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: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
APRIL 6, 2006
PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE ASKS THE FAITHFUL TO
“LISTEN, BREAK BREAD, PROCLAIM”
In his annual Easter Message to the Faithful, His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan, advises the Faithful to “Listen, Break Bread, Proclaim.”
His Eminence describes the journey of the two disciples on the road to
Emmaus who meet a “stranger” and thus become the first witnesses to see the
resurrected Christ and the first bearers of good news announcing the
Resurrection of the Son of God.
The Prelate describes our duty to “Listen to the Prophetic Words,” to
“Break Bread with Christ,” and “Proclaim the Resurrection of Christ.”
“During these days when we live with the mystery of Christ’s
Resurrection, let us all become travelers to Emmaus, meet Christ through our
faith, listen and follow his teachings, and together become communicants to
His sacrifice and be witnesses and preachers to His miraculous
resurrection.”
To read the entire message in English click
To read the entire message in Armenian click
MessageArm.pdf
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
Tomorrow, April 7 is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary,
which is the celebration of the announcement of the archangel Gabriel to the
Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God, as recorded in the Gospel
according to Luke (Chapter 1, verses 26 to 38).
HOLY WEEK BEGINS
In a few days we will be entering the most solemn period of Christendom,
Holy Week, leading up to Christianity’s most joyous period-Easter and the
celebration of the Resurrection.
The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus
that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the resurrection of
Lazarus and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we
commemorate on Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a
donkey, as described centuries earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large
enthusiastic crowd greeted him with olive and palm branches and with the
words, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.” (John
12:13)
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of
Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The
traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is
an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best
clothing parade around the church.
On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the
Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of
the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and
says, “Open to us Lord, the door of mercy.” This service is now held
immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, rather than in the
evening.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates
the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of
Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of
Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the
Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the
events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of
Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read
from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal
of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns
composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each
side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.
Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most
solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church
tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with
flowers and candles. It is also a tradition for the faithful to bring
flowers and decorate the tomb throughout the service.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan will officiate over
services at St. Stephen Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
On Holy Thursday, for the Washing of the Feet service and the Vigil, the
Prelate will travel to All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois.
On Good Friday he will officiate over the burial service at Sourp Hagop
Church, Racine, Wisconsin.
On Easter Eve, His Eminence will officiate at services at Sts.
Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
On Easter Sunday the Prelate will officiate at services at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City.
RETIREMENT LUNCHEON FOR PRELACY STAFF MEMBER
Last Friday, March 31, a retirement luncheon took place at the Prelacy
in honor of Mardirous Minas-Haftvani, who has served as the Prelacy’s
bookkeeper for the past twenty years. The Prelate, the Vicar, and staff
members joined in expressions of thanks and appreciation. In a convivial and
merry atmosphere staff members shared memories while expressing their best
wishes to Mardirous.
LENTEN SERIES CONCLUDES
The final Lenten meditation took place last night, with V. Rev. Fr.
Daniel Garabedian’s focus on the final three stanzas (22 to 24) of St.
Nerses Shnorhali’s, “In Faith I Confess” (Havadov Khosdovanim).
The Lenten programs took place Wednesdays during Lent at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. The annual Lenten program is
sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Prelacy
Ladies Guild.
PASSING OF DIRAMAYR ROSE VARTOUHY KASSABIAN
We note with sadness the death of Diramayr Rose Vartouhy Kassabian,
mother of Der Vartan Kassabian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in North Andover, Massachusetts. She was 82 years old, and is survived by
Der Vartan, and a daughter, Ovsanna Kassabian.
Funeral Services took place on Monday, April 3, at Sts. Vartanantz
Church in Providence, Rhode Island, with V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Prelacy, officiating, with the participation of the
clergy from the New England and New York metro areas.
We express our sincere words of condolence to the Kassabian family.
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WILL BE SHOWN ON PBS ON APRIL 17
The new PBS documentary, “The Armenian Genocide,” will be shown
nationwide on PBS stations, Monday, April 17, from 10 to 11 pm. Check loyal
listings, as the date and time may vary in some locations.
