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
June 21, 2007
CATHOLICOS ARAM I ISSUES
TENTH DIALOGUE WITH THE YOUTH
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
issued the tenth in a series of dialogues with the youth. Entitled, "On the
Renewal of the Armenian Church," His Holiness describes the church as a
community of faith built on Jesus Christ. "The church is not a reality out
there, it does not exist outside of our lives, our thoughts and our
concerns. We are the church, the people of God united in Christ and joined
together with the bond of love and sustained by a common hope and vision."
After speaking and elucidating on a number of important aspects in the
renewal of the Armenian Church in a new world context, His Holiness says,
"Our Church is one of the ancient churches of world Christendom. It must
know how to remain young; it must not become a petrified institution but a
church for the 21st century. Our Church must be in tune with its time. Its
theology must become more intelligible, its liturgy more attractive, its
clergy more educated, its mission more evangelistic, its education more
spiritual, its service more effective and its message more prophetic. It
must reach the unreached and even the unreachable. This is not being a
progressive or modern church, but a responsive church."
To read the entire message, as well as other dialogues click
RE LIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS
WILL MEET TOMORROW AND SATURDAY
The Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow, Friday, June 22
and Saturday, June 23, at the Prelacy offices in Manhattan.
2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies
program, which will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania.
Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council, the St.
Gregory of Datev Institute is under the directorship of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar General. The program offers an intensive seven-day
religious educational program for youth ages 13 and older. The units of
study include: Introduction to the Old and New Testaments, Armenian Church
History and Theology, Divine Liturgy and the other Sacraments, Services and
Hymns, Saints and Feasts, Contemporary Ethical issues, Armenian history and
language. For details click
SEMINAR ON BOOK OF REVELATIONS DURING DATEV
A three-hour seminar on the Orthodox understanding of the Book of
Revelations will be presented by Father Paul Tarazi, Professor of Old
Testament at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, on Saturday, July
7, during the Datev program at St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson,
Pennsylvania. Father Tarazi is a member of the faculty of the Datev
Institute. This seminar is open to all and is sponsored by the Prelacy’s
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Christian Education
Committee of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Father Tarazi, a specialist in Scriptural studies in Old and New
Testament and Biblical Hebrew, is noted for his dynamic speaking style and
his ability to hold an audience’s interest while explaining complex issues.
He has written several commentaries on the Bible including one on the Book
of Revelations.
Registration is required. Fees are nominal. For details click
PREL ATE WILL ORDAIN ACOLYTES AT
ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL ON SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will ordain four acolytes on Sunday, June 24, at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, will
present the following candidates for ordination: Zohrab (Mardo) Piranian,
Mgo Piranian, Garen Vartanian, and Aram Hovsepian.
On the same day the Cathedral Ladies Guild is hosting a luncheon and
program dedicated to Father’s Day. The event, which is under the auspices of
Archbishop Oshagan, will honor Dr. Roubik Melik Vartanian, Hagop Kazanjian,
Stepan Bakalian, and Henry Gabrielian as Fathers of the Year.
SIAMANTO ACADEMY GRADUATION
The 2007 Siamanto Academy graduation ceremony took place last Saturday,
June 16, at the Armenian Center in Woodside. Bishop Anoushavan congratulated
the four graduates, their parents, and the Academy’s principal and staff on
behalf of Archbishop Oshagan, who was unable to attend. The keynote speaker,
Hrayr Berberian J.D., a former graduate of Siamanto Academy, and director of
education and youth development of Graham Windham agency, recalled his own
experiences at Siamanto. He referred to the education provided at the
Academy as an investment for college years. The 2007 graduates are Antranig
Hayotzyan, Arshak Hayotzyan, Harout Kaprielian, and Mgo Piranian.
PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND HOVNANIAN SCHOOL
EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will attend the eighth grade
graduation ceremony at the Hovnanian School this Sunday, June 24, at 4 pm.
Fourteen students are in the graduating class of 2007 of the Hovnanian
School which was founded in 1976. Professor Hratch Zadoian, vice president
emeritus of Queens College will deliver the keynote address.
VICAR AND REV. FR. MESROB LAKISSIAN
WILL ATTEND SEMINAR ON COURT SYSTEM
Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral, will attend a day-long seminar of the "Manhattan
Religious Communities and the New York State Court System," next Thursday,
June 28 at the New York County Supreme Court. The seminar will examine New
York State’s justice system including an introduction to the courts,
overview of legal issues impacting communities and discussion of religious
leaders’ interaction with the court system.
MEETING OF DIRECTORS OF ARMENIA FUND
Directors of the Armenia Fund met in Armenia on June 18 and 19.
Archbishop Sebouh represented His Holiness Aram I. Mr. Vahe Aghabekian is
the new director of the Fund, which this year is celebrating its 15th
anniversary. Mr. Aghabekian was previously consultant to the Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Armenia. The Fund was created after Armenia’s independence and
"mandated with the vital task of uniting all Armenians around the world in
their efforts toward development and revival of the nation."
CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES
IN ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE IN AMMAN
The International Ecumenical Conference dedicated to the peace process
in the Middle East was officially inaugurated in Amman, Jordan, on June 18.
One hundred fifty representatives from churches around the world
participated in the conference organized by the World Council of Churches
(WCC). Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, and
Dr. Nora Bairakdarian-Kabakian, chair of the Ecumenical Committee,
represented the Catholicosate. Dr. Bairakdarian-Kabakian made a presentation
about the Armenian Genocide, viewing it in light of the issues on the
conference’s agenda. The organizers of the conference closely consulted with
His Holiness Aram I during the past months and the Pontiff stressed the
importance of justice and peace in legal, theological, political and social
contexts. The conference began on June 18 and will end today, June 21.
