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
JUNE 26, 2008
22nd ANNUAL ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS THIS WEEK
Seventy-five students (ages 13-18) from ten parishes, and seven
clergymen, will gather at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, on Sunday, June 29, for the 22nd annual St. Gregory of Datev
Institute Summer Program, under the directorship of His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, the Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church. Over forty of the participants will attend the
weekend retreat starting Friday, June 27.
Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) of the
Prelacy, the Summer Program offers a unique opportunity for our youth to
learn the essentials of Armenian Christianity in a wholesome and nurturing
environment. Each day the program begins with Morning Service from
7:15am-7:45am. Four classes are held from 8:30am to 12:30pm. In the
afternoons, the students enjoy recreational activities, such as volleyball,
soccer, basketball, and swimming. In the evenings, there is a general
lecture from 7:30 to 8:20, followed by three concurrent Bible studies from
8:30-9:30 for different age groups. The day comes to a close with the
Compline Service (Husgoom) from 9:45-10:30pm.
The Instructors of the Institute this year are: His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Rev. Fr. Khoren Habeshian, Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian,
Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, Rev. Fr. Stephan
Baljian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Ms. Nayiri Baljian, Mrs. Denise Borekjian and
Ms. Jeanette Nazarian.
This year the Institute is privileged to have four guest speakers: Rev.
Fr. Paul Tarazi, Th.D., Rev. Kenneth E. Bailey, Th.D., Dn. Dr. Vahan
Kouyoumdjian, and Tom Samuelian, Ph.D.
For information about the Datev Institute click
ST. SARKIS (DOUGLASTON) CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan explains one of the panels of the traveling
exhibit last Sunday at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. The exhibit
was prepared by the Prelacy in celebration of the 110th anniversary of the
establishment of the Armenian Prelacy in America and the 50th anniversary of
the Prelacy’s affiliation with the Holy See of Cilicia.
Parishes interested in reserving dates for the traveling exhibit in
conjunction with anniversary celebrations should contact the Prelacy.
PRELACY’S YOUTH GATHERING IN SEPTEMBER
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia, a youth seminar/retreat will take
place September 26-28, 2008. The retreat, open to anyone ages 18 to 35, will
take place at the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton,
Massachusetts. The event is being planned and prepared for youth by youth,
in collaboration with the Prelate, the Vicar General, and the Prelacy
Executive Council. The agenda will feature a variety of excellent speakers
and two workshops on the Badarak, all aimed to educate and enrich the youth
of the Armenian Church.
For details click here. If you have any questions send an email to:
youth@armenianprelacy.org.
PRELATE WILL VISIT PARISH OF ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL
This Sunday, June 29, Archbishop Oshagan preside over the Divine Liturgy
at the temporary home of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in Woodside, New York.
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.
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
.
PAN-DIASPORA YOUTH CONFERENCE
A pan-Diaspora youth conference will take place in Antelias, Lebanon, on
August 14-16. Under the theme, "The Armenian youth face the challenges of
the 21st century," the conference will feature lectures, and round table and
group discussions. More than 100 youth from the various dioceses within the
Catholicosate of Cilicia will participate. Travel subsidies are available.
For information contact your local parish or the Prelacy office,
212-689-7810.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, June 26, are: Romans 15:30-16:16;
Matthew 15:29-38
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by
the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf,
that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry
to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may
come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. The God of peace be
with all of you. Amen. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the
church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting
for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she
has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. Greet Frisca and
Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my
life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the
Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus,
who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked
very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in
prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in
Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus,
our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachya. Greet Apelles, who is
approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.
Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family
of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet
the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in
the Lord; Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the
brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one
another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (Romans
15:30-16:16)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click
FE AST OF TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, June 29, the Armenian Church celebrates one of her five
Tabernacle Feast days, Transfiguration (Aylakerputiun / Vartavar). The Feast
of Transfiguration is marked fourteen weeks after Easter, and therefore can
fall between June 28 and August 1. It commemorates an episode in the New
Testament recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter.