The powerful documentary was written, directed and produced by Emmy
Award-winner producer Andrew Goldberg of Two Cats Productions, in
association with Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The documentary features interviews with leading experts including
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power and New York Times best-selling
author, Peter Balakian. This one-hour documentary includes historical
footage that has not been seen before. The documentary is narrated by
Julianna Margulies and includes narrations by Ed Harris, Natalie Portman,
Laura Linney, and Orlando Bloom, among others.
Filmed in the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, Turkey and Syria,
the program includes discussions with Kurdish and Turkish citizens in
modern-day Turkey who speak openly about the stories told to them by their
parents and grandparents.
2006 GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK CITY
The City Council of New York together with the Armenian National
Committee of New York, and the Friends of ANC will host the 2006 Genocide
Commemoration at City Hall, on Friday, April 21, 6 to 9 pm. The
commemoration is sponsored by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and City
Council members Melinda Katz and Peter Vallone, Jr. In addition to speakers
there will be a musical presentation and an Armenian Genocide photo and
video exhibit. For details contact the ANC of New York, 718-651-1530.
GATHERING AT TIMES SQUARE
And don’t forget the commemoration at Times Square organized by the
Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan and co-sponsored by ArmenPac
and with the participation of area Armenian churches and organizations,
Sunday, April 23, beginning at 2 pm. The event is supported by 155 members
of the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues. National, state and
local dignitaries will participate as well as scholars and artists. For bus
information: 516-627-6687, 718-777-7765, 201-265-1275.
THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
A very wise person once said, “Those who sing, pray twice.”
The Armenian Church’s hymns of Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry
into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever
created!
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after forty days of Lent and
the hymn “Rejoice, O Holy Church” (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm
Sunday. “Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten,
rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King
of the universe.”
During the Opening of the Doors ceremony the beautiful hymn “Open for
us, Lord” (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or before the
closed altar. “We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for us, Lord, the
gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord.”
During the Vigil on Maundy Thursday some of most melodious and memorable
hymns are sung including, “My Heart Trembles” (Sird im Sasani); “Seized by
the Love of Money,” (Ardzatsirootyampun Molyal), and the truly beautiful and
haunting “Where Are You, O Mother?” (Oor Es Mayr Im). “Where are you, most
sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled with
bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my mother?”
The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, “Praise the Lord, O
Jerusalem!” (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). “Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ
is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord,
alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that
enlightened the world, alleluia!”
Calendar of Events
April 8-Ladies Guild Annual Bake Sale, 10 a.m., Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
April 17-“The Armenian Genocide,” a new documentary will be shown on most
PBS stations. Please check your local listings.
April 21-2006 Genocide commemoration at City Hall, New York City, sponsored
by the New York City Council and the Armenian National Committee of New York
and Friends of ANC. For details, 718-651-1530.
April 23-Commemoration of the 91st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at
Times Square-the crossroads of the world. Organized by the Mid-Atlantic
Knights and Daughters of Vartan, co-sponsored by ArmenPac and with
participation of area Armenian organizations. Featuring Prof. Israel W.
Charny, Andrew Goldberg, Edward Korkoian, Asien Surmeian, Annie Totah, Aram
Hamparian, Curtis Sliwa, and more. More details to follow.
April 29-Presentation by comedian Vahe Berberian at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For details 718-224-2275.
May 5-Reunion of all students beginning from the 1930s who attended St.
Illuminator Armenian School in New York. Dinner Dance at Terrace on the
Park, Corona, NY. For reservations or information contact the St.
Illuminator’s Day School, 718-478-4073.
May 7-Mothers’ Day celebration at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
May 8-Mothers’ Day Luncheon by Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Regis, New York
City.
May 12-Exhibition of the works of artist Emma Gregoryan at the Prelacy, 138
E. 39th Street, New York City.
May 13-Dinner-Dance organized by the St. Sarkis Church Ping-Pong Club. For
details 718-224-2275.
May 17-19-National Representative Assembly (NRA), hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
May 16 and 17-Conference of Yeretzgeens in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
May 20-Saturday School year end Hantes, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
May 21-Sunday School year end Hantes, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
Visit our website at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
