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
October 26, 2006
YOUTH GATHERING WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I
"We need to listen more to our youth to know what they are thinking, to
let them know that the Church needs them and they need the Church," said
Archbishop Oshagan recently as he described his enthusiasm for the upcoming
gathering with the youth which will take place in Dearborn, Michigan,
December 1 to 3.
It was these same thoughts that prompted His Holiness to ask that a
gathering of the youth be organized during his visit to the Midwest where he
will be the keynote speaker at a conference at Notre Dame University. The
three Prelacies (Eastern, Western, and Canadian) joined together to organize
the gathering, forming a committee made up of representatives of the same
age group, 18 to 30, that is being urged to attend the gathering.
Incidentally, participants of the youth gathering who can extend their stay
are invited to attend His Holiness’s keynote address and service at Notre
Dame. More about this next week.
The theme of the youth gathering is Your Church. Your Future. Engage.
According to program committee co-chair Nayiri Baljian, the event is
intended to "provide an opportunity for the youth to learn about their
heritage of faith and to experience some of the best of what the Armenian
Church can offer." The weekend activities will include speakers, film,
music, worship-all with the goal of answering the questions: Where have we
come from? Where are we going? How far can we go?
For details about this event click
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO WORCESTER
The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, this Sunday, October 29, and
the celebration of the 72nd anniversary of the church which will take place
immediately after church services.
VICAR AT WCC MEETING
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, is attending meetings of the Board of
Directors of the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC),
today and tomorrow, at The Interchurch Center, in New York City.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER ISSUE OF OUTREACH ON LINE
The October/November of Outreach is available on the Prelacy web page.
For a preview of the 48-page issue click
6.pdf.
CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
WILL CELEBRATE "FALL COLORS"
Tickets for the children’s concert "Fall Colors" are selling briskly.
There are less than 100 tickets left, so do not delay. Reserve yours today.
For information click
DE LEGATION OF FRENCH PROTESTANT CHURCHES
VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, received
a high-ranking delegation representing the Protestant Churches of France.
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, also
attended the meeting, which took place in Antelias, Lebanon. Various issues
related to ecumenical relations, local and regional developments and the
activities of the World Council of Churches were discussed. Turkey’s
potential membership to the European Union was also discussed. His Holiness
praised the French Parliament in acknowledging the Armenian Genocide.
90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN LEGION
Tomorrow, October 27, is the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Legion
(Legion d’Orient). The Armenian Legion was formed on October 27, 1916, two
years after the beginning of World War I. Under the agreement, Armenian and
Syrian volunteers were recruited to fight with Allied forces. France and
Great Britain promised autonomy for the Armenians in central and southern
Turkey. About 1,200 Armenian men from the United States joined Armenians
from all over the world and served in the Legion. The Armenian Legion
contributed mightily to the victory over German and Turkish forces at the
Battle of Arara (September 19, 1918). Promises made to the Armenians were
not kept.
FEAST OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, October 29, the Armenian Church commemorates the Discovery
of the Cross (Giut Khatch). Empress Helena, mother of Constantine, was a
devout Christian. While in Jerusalem she wanted to find the True Cross. She
went to Golgotha (Calvary), which at this time had become an obscure and
neglected place. The Empress ordered excavation of the site, and three
wooden crosses were found. In order to identify the True Cross, the three
crosses were successively placed on the body of a youth who had just died.
When one of the crosses was placed on him, the young man came to life. This
cross was determined to be the True Cross. Christ’s exact burial site was
also found and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was built on that spot in
335. The church was destroyed by fire in 614 when the Persians invaded
Jerusalem, and subsequently rebuilt. The current dome dates back to 1870.
Three denominations (Armenian Apostolic, Greek Orthodox, Roman
Catholic), administer and maintain the church and surrounding grounds (not
always harmoniously). Agreements regulate times and places of worship for
each denomination. Ironically, a neutral Muslim neighbor family has been the
custodian of the keys for centuries. The Church, within the walled Old City
of Jerusalem, is revered and is a popular destination for pilgrims.
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
On November 2, the Armenian Church commemorates the life of St. John
Chrysostom (Hovhan Voskeperan). He was a notable Christian bishop and
preacher from the 4th and 5th centuries in Syria and Constantinople. He is
famous for his eloquence in public speaking-Chrysostom literally means
"golden mouth." The Orthodox Church honors him as a saint and one of the
"Three Holy Hierarchs" (with Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the
Theologian). He is also recognized by the Catholic Church and the Church of
England.
