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 8, 2007
PRESIDENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH
AT PRELACY RECEPTION THIS SUNDAY
The newly-elected president of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Bako
Sahakyan, will be visiting Armenian communities in New York, New Jersey,
Detroit and Boston. This Sunday, November 11, at 5 pm, he will visit the
Prelacy offices where he will be welcomed with a reception attended by
leaders and friends of the Prelacy community. President Sahakyan is one of
the pioneers of the Artsakh Liberation Movement. He was elected president
this year.
Karabakh was the northeastern province of historic Armenia. There are
more than 1,700 architectural monuments on the territory of the former
Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region alone: fortresses, monasteries, churches,
chapels, bridges, palaces and khatchkars, and more than 1,000 wall and
tombstone inscriptions in Armenian.
PRELATE WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy this Sunday,
November 11, at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
VICAR WILL BE IN NORTH ANDOVER
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy this Sunday,
November 11, at St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts, where he will ordain Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte
and stole bearer. The Vicar will preside over the parish’s 37th anniversary
luncheon and program following the church services.
PRESENTATION BY VIGEN GUROIAN ON NOVEMBER 16
Don’t forget that next Friday, November 16, is the presentation by
Professor Vigen Guroian, inaugurating the new series of booklets on
contemporary ethical issues. The presentation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm
at the Prelacy headquarters in New York. The series of seven booklets are
being written by Professor Guroian. The first booklet of the series,
"Homosexuality and Same Sex Union," was recently published. Dr. Guroian’s
presentation will be followed by Q&A, discussion and reception.
The various topics-all current issues of morality and ethics-are
explored with an Orthodox perspective. The series is a pioneering effort not
only for the Armenian Church, but for all of Orthodoxy.
Guroian, Professor of Theology at Loyola College in Maryland, is a
well-known and respected theologian. His prolific written works have been
described as "eloquent" and "substantive." Many of his colleagues have
praised him for his "courageous and discerning vision," on contemporary, and
often controversial, issues.
For information contact the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
at arec@armenianprelacy.org or contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT AWARDED
During his visit to All Saints Armenian Church in Glenview, Illinois,
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, presented Certificates of Merit to
Sarkis Peltekian and Ara Surenian. With the two honorees in the photo are
the Vicar, the pastor of the church, Archpriest Fr. Zareh Sahagian, Suzy
Mgrditchian, mistress of ceremonies, and Hagop Solakian, chairman of the
Board of Trustees.
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION OF
ARCHPRIEST FR. ARSHAG DAGHLIAN
The Prelacy’s Religious Council announced that the celebration of the
40th anniversary of the ordination of Archpriest Fr. Arshag Daghlian will
take place next year. Originally scheduled for December 2, a new date will
be announced shortly.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH U.S. AMBASSADOR
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, received
the Ambassador of the United States to Lebanon, Jeffrey Feltman, in his
office in Antelias on November 2. The Catholicos and the Ambassador
discussed the current situation in Lebanon with particular focus on the
upcoming presidential elections. His Holiness made the following statement
to the press after the meeting: "Naturally, the discussions between
community, government and political leaders these days revolve around the
means to bring Lebanon out of its current stalemate. In this context, we
consider the presidential elections to be essential. The individual to be
elected is not as important as his platform. Lebanon needs a presidential
platform, the basis of which lies on the preservation of unity and
coexistence in Lebanon, the strengthening of its independence, integrity and
sovereignty, as well as its role in the international community. All the
sides in Lebanon should declare their agreement on these basic principles,
which form the basis of Lebanon’s existence. Based on this collective
decision, they should elect an individual who has the faith, courage and
commitment to pursue this platform with full cooperation from all sides."
ABC’S EXTREME MAKEOVER FEATURING
J. S. HOVNANIAN WILL BE SHOWN THIS SUNDAY
The episode of the Extreme Makeover show which features a home built by
J.S. Hovnanian & Sons will be televised this Sunday, November 11, at 8 pm on
ABC. The show is dedicated to Jirair Hovnanian, the founder of the firm, who
died shortly after his construction company completed the house for Victor
Marrero, a single father of five children. The challenge was to complete the
2,800-square-foot home in 106 hours-a job that normally would take about
four months. The Hovnanian team completed the job in 96 hours. Jirair
Hovnanian was on hand throughout, supervising the construction.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, November 8, are: Wisdom 6:22-26; Zechariah
12:6-10; Hebrews 13:7-9; Matthew 4:23-25.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every
sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they
brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases
and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And
great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and
>From beyond the Jordan. (Mt. 4:23-25)
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click here.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click here.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click here.
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:
"Goriun’s work is the first history book ever written in Armenian, after
the invention of the Armenian alphabet (A.D. 406). The complete title is:
Badmoutiun Varouts yev Mahvan Arn Yeranelvouin Srpouin Mashdotsi Vartabedi
Mero Tarkmanchi, ee Goriun Vartabedeh Hashagerdeh Norin, (The History on the
Life and Death of the Blessed Man, Our Translator Saint Mashdots Vartabed,
by his Pupil Goriun Vartabed).
"We have insufficient knowledge about the life of Goriun. However, he
has written about himself in his book in four different places. First, that
he was ordered by Bishop Hovsep, the locum tenens of the vacant
catholicossal Holy See of Armenia, and also was encouraged by his classmates
to write on the life of his great teacher Mesrob. Second, that ‘I was
fortunate to be the special pupil, although the youngest one.’ Third, that
he was with the group of ‘pupils of the truth’ to teach and preach the
gospel all around Armenia and in neighboring countries. Last, that he was
sent to study in Constantinople with his spiritual brother Ghevont. There,
together, they joined with Yeznig, and after mastering the Greek language
they translated much existing patristic literature and returned to Armenia
bringing with them, among many other writings, an accurate Greek copy of the
Septuagint text of the Bible, and also copies of the church canons of the
Councils of Nicea and Ephesus."
>From Historiography of Fifth Century Armenia, by Archbishop Hrant
Khatchadourian, SIS Publications, 2006.
ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL
This Saturday, November 10, the Armenian Church commemorates 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 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 (Luke 1:11-21).
VETERANS DAY
Sunday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day,
the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I, it was renamed
Veterans’ Day in 1954 to honor all veterans. Let us remember and pray for
the safety of all of our service men and women.
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 arec@armenianprelacy.org or call 212-689-4481.
November 11-St. Sarkis Ladies’ Guild, Douglaston, New York, Holiday Bazaar
and Food Fair, 1 pm to 5 pm. Numerous vendors with gift items, delicious
home cooked Armenian specialties, children’s entertainment. For information
718-224-2275.
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 arec@armenianprelacy.org 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 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.
December 9-Family Christmas Concert sponsored by St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, featuring Maggie Tune (from California) and Gaghant Baba, 4:30
pm, at IS5 High School, 50-40 Jacobus Street, Elmhurst, New York. For
information contact cathedral office, 212-689-5880.
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.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
email@armenianprelacy.org to your address book.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit
Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
info@armenianprelacy.org
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress