for
justice, human rights and freedom made him an exceptional figure of great
achievements. As moderator of the World Council of Churches Central
Committee and as the Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia, I had the privilege to
meet His Holiness on different occasions and witnessed the strength of his
faith, the depth of his wisdom and the clarity of his vision.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN ISSUES MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY
Archbishop Oshagan sent messages of condolence on the passing of Pope
John Paul II to His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York,
and His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio in
Washington, DC.
In his messages Archbishop Oshagan noted:
His death is, rightfully, being mourned by people around the globe.
During his long pontificate he captured the hearts of all humanity, not only
Catholics, not only Christians. Perhaps this love he felt for all is the
greatest legacy he leaves.
I have had the privilege and honor to meet His Holiness on many
occasions, including official visits of our Catholicoses, His Holiness
Karekin II, of blessed memory, ande His Holiness Aram I. Most recently I was
fortunate to see the Pope in January during the theological dialogue between
the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox Churches. In each of our meetings I was
captivated by his deep faith, his strong optimism, and his unconditional
love for humanity.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I WILL ATTEND FUNERAL
The Communication and Information Department of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia announced that His Holiness Aram I will participate in the funeral
of Pope John Paul II on behalf of the worldwide communities under the
jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Bishop Nareg Alemezian,
Ecumenical Officer, and staffbearer Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian will
accompany His Holiness.
INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL GUESTS
VISIT CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
International ecumenical guests visited the Catholicosate of Cilicia on
March 31 and April 1. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer, welcomes
the guests on behalf of His Holiness Aram I.
Chris Ferguson and Jonathan Frerichs, officers in the international
affairs department of the World Council of Churches (WCC), visited the
Catholicosate to get better acquainted with the Middle East and the current
situation.
Richard Hoffman and Sona Hamalian from the Catholic Aid Society visited
and presented the social service projects being implemented by that
organization in Lebanon and Armenia.
FATHER TANIEL AT STS. VARTANANTZ IN NEW JERSEY
The Very Rev. Fr. Taniel Garabedian celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the
parish he grew up, Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, last
Sunday, April 3. It was a joyous and emotional day for both Hayr Sourp and
also the hundreds of parishioners who filled the sanctuary to witness this
momentous occasion. Presiding over the services was the Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan.
Father Taniel (formerly Joseph) is a graduate of Sts. Vartanantz Sunday
School as well as the Siamanto Academy and St. Gregory of Datev Summer
Institute. Hayr Sourp was ordained a celibate priest last November in
Antelias, Lebanon. He came to the United States last week on the sad
occasion of the death of his grandmother. He has now returned to Antelias to
continue his duties and training there. He will return to the United States
in June and will begin serving within the Eastern Prelacy.
FATHER TANIEL SPEAKS TO SIAMANTO STUDENTS
Siamanto Academy alumnus, Very Rev. Fr. Taniel Garabedian presented a
lecture on Faith, Hope and Love to the Siamanto Academy students last
Saturday. Father Taniel underscored the understanding of faith and also
spoke about sin and how they affect our lives. His captivating presentation
was accentuated with ample quotations from the Bible, which resulted in a
lively question and answer session.
DEACON SHANT WILL BE IN NEW ENGLAND THIS WEEKEND
A reminder that Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), will be in New England this weekend. On Saturday
he will lead a seminar for Sunday school teachers in the New England area.
The seminar will take place at St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
On Sunday, April 10, Dn. Shant will deliver the sermon at St. Stephen
Church.
PRELACY LADIES GUILD MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON MAY 2
The annual Mothers’ Day luncheon and fashion show, sponsored by the
Prelacy Ladies Guild, will take place, Monday, May 2, in the Versailles Room
of The St. Regis, 2 East 55th Street, New York City. Neiman Marcus of
Paramus, New Jersey, will present their Spring 2005 collection. Reception
hour begins at 11:30 am followed by lunch. For information or reservations
call the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810.
ST. SARKIS WILL MARK 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSECRATION
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, will celebrate the 15th
anniversary of the consecration of the new St. Sarkis Church on Sunday, May
22 with a gala banquet under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan. The theme of the celebration is “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the
Present, and Building for the Future.”
For details contact the church at 718-224-2275 or Dr. Louiza Kubikian,
516-248-2955.
GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE AT PRELACY BOOKSTORE
A reminder that Gift Cards are available at the Prelacy Bookstore. You
can see the two styles of cards available on the Prelacy web page:
Just pick one of the two designs and mail your order. Or call
212-689-7810 to order by phone. The Bookstore can also mail your gift card
to the recipient.
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION
Today, April 7, the Armenian Church marks the Feast of the Annunciation,
commemorating the vision of Mary (Luke 1:26-38) announcing the conception of
a Messiah-Son. The Armenian Church observes this event every year on April
7.
60th ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF DIETRICH BONHOEFFER
This Saturday, April 9, is the 60th anniversary of the execution of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German clergyman who was an out-spoken opponent of
Adolf Hitler. He was arrested by the Gestapo in April 1943. He was hanged in
Flossenburg concentration camp on April 9, 1945. He was 39 years old. One
month later the Third Reich came to an end.
Bonhoeffer was a prolific writer. The last words he wrote were:
“This is the end, for me the beginning of life. I believe in universal
Christian brotherhood which rises above national interests and I believe
that our victory is certain.”
THIS SUNDAY IS GREEN SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 10, is Green Sunday (Kanach Kiraki). It is also
called Ashkharhamatran, (from the two words askharh meaning world and matoor
meaning chapel) meaning the first church established in the Christian world.
It is believed that Green Sunday also has connotations of spring and
fertility. In modern times it has become a good time to remember that we are
stewards of the earth and have a duty to protect the environment, all of
which has been given to us by God to use and to leave unharmed for future
generations.
THOMAS JEFFERSON BIRTHDAY APRIL 13
Next Wednesday, April 13, is Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. Jefferson was
the third president of the United States and, at age 33, the author of the
Declaration of Independence, an eloquent and bold document.
Less known is a prayer he wrote for the nation that said in part:
Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; we
humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of
Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry,
sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and
confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our
liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither
out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom
in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be
justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may
show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity
fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our
trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
>>From “A Prayer for the Nation,” by Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1801
OUR GARDEN UNDER WATER
We have had extreme amounts of rain during the past few weeks, with more
expected tonight and tomorrow here in the mid-atlantic area. The site of our
vegetable garden has been underwater and impossible to continue our usual
spring schedule. We hope and pray for a stretch of good weather, first and
foremost to bring some respite to so many who have suffered loses because of
flooding, and for us to be able to continue our spring ritual that we enjoy
so much.
And finally we leave you with this:
“Be Not Afraid.”
The words with which John Paul II began his papal ministry on October 22,
1978, and which echoed throughout the world.
Visit our website at