John converted to Christianity in 368 when he was barely 21 years old.
He renounced a large family inheritance and a promising legal career and
went to live in a mountain cave where he studied the Bible. He was later
ordained a priest and soon his sermons were attracting huge audiences. He
challenged wealthy Christians, whose generosity was confined to donating
precious objects for display in churches. He told them they had a duty to
help the poor and needy. He wrote often about valuing the richness of nature
created by God which should be enjoyed and protected. Although he was very
popular with the people, his outspoken criticism was not appreciated by the
hierarchy and he was sent into exile at various times. His sermons made a
great impact on Christendom. He had a profound influence on the doctrines
and theology of the Armenian Church, because he spent the final years of his
exile in Armenia. Many of his important works are extant only in Armenian
manuscripts. He is also the author of liturgical prayers used in the
Armenian Church.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS
It is that time of the year again. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m.,
this Sunday, October 29. We return to standard time by setting our clocks
back one hour.
Muse of the deep and ineffable Divine Mysteries,
Wise Prefect and Great Doctor of the world,
Like the rock of the Church, you were faithful to the key to heaven,
>From the beloved disciple, you received the Gospel.
>From the Holy Virgin Birth-giver you received your mark of authority.
O Patriarch John, by the grace of the Holy Spirit you received Wisdom.
Ode of the Armenian Church dedicated to St. John Chrysostom
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 27-Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Dinner and fellowship. For information, 978-685-5038.
October 28-Saturday School Fall Festival, St. Sarkis Armenian Church,
Douglaston, New York.
October 29-72nd anniversary of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts.
October 29-Auxiliary Appreciation Day and drawing of Cruise Raffle, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.
November 3-4-51st Annual Bazaar of St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, with special program for children on Saturday afternoon. For
information 617-924-7562.
November 3-4- Ladies Guild Food Festival, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
November 3, 4, 5-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual
Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 4-Harvest Ball Dinner Dance to benefit programs of Holy Ascension
Sunday School, at Shore & Country Club, Norwalk, Connecticut. Information:
Judy Gavoor 203-834-1471 and Nadine Koobatian 203-421-7944.
November 5-Annual bazaar, St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.
November 5-36th Anniversary Luncheon and program, St. Gregory Armenian
Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
November 10-12-Mini Datev program for teens, ages 13 to 18. At Colombiere
Retreat Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan.
November 11-42nd Anniversary of Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, in
the church hall.
November 11-12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual "Armenian Fest" at
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island.
November 12-Food Festival and Bazaar. St. Sarkis Armenian Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1 to 5 pm. The newly published St. Sarkis Cookbook
will be available. For information 718-224-2275.
November 17 & 18-Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.
November 18-Children’s Concert, "FALL COLORS", sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy at Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City, featuring
TALINE AND FRIENDS.
November 18-"Christian Spirituality and the Armenian Apostolic Church," a
lecture by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, at St. Sarkis Armenian Church,
Douglaston, New York.
November 26-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
first Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
December 9-Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 1-3-Gathering of the Youth with Catholicos Aram I, Hyatt Regency,
Dearborn, Michigan. For details click
December 10-52nd anniversary of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church,
Granite City, Illinois.
December 10-General Membership meeting and elections of auditing and
nominating committees, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.
December 13-Thanksgiving Luncheon with the local NYPD and Fire Fighters, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.
December 16-"A Celebration of Service" in honor of past chairmen and board
of trustees members. Under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. For information and
reservations 718-224-2275.
December 17-50th anniversary celebration of the ordination of Archpriest Fr.
Moushegh Der Kaloustian, sponsored by the Prelacy Religious Council, at
Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York.
December 24-Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 31-New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey and ARF Dro Gomideh. Parsippany Hilton, New Jersey. Featuring
Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band. For full information contact the church
office 201-943-2950.
December 31-New Year’s Eve Party, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston,
New York.
January 6-Christmas party and special program for Saturday and Sunday school
students.
February 4-St. Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of the churchy
and requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York.
February 11-General Membership meeting and elections, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
February 18-Poon Paregentan, Eve of Great Lent, International Cuisine Night,
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
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