February 12, 2009
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN RETURNS FROM VATICAN AND MOSCOW
Archbishop Oshagan returned to New York following his
ecumenical trips to the Vatican and Moscow.
At the Vatican, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Nareg Alemezian,
ecumenical officer of the Holy See of Cilicia, represented His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I, at the sixth meeting of the International Joint
Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the
Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Catholicosate of All Armenians was
represented by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church (Eastern) and Archbishop Yeznik Petrossian, General
Secretary of Inter-Church Affairs of the Holy See of Etchmiadzin.
The seventh meeting of the International Commission will take
place in January 2010 at the Holy See of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon, at
the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
Photos:
Pope Benedict XVI surrounded by the delegates to the sixth
theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and Oriental
Orthodox Churches.
Archbishop Oshagan and Benedict XVI.
Immediately after the Vatican meeting, Archbishop Oshagan and
Bishop Nareg traveled to Moscow where they represented Catholicos Aram I
at the enthronement of Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad,
as the new Russian Orthodox Patriarch. His election was the first of a
patriarch since the fall of the Soviet Union. Metropolitan Kirill, noted
for his criticism of declining moral values, has been actively involved
in the ecumenical movement.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S
This Sunday, February 15. Archbishop Oshagan will preside over
the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, which continues to
hold its services at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York, during
the extensive renovations taking place at the Cathedral on 27th Street
in Manhattan.
Archbishop Oshagan reports that the work in the sanctuary
itself is nearly complete and services will take place there on Palm
Sunday at which time the altar will be re-consecrated.
The next phases of the renovations which include the entrance,
offices, rest rooms and auditorium.
GHEVONTIANTZ ANNUAL CLERGY CONFERENCE IN PHILLY
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will travel to
Philadelphia to preside over the annual Ghevontiants Clergy Conference,
which will take place next week, February 16 to 18, at St. Gregory
Church, Philadelphia. This year the clergy of the Eastern, Western and
Canadian Prelacies will come together for the annual conclave. On
Tuesday evening, February 17, the faithful are invited to attend the
Holy Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan with the participation of
all of the attending clergy at 6 pm followed by a community dinner. For
information contact the church, 215-482-9200.
The Feast of Ghevontiantz (Leondius) is celebrated each year
preceding the Vartanantz Feast. The collective name is in honor of brave
clergymen who preached and fought against tyranny before, during and
after the war of Vartanantz. It is named after Ghevond Yerets (Leondius
the Cleric), who was in the front lines with Vartan at Avarayr. The
Feast has now become a time of renewal, reflection, and fellowship for
the clergy.
According to the historians Yeghishe and Ghazar Parpetsi, the
clergy who are collectively known as the Ghevontian Saints include:
Catholicos Hovsep Hoghotsmetsi (also known as Vayorstzoretsi), Bishop
Sahak Rushtouni, Bishop Tatik of Aghbak, the priests Ghevont, Arshen,
Manuel, Abraham, Khoren, and deacons Kachach and Abraham.
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR PRIESTS WHO SERVED THE PRELACY
In conjunction with the upcoming Ghevontiantz commemoration,
all Prelacy churches will observe a special requiem service this Sunday,
February 16, in memory of all the deceased clergy who served within the
Prelacy.
Remembered with gratitude and honor are:
His Holiness Catholicos Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch of All
Armenians, Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian,
V. Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Sisagian, V. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Martougesian, V. Rev.
Fr. Nishan Papazian, V. Rev. Fr. Barour Ekmekjian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Amrigian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Varjabedian, Rev. Fr. Mateos Mannigian, Rev.
Fr. Bedros Mampreian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Hovanesian, Rev. Fr. Houssig Naghnikian, Rev. Fr. Adom Melikian, Rev.
Fr. Yeghishe Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Khosrovian, Rev. Fr. Bedros
Kasarjian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Balian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Papazian, Rev. Fr.
Papken Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Yeghiayan, Rev. Fr. Nerses Shahinian,
Rev. Fr. Bsag Sarkisian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Mkitarian, Rev. Fr. Souren
Papakhian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simeoniantz, Rev. Fr. Movses Der Stepanian,
Rev. Fr. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragossian, Rev. Fr.
