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
September 20, 2007
PRELATE WRITES IN SUPPORT OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION
Archbishop Oshagan sent a letter to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
of Representatives, this week thanking her for her support of the Armenian
Genocide Resolution and urging her to bring the legislation to the floor of
the House of Representatives. The Prelate said, "By bringing this
legislation to the floor of the House of Representatives, where it already
enjoys the support of a clear majority, you will-at long last-provide the
opportunity for the democratically elected representatives of the American
people to vote their conscience on this anti-genocide resolution." His
Eminence wrote of the pain of denial and the importance of the genocide
resolution. "As a servant of humanity, who is active in helping to end the
genocide in Darfur, I turn to you to help ensure that the precedent of the
Armenian Genocide’s denial no longer serves to embolden tyrants who would
consider genocide as a tool to achieve their evil ends."
BREAKING NEWS..
The speech that Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan was to deliver today
(September 20) at a conference at Georgetown University in Washington, DC,
was cancelled due to "logistical" problems.
Patriarch Mutafyan’s participation in the event was being heavily criticized
by leaders of the Armenian community. There has been speculation that the
visit of the Patriarch, right before a possible vote in the House of
Representatives on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, was orchestrated by
Turkish lobbyists.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF
NEW EXTENSION OF ST. GREGORY IN NORTH ANDOVER
Archbishop Oshagan will join the parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator
of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, on Saturday evening,
September 22, to celebrate the opening of the church’s new extension. The
Prelate will preside over the evening service and requiem service for the
founders of the church.
50th ANNIVERSARY OF ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH (WATERTOWN)
This Sunday, September 23, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Watertown,
Massachusetts, where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the
Sermon, and ordain acolytes on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the
Church. A reception and program will follow the church services at the
Armenian Cultural and Educational Center.
VICAR WILL VISIT ST. STEPHEN CHURCH (CONNECTICUT)
Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at St. Stephen Church in New Britain, Connecticut, this Sunday,
September 23.
REGIONAL CLERGY MEETING
The clergy serving the New England area will meet on Monday, September
24, at St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville. The meeting will be presided
by the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, with the participation of the Vicar,
Bishop Anoushavan.
VICAR WILL REPRESENT THE PRELATE AT
ANC BANQUET THIS SATURDAY
Bishop Anoushavan will represent the Prelate at the first annual banquet
of the Armenian National Committee (Eastern Region) at the Waldorf-Astoria
in New York City. Ambassador John Evans, former Ambassador to Armenia, will
receive the ANCA Freedom Award.
UNITED KINGDOM AMBASSADOR VISITS ARAM I
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, received the
Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Mrs. Frances Guy and her political
adviser, on September 14. The Pontiff and the Ambassador discussed issues
related to Lebanon and the presidential elections, as well as a number of
ecumenical issues and the upcoming visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to
Antelias.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I DELIVERS LECTURE
TO STUDENTS FROM GERMANY
His Holiness Aram I delivered a lecture, "Christianity of the Middle
East in the Face of New Challenges," on September 17 to a group of
university students from Germany. The students majoring in theology,
oriental studies and church history represented several German universities.
The purpose of their visit was to become better acquainted with the
Christians of the Middle East. The students were accompanied by several of
their professors.
TOMORROW IS 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Tomorrow, September 21, is the 16th anniversary of the independence of
Armenia.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS
A conference for Sunday school teachers will take place October 26-28 at
the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in
Charlton, Massachusetts. The theme of the conference is "Prayer-Personal and
Communal," and will feature presentations by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Ph.D., Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. A
modest fee of $60 covers all expenses including lodging for two nights, five
meals and refreshments.
NEW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
A new five-part series of Bible studies ("from Jesus’ meals with sinners
to the Lord’s Supper") will take place at the Prelacy beginning on October
16 and continue on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 7:15 to
8:45 pm. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC) will conduct the Bible studies. For information and
registration, send email to [email protected] or telephone
212-689-7810.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
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:
Linguists Heinrich Hubschmann (1848-1906) and Antoine Meillet (1866-1936)
were pioneers in the study of the Armenian language. The best-known Armenian
linguist is Hrachia Adjarian (1876-1953), who devoted much of his life to
the study of Armenian and who is recognized and memorialized through the
"Adjarian Linguistic Institute," in Armenia. Adjarian is the author of the
monumental Armenian Root-Word Dictionary (Hayeren Armatakan Bararan),
originally available only in manuscript form with more than 8,000 pages. In
the 1970s the University of Yerevan published this important work in four
volumes. Adjarian provides the meaning and use of the root words, as well as
the grammar and etymology. Adjarian is also the author of the History of the
Armenian Language (2 volumes) and Comprehensive Grammar of the Armenian
Language, (six volumes).