CATHOLICOSATE PARTICIPATES IN SOCIAL SERVICES SEMINAR
The Catholicosate of Cilicia participated in a seminary on "Helping
Lebanon," organized by the Presbyterian Church USA. The seminar took place
in the Presbyterian Church’s social service center in North Carolina.
Asdghig Djamboulian, from the Armenian Church University Students’
Association, represented the Armenian Church.
A NEW PLAY ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Shotgun Productions and Resistance Theatre is presenting a staged
reading of a new play about the Armenian Genocide, "Red Dog Howls," by
Alexander Dinelaris. The reading will take place Monday, June 25, at 7 pm at
New World Stages (Stage 2), 340 W. 50th Street (between 8th and 9th
Avenues), New York City. Admission is free, but seating is limited. For
reservations and information, 718-291-1086.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
Armenian language and literature:
Serpouhi Dussap (1841-1901) is considered to be the first Armenian
feminist writer. Dussap (nee Vahanian) was born in Constantinople.
She attended a French school in the suburbs of Constantinople and showed an
aptitude for the arts, especially literature. She was also home-schooled by
her brother. She wanted to master both classical and modern Armenian and
began taking private lessons from Mkrtich Beshiktashlian, a respected
writer. In 1871 she married a French musician who encouraged her to pursue
her interests. In 1883 she published her first novel, Mayta, followed by two
others, Siranush, and Araxia kam varzhuhin (Araxia or the teacher). Most
intellectuals and community leaders were against her and condemned her
views. Today she is recognized as a forerunner of the feminist movement who
made a great impact on the social and intellectual development of many
generations of women.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, June 21, are: Wisdom 6:11-21; 2 Corinthians
6:1-10; John 16:1-5.
I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will
put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill
you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they
will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said
these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I
told you about them. I did not say these things to you from the beginning,
because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of
you asks me, "Where are you doing?" John 16:1-5.
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click
.
DISCOVERY OF RELICS OF ST. GREGORY
This Saturday, June 23, the Armenian Church commemorates one of the
three feast days dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator: The Discovery of
His Remains. The other two commemorative days are his Entrance in the Pit,
and his Deliverance from the Pit.
St. Gregory is the greatest figure in the Armenian Church, and is
considered to be the "Apostle of Armenia." After years of evangelizing, St.
Gregory sought solitude and an ascetic life. He eventually chose a cave on
Mount Sepouh as his permanent living place. It was here that Gregory died
alone. Some shepherds found his body, and without realizing who he was,
buried him under a pile of stones. Later a hermit, Garnik of Pasen, who had
been a disciple of St. Gregory, saw a vision in his dream and went to Mount
Sepouh where he found the site of Gregory’s burial. He took the remains to
the village of Tordan for burial, where King Trtad was buried. Relics of St.
Gregory were retained and sent to different locations as was the custom of
the time. Relics from the right hand of St. Gregory are at the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia. The Catholicoi mix the new muron
(chrism) with the old muron with the Right Hand containing the relics.
GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME..
Summer started officially today at 2:06 pm, in this part of the world.
In summer, when the days were long,
We walked together in the wood:
Our heart was light, our step was strong,
Sweet flutterings were there in our blood,
In summer, when the days were long.
>From "Summer Days" by an anonymous author
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 24-Ordination of acolytes by Archbishop Oshagan at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Celebrant and sponsoring
priest, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. Father’s Day luncheon hosted by Ladies
Guild immediately following the Divine Liturgy and Ordinations. For
information: 212-689-5880.
June 24-Town Hall informational meeting for members, St. Gregory Church of
Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, to discuss the proposed
details of approved church stewardship program.
June 24-Annual Madagh of St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin. Live Armenian
music, food, raffle, and children’s activities. 10 a.m. to Dusk. For
information 262-632-2033.
July 1-8-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian
studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For information click
July 7-St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, gathering at the
home of the parish priest, Rev. Father Bedros Shetilian.
July 9 to July 20-St. Sarkis Church Summer Camp, Douglaston, New York, for
ages 5 to 12. Prayers and hymns, Armenian classes, introduction to the
bible, arts and crafts, sports, and much more. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to
3:00 pm. Lunch and snack will be served. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. and
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. Enrollment limited to 30 students.
Registration deadline June 5. Minimum donation $75. For information,
718-224-2275.
July 21-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island, and
ARS Ani Chapter present "A Hye Summer Night 2." For information
401-286-8107.
August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
tournament at Blackstone Country Club. For information
or 508-234-3677.
August 12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual church
picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. For information
401-831-6399.
August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic. For information or 508-234-3677.
September 9-Annual picnic of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley at
American Legion Grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
September 25-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 4th annual golf outing at Juniper Hill Golf Course,
Northboro, Massachusetts. Registration at 8 am. Tee off at 9 am. $125
includes golf cart, dinner and prizes. For information 508-852-2414.
September 27-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 5th Annual Golf
Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Registration
begins at 11 a.m. and tee time at 1 p.m. For information, 201-943-2950.
September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. For information
or 508-234-3677.
October 21-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the
20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information
or 215-482-9200.
November 4-37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and
ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
Prelacy.
November 10-11-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual
"Armenian Fest," at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For
information 401-831-6399.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.
December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.
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