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 18, 2007
PRELATE AND VICAR WILL BE IN PHILADELPHIA
This Sunday, October 21, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will
travel to Philadelphia where they will join the parishioners of St. Gregory
the Illuminator Church in honoring Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian on the 20th
anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
A luncheon, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, will take place
immediately after church services in honor of Der Nerses. The keynote
address will be delivered by Bishop Anoushavan. On this occasion, in
appreciation of his years of devoted service to the Armenian Church, Rev.
Fr. Nerses will be bestowed with the title of Avak Kahana (Archpriest).
PRELATE WILL ATTEND COAF DINNER FRIDAY
Tomorrow evening, Friday, October 19, Archbishop Oshagan will attend the
2007 "Save a Generation" Awards Dinner sponsored by the Children of Armenia
Fund (COAF), at Cipriani in New York City. Daniel D. Sahakian and Henry D.
Sahakian will be honored for their support of educational programs for
children in Armenia. Sherry Lansing, Oscar-winner of the Humanitarian Award
in 2007, and former chairman of Paramount Pictures, will deliver the keynote
address.
VICAR WILL ATTEND WCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, and Ecumenical Officer in the
United States for the Catholicosate of Cilicia will attend the Board of
Directors meeting of the World Council of Churches-U.S., on Wednesday,
October 24.
SAGA OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNITION
OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CONTINUES
With the Armenian Genocide resolution out of committee, the next step is
consideration by the full House of Representatives. After intense lobbying
>From the White House and the high-priced firms retained by Turkey, and
various threats about Turkey’s cooperation in the Iraq war, some
representatives have pulled away their support. It is very important for
Armenian Americans to continue their contacts with their representatives.
For names and telephone numbers go to the ANCA web page.
Meanwhile, the coverage in the media has been phenomenal. Millions of
dollars could not have bought that kind of publicity. The latest is an
article in Time Magazine by Samantha Power. Entitled "The U.S. and Turkey:
Honesty is the Best Policy," Ms. Power while acknowledging that Turkey has
greater leverage today because of the Iraq war, maintains that "a stable,
fruitful, 21st century relationship cannot be built on a lie."
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. For detailed information click
.
NEW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
The new five-part series of Bible studies ("from Jesus’ meals with
sinners to the Lord’s Supper") began on Monday, October 16, and will
continue on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm,
at the Prelacy. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC) is leading the sessions. For information and
registration, send email to [email protected] or telephone
212-689-7810.
NEW YORK CELEBRATES ARMENIAN LANGUAGE
In celebration of the "Year of the Armenian Language," as proclaimed by His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral (New York), and the New York Hyortik Chapter of the Armenian Youth
Federation presented a variety program last Sunday, October 14.
Under the general theme "Looking Back to Our Roots, Forward to Our
Future," the program featured song and poetry selections, dance and piano
performances, and a short skit on the importance of the Armenian language,
history and religion. The Yeraz Dance Group and students from the St.
Illuminator’s Armenian Day School also participated in the program.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS
AT CONVENTION OF EUROPEAN ARMENIANS
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, delivered
the keynote address at the 2nd Convention of European Armenians which took
place in Brussels, Belgium, beginning October 15 and concluding today
October 18.
In an address delivered in French, His Holiness outlined the
characteristic features of Europe as a continent which has the sense of
history and tradition. He identified the challenges facing Europe today.
"Europe is not a continent based only on political and economic
interests. Its identity, unity and vision are deeply rooted in human values.
These cultural, religious, social and educational values constitute the
solid basis of Europe," His Holiness said.
During his visit, His Holiness met with Vartan Oskanian, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Armenia, who was also in Brussels for the convention.
Following the convention His Holiness will go to Geneva where he will
participate in ecumenical meetings and then to Naples, Italy, where he will
deliver a lecture in the international conference organized by Sant’Egidio.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, October 18, are: Isaiah 33:2-6; Acts 17:16-34;
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Luke 10:1-7.
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of
him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He
said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore
ask the Lord of the harvest to send our laborers into his harvest. Go on
your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.
Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever
house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there
who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it
will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever
they provide, but the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from
house to house." Luke 10:1-7.
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings
m#101807.
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:
"The Armenian Church emerged as another important force in the
[literary] revival. The notable activity in printing, translating and in
education initiated and carried on for decades by two enlightened Patriarchs
of Constantinople, Golod and Nalian, was followed by the founding by
Mekhitar of Sebastia of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Venice in 1717. And
for well over a century, the venerable monks produced a large variety of
publications-religious poetry, epic poems, translations of the major works
of the Ancients into classical Armenian, edited versions of Armenian
classics as well as scholarly works of history, grammar (in both vernacular
and classical Armenian) and dictionaries, notably the New Haigazian
Dictionary by the Three Vartabeds. By 1850, the Congregation had established
its national and international reputation. In 1843 they started the
publication of an erudite Armenological journal, Pazmaveb. At about the same
time, a group of young rebel monks who had run away from the monastery at
Venice in 1773, had founded in 1811 another Mekhitarist Congregation in
Vienna that was also devoted to scholarly research, letters and education,
producing major works in grammar (Aidenian’s Critical Grammar of the
Armenian Language, 1866) philology, history, and linguistics. The remarkable
thing about these monks was their ability to combine staunch patriotism,
religious fervor with a passionate love of letters. This last drew them
close to European literature, and very soon, they become ardent champions of
romanticism, of nationalism and of Catholicism, all in one!"
