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
MAY 25, 2006
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES:
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN RE-ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION;
DELEGATES APPLAUD ASSEMBLY THEME, PARISH DEVELOPMENT;
FIRST CONFERENCE OF YERETZGEENS IS APPRECIATED
The 2006 National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Eastern Prelacy
concluded last Friday with a banquet at the Fort Lee Hilton. The meetings
took place at the host parish, Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New
Jersey. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan was re-elected to a third
four-year term by acclamation of the NRA.
The delegates received the Assembly’s theme, “Parish Development,”
enthusiastically with presentations made by Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian,
pastor of St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia, and Steve Hagopian, secretary
of the Prelacy’s Executive Council. Small panel discussions on the same
theme followed the presentations.
For the first time a two-day conference for the Yeretzgeens took place
and was well attended by the wives of the parish priests serving the
Prelacy.
During the concluding banquet the Prelate honored seven individuals who
had received medals in New York during the Pontifical visit of His Holiness
Aram I in October, as the “Persons of the Year,” including: Honorable Sarkis
Teshoian, Hagop Kouyoumdjian, Dr. Dertad Manguikian, Antranig Boudakian,
Harry Koundakjian, Iris Papazian, and Richard Sarajian, Esq. Six couples
from the host parish received certificates of merit in appreciation of many
years of devoted service: Zohrab and Talin Daghlian, Charles and Alice
Kasparian, Berj & Varsenne Massoyan, Charles and Helen Mesropian, Sarkis and
Mary Ohanessian, Zarmair and Sonia Setrakian. Youth Leadership Awards were
presented to Shogher Baronian, Tamar Samuelian, Yeghya Sanboulian, and Ara
Sarajian.
Full details about the NRA, photographs, and the two presentations about
parish development will be available on the Prelacy’s web page next week.
PRELATE AND VICAR MEET WITH NEW ENGLAND CLERGY
On Monday, May 22, the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan and the Vicar, V.
Rev. Fr. Anoushavan, met with the clergy of the New England area to continue
informal discussions on the NRA theme of parish development. Rev. Fr. Aram
Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
hosted the meeting.
THE DA VINCI CODE
The release of the movie The Da Vinci Code last week seemed to generate
much more “heat” than the book itself which in the hard and paper versions
has sold in the millions. To read an article about The Da Vince Code by
Michael B. Papazian, as well as links to other articles click
CATHO LICOS ARAM I CONSECRATES CHURCH IN BOURJ HAMMOUD
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
consecrated the new Sts. Vartanantz Church in Norashen in the municipality
of Bourj Hammoud in Lebanon on Sunday, May 21. The new church-on the site of
the old church-was constructed with the generous contribution of the late
philanthropist, Garbis Harboyan.
In his sermon, the Catholicos stressed the concept of becoming a church
through the church. He spoke about the need to gather around the church
noting that “participation in the church’s life is fulfilled by contributing
to its mission. A church is not only stones and a building; beyond these
walls, a church should become a mission.”
DELEGATION OF AMERICAN CHURCHES VISITS ANTELIAS
Catholicos Aram I received a special delegation of American churches in
his office in Antelias, Lebanon, on May 19. The aim of the visit was to
become closely informed about the current situation in the Middle East and
particularly the challenges faced by Christianity. His Holiness stressed the
following priorities: Giving tangible expression to the unity of the church;
giving new impetus to the Christian-Muslim dialogue; reorganizing the role
of Christianity through families, Sunday schools and everyday schools;
making the social services offered by the church reachable to the people
through effective methods; and reemphasizing the role of the church in
issues related to human rights.
COMMUNION AND BREAKFAST FOR GRADUATES AT
ST. GREGORY CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA
St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, is hosting its 38th annual Graduates’
Communion and Breakfast, honoring all of the parish’s high school and
college graduates and their parents, on Sunday, June 4. Holy Communion will
be given during regular church services. Breakfast and program will be
presented in the church’s Terhanian Hall immediately following the services.
For information, 215-482-9200.
FATHERS’ DAY CELEBRATION AT THE CATHEDRAL
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City will host a luncheon and
program dedicated to Fathers’ Day on Sunday, June 18, immediately after the
Divine Liturgy. The event is organized by the Cathedral’s Ladies Guild and
is under the auspices of the parish’s priest, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian.
Hagop Tehlirian and Antranig Vartanian will be honored as the fathers of the
year. For information and reservations, 212-689-5880.
SERVING IN ARMENIA
Aura Arslanian, daughter of Ara Arslanian and Corine Nyssens Arslanian,
is currently in Armenia where she is volunteering her services at the
Noubarashen Orphanage in Yerevan. The Noubarashen Orphanage is one of the
orphanages where the Eastern Prelacy provides assistance. Arrangements for
Aura’s service to the orphanage was arranged by Archbishop Oshagan. This is
Aura’s third trip to Armenia. In 1998 she worked on the rebuilding of a 13th
century church and in 2002 she cared for children in an orphanage.
