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
Email: email@armenianprelacy.org
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 10, 2008
MRS. RAKEL DINK VISITS PRELACY
Mrs. Rakel Dink and nephew visited the Prelacy offices on Monday, April
7. She was escorted by members of the New Jersey community, Pauline
Dostoumian and Ovsanna Korogluyan. They were received by His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan, Vicar, on behalf of the Prelate, who was out of town.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO NORTH ANDOVER
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to North Andover, Massachusetts, to the
parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator of Merrimack Valley, where he will
preside over the Liturgy on Sunday, ordain acolytes, consecrate a painting,
and preside over the church’s anniversary celebration.
VICAR WILL ATTEND GROUNDBREAKING IN PHILLY
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Liturgy and preside over the
groundbreaking of Founders’ Hall at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
Philadelphia, this Sunday, April 13. A champagne reception will follow the
groundbreaking.
The parish’s expansion will provide new and larger Sunday school rooms,
a more up-to-date kitchen, a new general purpose room, a new larger main
hall, and storage space.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO ARMENIA NEXT WEEK
Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Armenia next week where he will
participate in the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Saints, which will
take place at Holy Etchmiadzin, April 15 to 18. Bishop Anoushavan will be
representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
JOHN K. BARONIAN, 87
John K. Baronian, a Knight of Cilicia, Prelacy Man of the Year in 2002,
and a Pillar of the Prelacy, died on April 5, at Massachusetts General
Hospital. He was 87 years old.
Funeral services took place this morning, April 10, at St. Stephen
Armenian Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, followed by interment at Oak
Grove Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, presided over the
services today and offered the heartfelt condolences of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, who was en route to New York from an overseas trip.
Mr. Baronian was a lifelong supporter of the Armenian Church and
community, and was an active and passionate alumnus and advocate of Tufts
University, where he served as Trustee for many years.
Memorial gifts are being accepted for St. Stephen’s Church or St.
Stephen’s Elementary School.
HELEN HAJINIAN, 100
We note with sadness the passing of Miss Helen Hajinian. For many years
Helen lived in a residence for professional women right across the street
>From the Prelacy on 39th Street in Manhattan. She became a volunteer member
of the Prelacy staff offering her services of typing and whatever else
needed to be done for more than twenty years. She was soft-spoken but had a
strong will. She was a "cracker-jack" proofreader, and even into her late
80s her sharp eyes and mind managed to catch errors that others missed.
Several years ago, she relocated to the Armenian Home in Flushing, New York.
During the time she spent at the Home, the area clergy and Prelacy staff
members kept in touch with her, visiting whenever possible. She died this
week at age 100. In 2001, during the Prelacy Ladies Guilds’ Mothers Day
luncheon, Archbishop Oshagan honored Helen for her years of devoted service.
At the time, she expressed her genuine surprise at being honored and said,
"I received so much more than I gave."
Funeral services will take place tomorrow, Friday, April 11, at St.
Vartan Cathedral, in New York City, at noon. Interment follows at Cedar
Grove Cemetery, Flushing, New York.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK TO BE PRESENTED
Archbishop Oshagan is hosting a book presentation and celebration of the
recently published book, "Archbishop Nerses Labronaci: Commentary on the
Wisdom of Solomon," by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, on Friday, May 2, at 7
p.m., at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. The book, which will be
introduced by Professor Peter Cowe of UCLA, arose from his doctoral
dissertation. Bishop Anoushavan received his PhD from Columbia University in
2003 after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation and awarded the
degree summa cum laude at the unanimous recommendation of the examining
committee.
PLG MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
The Prelacy Ladies Guild’s popular Mothers Day Luncheon will take place
on Monday, May 5, at The St. Regis, Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, New York
City. Reception is at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 12:30. Mrs.
Mary Mardoian will we honored as the Mother of the Year.
INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH CONFERENCES AND DIALOGUE
An international interfaith conference on migration will take place in
the headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, next
week. More than 100 delegates from around the world will participate. The
conference is jointly organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and
the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The opening session will feature
remarks by Catholicos Aram I Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of WCC, as well
as spiritual leaders of the Maronite, Orthodox, Sunni and Shite communities
in Lebanon, and the Lebanese Minister of Culture.
His Holiness will also take part in an international interfaith
conference in Barcelona, Spain. He will be joined by V. Rev. Fr. Krikor
Chiftjian, Communication’s Officer, and Mrs. Teni-Piri Simonian, Deputy
Chair of the Catholicosate’s Ecumenical Committee.
The third conference on dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran
and the Catholicosate of Cilicia will convene in Tehran. A delegation from
the Catholicosate and the three dioceses in Iran-Tehran, Isfahan and
Tabriz-will participate along with Catholicos Aram I.