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, September 20, are: Isaiah 2:1-6; Hebrews
12:18-27; Matthew 21:12-17.
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In
the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as
the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the
nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us
go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he
may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion
shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He
shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they
shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning
hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the
Lord! For you have forsaken the ways of your people, O house of Jacob.
Indeed they are full of diviners from the east and of soothsayers like the
Philistines, and they clasp hands with foreigners. (Isaiah 2:1-6)
BAREGENTAN OF THE HOLY CROSS OF VARAK
This Sunday, September 23, is the Baregentan of the Fast of the Holy
Cross of Varak. Monday through Friday are fasting days leading up to next
Sunday, September 30, when the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak will be
celebrated.
AUTUMN BEGINS SUNDAY
The official beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere begins
Sunday morning, September 23, with the fall equinox, when day and night are
approximately the same length. Henceforth our daylight hours will diminish
until the winter solstice in December.
THE QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Reacting to a statement (concerning the controversy about the Armenian
Genocide) made by Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation
League, the mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, David Cohen said: "Whenever I
saw the word Armenian, in my mind I substituted the word Jewish. And
whenever I saw the word genocide, I substituted the word Holocaust. And I
said, would I be satisfied if this were the response of my leaders? And the
answer was no! In order for Newton to be satisfied and continue with the
NPFH [No Place For Hate], the National ADL has to do the right thing,
recognizing the Armenian genocide and advocating for its recognition as they
would any other genocide."
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 22-23-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, Choir
Reunion. Rehearsal and dinner for all St. Stephen’s choir members past and
present.
September 23-50th Anniversary commemoration of St. Stephen’s Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and ordain acolytes. Commemorative program and reception will follow
at the A.C.E.C.
September 23-"Change Your Thoughts; Change Your Life!" presented by the
Education Committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, at 1:15 p.m.
following church services. Participating: Carlo Bayrakdarian, M.D.,
"Management of Sleep Disorders"; Edmond Gergerian, M.D., "Anxiety Disorders
Management by Emotional Freedom Techniques"; Samvel Jershmaridian, Ph.D.,
"Psychology for Better Living"; Elize Kiregian, M.A., "Skills in Critical
Thinking." For information: 718-224-2275.
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.
September 30-Sunday School Reunion. St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts. Current and former teachers and students are invited to
attend this reunion following the Divine Liturgy. Light lunch served.
Reservations required. 617-924-7562.
October 7-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, 82nd Anniversary
banquet, Marriott Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
October 7-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "Hello Ellis
Island," the latest production of The Way We Were Troupe, hosted by the
Ladies Guild, 1 pm. Lunch served. For information 201-943-2950.
October 14-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Celebration of the
Year of the Armenian Language. Cultural program and Book Fair following the
Divine Liturgy. For information 212-689-5880.
October 14-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
commemorative lecture, 3 p.m. Guest lecturer Dr. Abraham Terian, Professor
of Armenian Patristics at St. Nersess Seminary, New York.
October 16 to December 18-"From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s
Supper," a five part Bible study at the Armenian Prelacy will begin on
October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from
7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
send e-mail to [email protected] or call 212-689-4481.
October 18, 19, 20-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Food
Festival and Bazaar.
October 19 & 20-Annual fall fair/bazaar, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack
Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, in newly renovated Jaffarian Hall.
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.
October 26-28-National Conference for Christian Educators, a conference for
Sunday School teachers at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic
Orthodox Retreat Center, in Charlton, Massachusetts. Theme: "Prayer-Personal
and Communal." Presentations by Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson.
November 2-3-Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
November 11-37th 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 11-St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachussetts, 50th anniversary
commemorative concert, 4 pm., church hall.
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.
November 11-Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and Armenian Children’s
Chorus, 7th annual gala concert and dinner, Armenian Church of Our Saviour
Cultural Center. Advance tickets only. Barbara Baljian, 508-799-6972.
November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.
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
dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.
December 23-St. Stephen’s Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts. The
Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration of the
church’s patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen.
June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council.
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