Yervant Yeretzian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Der Torosian, Rev. Fr. Movses
Shrikian, Rev. Fr. Dickran Khoyan, Rev. Fr. Smpad Der Mekhsian, Rev. Fr.
Vahan Ghazarian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kochian, Rev. Fr. Arshavir Sevdalian,
Rev. Fr. Kourken Yaralian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis
Antreasian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Andekian, Rev. Fr. Hmayag Minoyan, Rev. Fr.
Asoghik Kiledjian, Rev. Fr. Varant Bedrosian, Rev. Fr. Sahag
Vertanessian.
O Christ, Son of God, forbearing and compassionate, through your
love as creator, have mercy upon the souls of your departed servants. .
. Be mindful of them on the great day of the coming of your kingdom.
Make them worthy of your mercy and of remission and forgiveness of their
sins; glorify and number them among the saints of your right hand.
From the Repose of Souls (Hogehangist) service in the Armenian
Church.
LENTEN LECTURE SERIES BEGINS FEBRUARY 25
The Prelacy’s Lenten lectures will focus on the Beatitudes
[Blessedness in Latin] (Matthew 5:3-12) and will be held at the
Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street, Woodside, New York, on Wednesdays of
Great Lent starting February 25, under the auspices of the Prelate, who
will provide a general introduction to the topic.
The speakers will be His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar
General; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York; Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey; Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City; and Dn. Shant Kazanjian,
Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council.
The evening schedule will be as follows: Lenten service at
7:30 pm, lecture and discussion at 8 pm, followed by fellowship at 8:45
pm. The Lenten program is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG),
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral Ladies Guild, and the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC) of the Prelacy.
For more information click here.
ARMEN SARGSIAN VISITS PRELACY
Yesterday, February 11, Armen Sargsian, a member of the
parliament of the Republic of Artsakh, visited the Prelacy offices where
he was greeted by Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan.
Mr. Sargsian was accompanied by Hrair Baronian and Grigor
Grigorian.
VICAR ATTENDS RECEPTION FOR DJEREJIAN
Yesterday evening, Bishop Anoushavan attended a reception
hosted by Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New
York, celebrating the
publication of Danger and Opportunity: An American Ambassador’s
Journey Through the Middle East, by Ambassador Edward Djerejian.
Djerejian is the Founding Director of the James A. Baker III
Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, where he continues to be
involved in both foreign and domestic policy. He served as U.S.
Ambassador to Syria and Israel and was Assistant Secretary of State for
Near Eastern Affairs under Presidents Bush and Clinton, a Special
Assistant to President Reagan, and Deputy Press Secretary for Foreign
Affairs.
NEXT FORUM SCHEDULED APRIL 16
The next Forum for young professionals will take place on
Thursday, April 16. The special presentation is entitled, "Remembering
the Forgotten: The Untold Story of Clergymen Lost to the Genocide."
Yeretzgeen Joanna Baghsarian of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence,
will tell the story of how a group of her students took a proactive role
in remembering these forgotten martyrs, reminding us that not even
genocide could destroy our Armenian faith and spirit. Between 1915 and
1938, the Armenian Church lost 5,000 clergymen to the Ottoman Empire’s
genocide and to Joseph Stalin’s purges.
Admission is free, but RSVP is required. The presentation will
begin exactly at 7:15 pm and will take place at the Prelacy’s Vahakn and
Hasmig Hovnanian Hall. RSVP to events@armenianprelacy.org or
212-689-7810.
26th ANNUAL MUSICAL ARMENIA
On Sunday, March 8, the Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild
proudly present the 26th Musical Armenia concert at Will Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall, New York City. The concert will begin at 2 pm and will
feature cellist David Bakamjian and violinist Cecee Pantikian.
Tickets can be purchased ($30) at the Carnegie Hall Box
Office, 212-247-7800, or at the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.
MIRAK FAMILY MAKES LEADERSHIP GIFT TO ST. STEPHEN’S SCHOOL
The Mirak Family Foundation has pledged a leadership gift of
$200,000 to the St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, Watertown,
Massachusetts. The announcement of the gift was made following a meeting
with Robert Mirak, Julia Mirak Kew, and the school’s principal, Mrs.
Houry Boyamian., who gratefully accepted the first installment of the
gift payable over five years.