The Transfiguration took place on the "holy mountain" (believed to be
Mt. Tabor) where Jesus had gone with Peter, James, and John to pray. As He
was praying, "His face shone like the sun and His garments became white as
light." The Patriarch Moses and Prophet Elijah appeared at His side (Mt.
17:1-8). It was at this moment that His appearance was "transfigured"
revealing Himself as God to His disciples as a voice from above said, "This
is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him."
As in other instances, a pagan feast was joined with the new Christian
holiday. In this case, the feast of Vartavar, when Armenians would decorate
the temple of the Goddess of Asdghig with roses, doves would be released,
and people would engage in water games, was combined with the Feast of the
Transfiguration. Asdghig was the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and
water.
According to tradition, the fifth century historian Yeghishe, wrote the
prayer that is read in the church on this feast day: "O Lord, bless the
harvest of this year and defend from all the perils, and may Your Right
Hand, O Lord, protect us for the whole year."
Vartavar was a traditional day of pilgrimage to churches named in honor
of John the Baptist. The most popular destination was the Monastery of Sourp
Garabed of Moush, whose main church was named in honor of St. John the
Baptist.
Vartavar is the name day for those named Vartkes, Vartavar, Vart,
Alvart, Zevart, Lousvart, Nevart, Baidzar, Vartanoush, Vartiter, Varvar.
In the Armenian tradition, the day after each of the five major feast
days is designated as Memorial Day or Remembrance of the Dead. The faithful
visit the cemeteries to venerate their departed loved ones.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
LIMITED SUPPLY AVAILABLE OF THIS GREAT CD ROM
DISCOVER ARMENIAN
A rich language gateway to the Nation’s Memory and History.
More than 3,000 words, over 5,000 exercises, phrases for everyday life,
reference grammar, online and talking dictionary, interactive graphics
interface, audio, traditional Armenian songs, history, culture, art, music,
religion and literature, comprehensive primer, easy to navigate. $49.99,
plus shipping and handling.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY’S WEB SITE, OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT books@armenianprelacy.org OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
This year we are marking the dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of
the establishment of the Armenian Prelacy of America by Catholicos Mgrditch
(Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy
See of Cilicia. We continue to seek any type of memorabilia and photographs.
Please contact us by email at info@armenianprelacy.org or by telephone
212-689-7810, Extension 23. We thank many of you who have already responded.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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
June 29-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, celebrate summer at Seroonian
Community Center, "Vartavar Family Picnic," at 1 pm.
June 29-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 70th year of "Madagh" and
parish picnic, 10:30 am to 7 pm at Johnson Park, Racine. Madagh will be
blessed at 11 am and served at 12 noon. Armenian food and desserts available
for purchase. Music and children’s entertainment beginning 2 pm; raffle
drawing at 7 pm.
July 7 to July 18-Summer Camp at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New
York. For children age 5 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, lunch and
snack included. Minimum donation is $150. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. &
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. For information contact the church
office, 718-224-2275.
July 14 to August 1-St. Illuminator’s Day School Summer Program, July 14
through August 1, for children ages 3 to 10, Monday through Friday, 9 am to
2 pm. Armenian language, history, Bible readings, arts and crafts, sports
and much more. For information and registration contact the school office
718-478-4073 or the Cathedral office 212-689-5880.
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 5-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 9th annual
golf outing at Blackstone National Golf Club, Summon, Massachusetts.
Information: 508-234-3261.
August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, picnic and
blessing of the grapes, officiated by Archbishop Oshagan and New England
area clergy. On church grounds, beginning at 12 noon. For information:
508-234-3677 or
August 17-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother of God and Blessing of the Grapes, and picnic, at the Armenian
Center, Woodside, NY. For information 212-689-5880.
September 7-Annual picnic Festival of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, at American Legion Grounds, Haverhill, Massachusetts,
beginning at 12 noon.
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 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual church
picnic and blessing of the grapes at Dunkerhook Park, Pavilion D, Paramus,
NJ. For information 201-943-2950.
September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.
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 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.
October 21, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.
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