"A Brief Survey of Armenian Literature," by Vahe Oshagan, in Volume 13 of
the Review of National Literatures devoted to Armenia (1984).
HOLY EVANGELISTS REMEMBERED
This Saturday, October 20, the Armenian Church remembers the Holy
Evangelists-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John-the authors of the four Gospels.
Matthew is considered to be the patron of the Church’s mission. The
Gospel attributed to him closes with the command by Jesus to His disciples
and followers to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I
am with you always, to the end of the age."
Mark is considered to have had significant influence on the advancement
of Christianity. Although the Gospel according to Mark is a narrative of the
life of Jesus, theologians consider it to be a handbook of discipleship. The
dominant message is that being a Christian is not only believing in Jesus
Christ, it is also living according to the example set by Jesus. According
to tradition, Mark was the first bishop of Alexandria. One of the most
magnificent cathedrals in the world is named after him in Venice.
Luke is the author of the Third Gospel and the Book of Acts. He is
considered to be the patron of physicians and artists. The Gospel according
to Luke is greatly concerned with Jesus as "the healer of a broken world."
Luke is also noted for his concern for the poor, the marginalized, women,
and social outcasts. His Gospel does not end with the Resurrection, but
rather continues to Pentecost and the eternal presence of Christ in the
world. According to tradition, he was one of the Seventy and was the unnamed
disciple of Emmaus.
John, often called the "Beloved Disciple," is the author of the Fourth
Gospel and the book of Revelation. Jesus entrusted his mother to John’s care
on the day of the Crucifixion. The best known verse in his gospel is, "For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in
him should not perish but have eternal life," (John 3:16). According to
tradition, John left Jerusalem after attending the first council and went to
Asia Minor and settled at Ephesus. He was exiled to the island of Patmos
where he wrote the Book of Revelation.
A MINI SERMON
Have you ever stopped to think about how seasonal our Christianity has
become? Lately it seems more obvious than ever before, around this time of
the year when it would appear that we become a little more spiritual in our
thoughts and general outlook on life.
Many have labeled this "Seasonal Christianity," but what is even more
apparent is that now we begin preparing for Christmas in September and
October. Of course we realize that this has happened because Christmas of
late has become associated with everything but Jesus Christ. Just the other
day I saw pumpkins hanging on a Christmas tree in one of our local
department stores. We have to ask ourselves when and where is this going to
cease. When are we going to come back to our senses and really take light of
the fact that none of this has anything to do with the meaning of the
holiday. Do we not realize that we have really gone too far?
The holiday consists of two very important elements-spirit and
meaning-and unfortunately there are those who would like to eradicate even
that which we once held to be sacred and meaningful. I believe that as
Christ wept for the Holy City of Jerusalem, He does so once again and
repeats what He said as He sat upon the hill overlooking the city of peace,
Jerusalem, O Jerusalem how I sit and weep over you for your city is in
ruins.
Perhaps we should sit upon the hill and look down at our own cities and
into our hearts and souls.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian
Pastor, St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley
North Andover, Massachusetts
Calendar of Events
September 27 to November 29-Christian Education classes at Sourp Khatch
Church in Bethesda, Maryland, 8 pm in the church sanctuary. Topic: The
Badarak. Classes held second and fourth Thursdays of each month, except
Thanksgiving week when classes will take place Friday. Armenian and English.
Prior attendance is not a requisite. For information: 301-229-8742.
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. For more information
click
Oc tober 28-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presents The Way We Were
group in their new musical "Hello Ellis Island!’ by Hourig
Papazian-Sahagian. Immediately after Sunday services. Refreshments served.
For information 718-224-2275.
November 2-3-Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
November 2-3-4-Sts. Vartanantz Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.
November 7-Soorp Khatch (Bethesda, Maryland) Senior Citizens second reunion
and Thanksgiving luncheon.
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 16-Introduction to the new series of booklets on Contemporary
Ethical Issues: An Armenian Orthodox Perspective, by Vigen Guroian.
Professor Guroian will speak about the series and the first booklet newly
published, "Homosexuality & Same-Sex Union." 7:30 pm at the Prelacy office
in New York City. For information [email protected] or 212-689-7810.
November 16 & 17-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar. All are welcome. For information 508-852-2414.
November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.
November 18-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Divine Liturgy
celebrated by the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
November 18-Thanksgiving luncheon, Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy
at the Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall. For information 212- 689-5880.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.
December 2-Celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Rev.
Archpriest Arshag Daghlian, sponsored by the Religious Council of the
Eastern Prelacy and the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Stephen’s
Armenian Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 5 p.m. For information
617-924-7562.
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.
December 31-New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, and ARF Dro Gomideh, The Sheraton Meadowlands, E. Rutherford,
New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.
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. For
more information click here.
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