Robert Mirak, the son of the late John and Artemis Mirak,
survivors of the Armenian Genocide from Arapkir, is the author of the
pioneering book, "Torn Between Two Lands: Armenians in America,
1890 to World War I," which was published by Harvard University Press in
1983. His granddaughter, Christina Kew, is a student at St. Stephen’s.
Archbishop Oshagan expressed his admiration and thanks to Dr.
Mirak and the Mirak Family Foundation for their support of charitable
and educational institutions.
Photo: Julia Mirak Kew, a trustee of the Mirak Family Foundation,
and her daughter Christina present the first installment of the
foundation’s pledge to Mrs. Houry Boyamian, principal of St. Stephen’s
Armenian Elementary School.
YEAR OF THE YOUTH
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
has designated the year 2009 as the "Year of The Youth."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click here.
BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM AT PRELACY
A new six-part program on "Great Prayers of the Bible" will
begin at the Prelacy starting March 5, and continuing every other
Thursday, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. It will include a number of biblical
prayers that have been incorporated into the liturgical prayers and
services of the Armenian Church. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), will conduct the
Bible studies. The program is open to all and is free of charge. For
information and registration send email to arec@armenianprelacy.org or
telephone 212-689-7810.: The dates of the Bible studies are: March 5,
10, April 2, 16, 30 and May 14. On each of these days the Prelacy’s
Bookstore will remain open from 5 to 7 pm.
EXTENDED BOOKSTORE HOURS
On Bible Study evenings, the Prelacy Bookstore will remain
open until 7 pm. The dates of the upcoming Bible Study series are: March
5, 10, April 2, 16, 30, and May 14.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 23rd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program,
for youth ages 13-18, is scheduled to take place at the St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 28 to July 5,
2009, preceded by a weekend retreat (optional) from June 26-28, 2009.
The Program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC). For information, contact AREC at 212-689-7810,
arec@armenianprelacy.org.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, February 12, are: Proverbs
24:1-12; Jeremiah 40:18-22; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Matthew 5:1-12.
Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with them for their
minds devise violence, and their lips talk of mischief. By wisdom a
house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the
rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Wise warriors
are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those
who have strength; for by wise guidance you can wage your way, and in
abundance of counselors there is victory. Wisdom is too high for fools;
in the gate they do not open their mouths. Whoever plans to do evil will
be called a mischief-maker. The devising of folly is sin, and the
scoffer is an abomination to all. If you faint in the day of adversity,
your strength being small; if you hold back from rescuing those taken
away to death, those who go staggering to the slaughter; if you say,
"Lord, we did not know this"-does not he keeps watch over your soul know
it? And will he not repay all according to their deeds?
(Proverbs 24:1-12)
For listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
THE HOLY VOSKIAN PRIESTS
Today, February 12, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives
of the Voskian priest-five men who were sent to Rome by the Armenian
king Sanadrook. On the road to Rome they met the Apostle Thaddaus who
converted and baptized them. The leader of the five was named Voski,
hence the name "Voskian Priests." They lived as hermits for forty years,
preached to the Royal Court and were martyred in 107 AD.
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST (TYARNUNDARACH)
This Saturday, February 14, is the Presentation of Jesus to
the Temple (Tyarnundarach, which literally means "going forward to meet
the Lord.") In English it is known as "Candlemas."
Forty days after the birth of Christ, Mary obeyed Mosaic Law
and presented her son to the temple (Numbers 18:15). She was purified by
the prayer of Simeon the Just in the presence of Anna the Prophet (Luke
2:22-40). This was the first introduction of Christ into the house of
God.
Some Armenian pre-Christian customs have become associated
with this feast, including one of the most popular being a bonfire on
the eve of the holiday where young people gather around the fire and the
man leap over the flames. The bonfire is lit with a flame from the
church. The light is symbolic of Christ who is the light of our lives.
BICENTENNIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Today, February 12, is the 200th birthday of the 16th
president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, considered to be the
greatest president. On March 4, 1865, as the Civil War was coming to an
end with the Union assured of victory, a tired president delivered his
second inaugural address. His words exhibited neither exuberance nor
triumph; his address was more like an inspiring sermon. Lincoln’s second
inaugural address is now considered to be the most memorable inaugural
address, and together with his Gettysburg Address remains amongst the
greatest words ever delivered.
