Untitled DocumentPress 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
APRIL 25, 2008
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN PARTICIPATES
IN CAPITOL HILL COMMEMORATION
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan participated in observances on Capitol
Hill in Washington on Wednesday, April 23, on the occasion of the 93rd
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, organized by the Congressional Caucus
on Armenian issues.
The Prelate’s prayers were a message of hope that has been handed down
>From the survivors of the genocide. His Eminence recognized the role of the
United States 93 years ago noting, "During those dark years, four American
presidents-Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover-took direct and bold action
to help the Armenians. Furthermore, overseas the entire diplomatic
corps-ambassadors, minister, consuls-shared in the responsibility of
publicizing the Genocide of the Armenians and administering relief. Foremost
among them was the United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry
Morgenthau, Sr. This was one of America’s finest hours, when commitment
became action."
PRELATE WILL DELIVER INVOCATION TONIGHT
AT REMEMBRANCE AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK
Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the invocation at the commemoration of
the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide tonight at City Hall Chambers,
Corner of Chambers Street and Broadway, New York City. The event is
organized by the Armenian National Committee of New York and Friends of the
Armenian National Committee. Attending the event will be New York City
Council members and New York Congress members. Professor Henry Theriault of
Worcester State College will speak.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN RETURNS FROM ARMENIA
Bishop Anoushavan returned from Armenia where he participated in the
meetings of the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Martyrs, at Holy
Etchmiadzin. Bishop Anoushavan represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia,
together with Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and Bishop
Papken Charian, Prelate of Isfahan. The committee will submit a report to
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram
I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE IN TIMES SQUARE COMMEMORATION ON SUNDAY
On Sunday, April 27, the Prelate will participate in the Times Square
Gathering, organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and supported
by all Armenian religious groups and major Armenian organizations.
The Gathering at Times Square (43rd and Broadway, NYC), will begin at 2
pm. Buses will depart from all Armenian churches in New York and New Jersey;
Baruyr’s Grocery, 40th Street & Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside; and from
Brooklyn from the corner of Coney Island Ave. and Brighton Beach Ave. For
information: 516-352-2587.
CONFERENCE ON MIGRATION CONVENES IN ANTELIAS
An international conference convened in the headquarters of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia on April 14-16, where the phenomenon of migration
and its impact on society was examined. One hundred twenty delegates
participated in the conference, which was chaired by His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
Addressing the attendants during the final session, the General
Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Dr. Sam Kobia, presented
the statement to be adopted by the conference, prepared by a special
committee on the basis of the delegates’ proposals and discussion. Dr. Kobia
thanked the Middle East Council of Churches, the conference’s organizing
committee, and the delegates for their active participation. He also
expressed special gratitude to Catholicos Aram I, both for the hospitality
demonstrated by the Catholicosate and for the Pontiff’s valuable
contribution on the basis of his extensive ecumenical and interfaith
experience.
In his closing remarks the Pontiff stressed the importance of discussing
pan-humanitarian and shared concerns during such conferences. "The issue of
migration is not a religious issue or an issue pertaining to a specific
community or context. It is a human issue which is expressed in different
forms and has different implications in different environments. Therefore,
migration being a global issue and at the same time a local issue, we need
to develop both a global perspective and contextual approach."
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 was awarded
the degree with distinction 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 be honored as the Mother of the Year. Also honored will
be Mrs. Hasmig Hovnanian, the "Founding Mother" of the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
For reservations contact the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810.
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL;
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.
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. 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. To get to the
NRA site click
YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click
tifical%20Messages/messages58.htm.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click
.
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. For details click
BLESSI NG 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. For details click
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, Friday, April 25 are: Luke 13:22-35; Acts
19:21-40; 1 John 2:26-28; John 8:31-59; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 8:1-9.
I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. As
for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you
do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all
things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide
to him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed
we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. (1
John 2:26-28)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click
PR ESIDENT BUSH RELEASES STATEMENT ON MARTYRS DAY;
DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE GENOCIDE IN HIS FINAL STATEMENT
In what is his final presidential statement on the Armenian Genocide,
President George W. Bush once again did not use the feared "g" word,
describing the events as "one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th
century."
In 2005 and 2006 President Bush made subtle reference to the genocide by
mentioning the findings of the International Center for Transitional Justice
(CTJ). Last year, and again this year, under pressure from the Turkish
government, this reference was not made. Furthermore, official Washington
continues to ignore the proclamation made by President Ronald Reagan in 1981
recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The actions of the administrations since
that of Reagan besmirch the gallant efforts of past presidents, congresses,
and the American people who organized a massive relief program for the
survivors of the Armenian Genocide that today is still considered to be the
textbook model for humanitarian relief.
WE REMIND EVERYONE TO ATTEND MARTYRS DAY COMMEMORATIONS
IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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
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.
May 9-Mothers Day banquet hosted by ARS Mayr Chapter, New York, at Armenian
Center, 69-23 47th Ave. Woodside, New York. For information and reservations
contact Sonia 718-961-9550.
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
for details.
June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.
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
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 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.
August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to 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.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.
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