REMEMBERING HAGOP NERSOYAN
We note with regret the recent passing of Hagop Nersoyan, a noted
educator and theologian, whose service to the Armenian church and nation
spanned many decades. His most recent work, “The Other Tower: An Armenian
Christian Looks at Terrorism,” was reviewed in the November/December 2002
issue of Outreach. The reviewer, Professor Michael B. Papazian, described
the work as a “brief though evocative book,” “filled with valuable insights
on Christian repentance and its relation to politics.” and concluded that
“Nersoyan has admirably shown that the Armenian Christian faith and theology
is neither obsolete nor impractical. Instead, the living faith remains a
compelling response to the evils and afflictions of the contemporary world.”
We here at Crossroads particularly remember an earlier work by Professor
Nersoyan, From Istanbul to Aghtamar: An Armenian Pilgrimage, published by
Ashod Press in 1990.
Professor Nersoyan was Professor Emeritus at the University of Dayton in
Ohio.
CAMP HAIASTAN EXTENDS CAMPERSHIPS
TO EASTERN PRELACY PARISHES
Archbishop Oshagan and the Board of Directors of the AYF Camp Haiastan
of Franklin, Massachusetts, recently announced a joint program. Each parish
in the Eastern Prelacy is extended one two-week fully paid campership by
Camp Haiastan. Eastern Prelacy clergymen will select a boy or girl in their
Sunday School or church community who have never attended the camp. The
sessions being offered for the camperships are the Teen Session for 15 and
16 year olds, or Session 3 for 8 to 14 year olds.
TODAY IS ASCENSION OF OUR LORD
Forty days after the Resurrection is the feast day commemorating the
Ascension (Hambardzoom) of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to Biblical
scripture the Ascension took place at the village of Bethany, on the Mount
of Olives, in the presence of His disciples. After giving them commandments
and blessings, the Lord was “received up into heaven and sat on the right
hand of God,” (Mark 16:19), and “a cloud received him out of their sight,”
(Acts 1:9).
In the early centuries of Christianity Hambardzoom was one of the most
popular feast days for the faithful and was celebrated with merriment and
festivities.
SUNDAY IS SECOND PALM SUNDAY
This Sunday, May 28-the seventh Sunday of Easter-is Second Palm Sunday
(Yerkrord Tzaghkazard). On this occasion all the readings and hymns of Palm
Sunday are repeated. This feast day was first celebrated by Catholicos
Grigor Vkayaser, based on an event that according to tradition took place
during St. Gregory’s imprisonment. When Gregory was in the deep dungeon
(khor virab), an angel ministered to him. On the fourth day of Hambardzoom
the angel did not appear. When the Illuminator asked why, he was told that
the heavens were celebrating Christ’s Ascension into heaven.
88TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
This Sunday, May 28, we commemorate the 88th anniversary of the
independent republic of Armenia of 1918. After defeating Turkish forces at
Sardarabad, Bashabaran and Karakilise, the Armenians proclaimed an
independent democratic Armenian Republic on what was left of their homeland
on May 28, 1918.
On this occasion Archbishop Oshagan has asked all Prelacy parishes to
conduct a service of thanksgiving and blessing of the flag this Sunday, May
28, in honor of the 88th anniversary of the first republic and the 15th
anniversary of the Armenian Republic of today.
O Lord, hearken the voice of the supplication of your servants and keep
unshaken the Armenian Republic which was restored by your mercy. Increase
the wisdom of all those ministers who are appointed for the leadership of
the Republic in order that they may lead your people with equity to justice.
Those who respect wisdom will rule forever. Grant abundantly the spirit of
courageousness to our generals and armies in order that their arrows
straightly aim at their targets. Plant in all of us the love of holiness,
wisdom and good sense, to know the wisdom and instruction and bring our part
to the observance of all laws that are useful for our nation. Pour into our
hearts the mercy of your benevolence, in order that we may manifest through
good works our love towards our homeland. For if the words are not
accompanied with good works of virtue, according to the Proverbs, the hearts
of such people are like ashes, their hope aimless, and their life worse than
clay.. Bless, O Lord, this flag, in order that as the rainbow-which shone in
the skies over Mt. Ararat after the Deluge-became the sign of your eternal
covenant with man, likewise, this flag, after the huge floods of our blood,
becomes the symbol of our indissoluble covenant with you. (from “Prayer of
Thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia,” prepared in 1920 by Archbishop
Torkom Koushagian.)
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
This Monday, May 29, is Memorial Day. Originally called “Decoration
Day,” it is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to our
nation. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General
John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was
first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of
Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first
state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. After World
War I, the holiday changed from honoring those who died in the Civil War to
honoring all American servicemen who died in battle. It is now celebrated in
every state on the last Monday in May.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me:
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marking on..
(from the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a Civil War song written by
Julia Ward Howe.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 4-16th Anniversary Celebration of the new St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.
June 4-Communion and Breakfast honoring high school and college graduates,
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, 8701 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia. For
information: 215-482-9200.
June 18-Fathers’ Day celebration at St. Illuminator Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, following Divine Liturgy. Organized by the Cathedral’s
Ladies Guild. For information: 212-689-5880.
July 8-9-Datev 20th Anniversary Celebration at St. Mary of Providence
Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania. Weekend program will include seminar,
banquet, Badarak, and farewell picnic. For more information, contact the
Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or visit
July 22-Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek
Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.
September 28-4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.
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@armenianprelacy.org to your address book.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
info@armenianprelacy.org
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