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
November 9, 2006
ARKADY GHUGASIAN AT PRELACY
Arkady Ghugasian, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh
(Artsakh), visited the Prelacy office yesterday afternoon where he was
welcomed by the Prelate and Vicar, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan,
and representatives of various organizations. The President was accompanied
by Mrs. Ghugasian, Kevork Toroian, chairman of Armenia Fund USA, and several
staff members.
Archbishop Oshagan welcomed Mr. Ghugasian saying that it has become
a pleasant tradition to welcome him each year at this time in anticipation
of the Thanksgiving Telethon. His Eminence said that it is the duty of all
Armenians to participate in the Telethon to the best of their ability. He
emphasized the importance of supporting the people of Artsakh.
President Ghugasian spoke about the tremendous improvements and changes
that have already taken place in Artsakh. He spoke in particular about the
vast improvement in the roads and noted that journeys that previously took
hours now take only half an hour. He described this year’s project of the
redevelopment of villages that have been ravaged by war. The goal is to
provide all of the basic necessities and to create jobs so that the people
do not leave the villages.
Mr. Toroian reiterated the sentiments expressed by Archbishop Oshagan of
the need for every Armenian to participate in the telethon. Every donation,
large or small, is needed, he said.
For information about the Telethon, including the broadcast schedule go
to www.ArmeniaFund USA.org.
A reception, hosted by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, provided an opportunity
for intimate discussions.
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 2 and 3.
It was these same thoughts that prompted His Holiness to suggest that
such a gathering be organized during his visit to the Midwest where he will
be the keynote speaker at a conference on "Faith and Health" at Notre Dame
University. The three Prelacies (Eastern, Western, and Canadian) joined
together to organize the gathering.
The theme selected by the young people for the gathering is Your Church.
Your Future. Engage. The weekend activities will include speakers, film,
music, worship-all with the goal of answering the questions on the mind of
the youth while gaining a better understanding of the Church.
For details about the youth gathering click
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN
Requiem services in memory of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, former prelate
of the Eastern Prelacy, will take place on Sunday, December 3, at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr.
Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, will preside. Archbishop Ashjian
died three years ago on December 2, 2003.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ARMENIA FUND USA RECEPTION
Archbishop Oshagan will attend a reception hosted by Armenia Fund USA
tomorrow evening, Friday, November 10, at the Harvard Club in honor of
President Arkady Ghugasian.
PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE WITH NATIONAL CHURCH LEADERS
Tomorrow, Friday, November 10, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a
symposium of National Church Leaders at the Bible Society in New York City.
PRELATE WILL VISIT WASHINGTON DC
Archbishop Oshagan will visit the parish of Soorp Khatch Church, in the
Washington DC suburbs of Bethesda, Maryland. His Eminence will attend the
church’s anniversary celebration on Saturday and will officiate the Divine
Liturgy on Sunday morning.
VICAR AND AREC DIRECTOR OFF TO THE MIDWEST
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, and Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council will head toward the Midwest
tomorrow where they will lead the Midwest Datev program at the Colombiere
Retreat and Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan. The program, based on
the popular summer program, will include interactive presentations and
instructions on faith-related topics, discussions of religious and current
issues, Bible studies, short worship services, fellowship and recreational
activities.
On Sunday Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St.
Sarkis Church in Dearborn, Michigan. Dn. Shant will visit the parish’s
Sunday school classes.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS WILL MEET THIS WEEKEND
The Religious and Executive Council of the Prelacy will meet Friday and
Saturday at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
A few tickets are available for the children’s concert featuring the
popular children’s entertainer, TALINE from California, on Saturday,
November 18. The concert venue is Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise,
New York City. For information call the Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or click
B IBLE TRANSLATION RESUMES
The translation of the Bible will continue with a four-day session in
Montreal, Tuesday to Friday, November 14 to 17. The new translation team,
led by Archbishop Oshagan, includes Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar, and
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Canadian Prelacy.
This project, endorsed by the Bible Society, was pioneered by the late
Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. The passing of
Archbishop Zareh in 2004 temporarily halted the project and is now being
continued, after consultation with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
The translation of the New Testament was completed and the Old Testament
translation was underway when Zareh Srpazan became ill. The books of the Old
Testament that had already been completed include Genesis, Exodus, I and II
Samuels, Psalms, Proverbs, Jonah, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes and many
passages from the major prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.
During next week’s sessions the team will work on the prophetical books
of Joel and Amos.
TOM VARTABEDIAN ARTICLES ABOUT ARMENIA
The October 12th issue of The Haverhill Gazette featured articles and
photographs by popular journalist Tom Vartabedian about his recent trip to
Armenia. Under the heading of "Forum" he wrote an article titled "I left my
heart in Armenia," which describes his sentiments after his first trip to
Armenia along with others from the Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts). It is
accompanied by a full page article with ten color photographs detailing the
trip.
ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL
This Saturday, November 11, we commemorate the Archangels Michael and
Gabriel. Archangel is a title given to an angel of high rank in the
celestial hierarchy.
Michael, meaning "Who is like God," is the great prince of all angels
and the leader of the celestial armies. He is considered to be the protector
of Christians against the devil.
Gabriel, meaning "Strength of God," is one of God’s chief messengers. He
was God’s messenger to Daniel to explain his vision (Dan. 8:16-26) and
prophecy (Dan. 9:21-27). He also foretold the birth of John the Baptist, and
was chosen to announce the forthcoming birth of Christ to Mary (Luke
1:11-21).
VETERANS’ DAY
This Saturday, November 11, is Veterans’ Day, once known as Armistice
Day, the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that brought to an end the "Great
War"-World War I. More than 10 million soldiers died by the time the
armistice was declared on the eleventh hour or the eleventh day of the
eleventh month, and an estimated 20 million were wounded, many maimed for
life.
In 1954 Armistice Day was renamed Veterans’ Day to honor all veterans.
In 1968, during the era when holidays were moved to Mondays to create long
weekends, Veterans Day was changed to the fourth Monday of October. There
was such a great outcry of indignation because the significance of the
number 11 was now totally lost, that in 1978 Congress returned the
observance to its traditional November 11th date.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 10-12-Mini Datev program for teens, ages 13 to 18. At Colombiere
Retreat Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan.
November 11-Holy Cross Armenian Church, Troy, New York, Dinner and cultural
program featuring Dr. Herand Markarian who will speak on "Hovhaness
Tumanian, the great Armenian poet." For information 518-274-1477.
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 19-Thanksgiving luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy, under the auspices
of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor. For information: 212-689-5880.
December 9-Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 2-3-Gathering of the Youth with Catholicos Aram I, Hyatt Regency,
Dearborn, Michigan. For details click
December 3-Requiem service in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian on the third anniversary of his passing, St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian will
preside.
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 10-Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, New York, Archbishop
Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy.
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. Der Moushegh will celebrate
the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New
York City) on Sunday morning.
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-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
first Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
January 6-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Christmas party and
special program for Saturday and Sunday school students.
January 28-Annual Membership Meeting, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, at 1 pm.
February 4-St. Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of the church
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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