UNIQUE VOLUME ON THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE
A new volume on Armenian Literature, Orhnerkoutyoun Medzaskanch, was
published recently in Antelias as part of the "Kevork Melidintsi Literary
Award," that is administered by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The 632 page
book brings together works of Armenian literature, including prose and
poetry. Edited by Sarkis Giragossian, this volume provides easy and
convenient access to Armenian literature.
MAJOR RENOVATION OF ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL BEGINS
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Starting this Sunday, April 6, until further notice, the Divine
Liturgy will be offered on Sundays at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center,
69-23 47th Street, Woodside, New York. For information contact the church
office at 212-689-5880.
PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OPENS TOMORROW
A Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian will take
place at the Prelacy April 11, 12, and 13. Jointly sponsored by the Prelacy
and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society, the proceeds
will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The opening reception will take place
tomorrow, Friday, April 11 from 7 to 10 pm. The exhibition will also be open
to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 from 1 pm to 5 pm.
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will be hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, May 8-10. Information for
delegates, including hotel reservations, meal plans, and airport shuttle
service are on the Prelacy web page. Additional information will be posted
on a regular basis, so check the site often. In addition to the NRA, the
National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will be meeting and celebrating
its 25th anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens will take place.
PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL
16. DELEGATES HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR INFORMATION PACKETS; PLEASE MAKE
YOUR RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 16 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATE.
INFORMATION IS ALSO ON THE PRELACY WEB SITE.
2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Plans are underway for the 22nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute
Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the program will take place at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By
popular demand, this year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a
weekend retreat (optional) June 27-29
BLESSING OF MURON
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) on June 7, 2008.
The Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally
blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which
is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the
parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which
are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, thus
creating an unbroken chain with the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron
is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Prior
to its blessing, the Muron remains for forty days on the altar of the
Cathedral. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of
pilgrims from various parts of the world.
During this same period the World General Assembly of the Catholicosate
of the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias beginning on June 3
through to June 5.
The Prelacy is organizing a pilgrimage to Antelias for the Muron
blessing.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
An international gathering of youth is being organized by the Holy See
of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older,
to attend this gathering from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the
annual pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of
God.
Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes
to facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting
with a portion of the travel expenses. For information contact your local
parish.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 10 are: Luke 8:1-21; Acts
11:1-26; 1 Peter 3:10-22; John 4:24-42; Matthew 9:35-10:15; Mark 4:1-9.
Again he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered
around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole
crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in
parables, and in his teaching he said to them: "Listen! A sower went out to
sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate
it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and
it spring up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose,
it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell
among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and
increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold." And he said,
"Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" (Mark 4:1-9).
RED SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 6, is the fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Red
Sunday (Karmir Kiraki). The name Red Sunday does not have an ecclesiastical
origin, but rather it is similar to last week’s Green Sunday. The name Red
Sunday is believed to refer to the burst of color that comes forth from the
land after a barren winter. It is a celebration of nature, especially the
rebirth after the Resurrection we celebrated a few weeks ago. The Gospel
reading for this Sunday (John 5:19-30) emphasizes the life-giving word of
Jesus.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR ATTICS AND BASEMENTS..
This year, as many of you know, we are marking a dual anniversary: the
110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in America by
Catholicos Mgrditch (Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia. We are seeking any type of
memorabilia and photographs, especially during the tenures of Archbishop
Hrant Khatchadourian (1958-1973) and Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian
(1973-1977). Anything you have will be returned to you safe and sound after
we scan them for use in a
forthcoming book. Please contact us by email at Info@armenianprelacy.org or
by telephone 212-689-7810, Extension 23.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 11-Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian. Opening
reception, 7 to 11 pm, at the Prelacy offices, New York City. Jointly
sponsored by the Prelacy and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian
Relief Society. Proceeds will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The
exhibition will also be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12
and 13, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
April 20-Third lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian,
PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr.
Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842.
April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, New York City, 2
pm. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Co-sponsored by the
AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA, ADL-RAG and S.D. Hunchagians. With
the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the
Armenian Church, AMAA, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical
Church and Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and Armenian youth
organizations. Free bus transportation from Armenian churches in New York
and New Jersey; Baruyr’s, 40th & Queens Boulevard, and Hovnanian School, New
Milford, New Jersey. For information: Sam: 516-352-2587; Leo: 201-746-0409;
Ara: 973-759-7518; John: 718-631-2247.
May 2-Presentation of the recent publication of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian’s
Archbishop Nerses Lambronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon, 7 pm, at
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York.
May 5-Mothers’ Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St.
Regis, New York City. Reception at 11:30 followed by luncheon.
May 8-10-National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. Click here for details.
May 8 and 9-National Association of Ladies Guild (NALG) conference in
conjunction with the National Representative Assembly, celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the NALG, will take place at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia will convene in Antelias, Lebanon.
June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Click here for details.
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.
July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
401-434-4467.
August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.
August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.
September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.