"With malice toward none-with charity for all-with firmness in
the right, as God gives us to see the right-let us strive on to finish
the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who
shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan, and to
do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among
ourselves and with all nations."
(From Lincoln’s second inaugural address, March 4, 1865; forty-one
days later, on April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE.
In honor of the upcoming Ghevontiantz holiday we bring to your
attention two new books by clergymen-Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian,
pastor of St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia; and Archpriest Fr. Khoren
Habeshian, who served as pastor of Soorp Khatch Church in Maryland and
is now retired and living in California.
From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastoral Talks to His Flock, by Archpriest
Fr. Nerses Manoogian.
This book is an anthology of sermons delivered to his flock, and
articles written for his parish’s newsletter. It contains a wealth of
information about the Armenian Church, customs, traditions, rituals,
sacraments, as well as a number of articles on spiritual life.
365 pages, soft cover, $20.00, plus shipping and handling.
Kir Gyanki, by Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian.
An assortment of articles, including a section of written in
Armenian, about life’s experiences from beginning to end that touch on
faith and love. Includes some four-color original art created for the
book by Armen Kankanian.
442 pages, soft cover, $30.00, plus shipping and handling.
TO ORDER THESE OR OTHER
BOOKS, OR FOR INFORMATION CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL AT
BOOKS@ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG OR BY TELEPHONE AT 212-689-7810.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 13-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City,
Illinois, celebration of "Dyarnuntarach," the Meeting of the Lord in the
Temple. Vespers begin at 5:30 pm. Procession and bonfire on the church
property at 6:15 pm. Agoomp Night sponsored by the Board of Trustees at
the Community Center, 7:00 pm.
February 15-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, Annual Membership Meeting, following Divine Liturgy.
Alternate date in case of snow, Sunday, February 22.
February 19-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Vartanantz Day celebration. For information, 201-943-2950.
February 22-St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Annual Parish membership Meeting, following Divine
Liturgy.
February 22-St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral’s
Renovation Fundraising Dinner Dance. Terrace on the Park, starting at 5
pm. Donation: $100 per person. For information and reservations
212-689-5880.
March 1-Medical Workshop, hosted by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral,
New York City, featuring the Armenian American Health Professionals
Organization (AAHPO).
March 1-Annual Membertship meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. For information, 201-943-2950.
March 1-Annual Membership Meeting in Community Center, Expulsion
Sunday, immediately following Divine Liturgy, St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, Granite City, Illinois.
March 5-New six-part Bible Studies program at the Prelacy begins
and continues on the following Thursdays: March 5, 19, April 2, 16, 30,
May 14, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Armenian Religious Education Council will lead the sessions. Open to all
and free of charge. For registration and information contact
arec@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810. The Prelacy bookstore will
remain open from 5 to 7 pm on each of these evenings.
March 8-Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New
York City, sponsored by Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild, featuring
David Bakamjian, cellist, and Cecee Pantikian, violinist. For details
click here.
March 14-New England Ladies Guilds Regional Conference, hosted by
St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts,
and the National Association of Ladies Guilds. Alternate date in case of
inclement weather, March 21. For information shakar07@comcast.net.
March 15-Mortgage Burning Celebration Banquet, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1:30 pm. For information contact church office
718-224-2275.
March 28-ARS Eastern USA Centennial Gala Banquet, Yale Club, New
York City. Dr. Herand Markarian, MC; keynote speaker Representative Anna
G. Eshoo. Cocktails 7 pm, dinner 8:30 pm. For information:
mabprof45@aol.com or 201-934-8930.
APRIL 16-Quarterly Forum Series for young professionals. Yn.
Joanna Baghsarian of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, will speak
about the untold story of the Armenian clergymen lost to the Genocide
and the Stalin purges, at the Prelacy’s Hovnanian Hall. Program will
begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Reception will follow. Admission is free but
RSVP is required. Contact events@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810.
April 22 & April 29-Introduction to the Divine Liturgy, St.
Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
(Please note: originally scheduled for January; dates have been
changed.)
May 3-50th anniversary celebration of consecration of Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
May 7-9-National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy,
hosted by All Saints Armenian Apostolic Church, Glenview, Illinois.
Clergy Conference begins May 6.
May 7-8-National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) annual
conference. For information 781-762-4253.
June 28-Annual Madagh Picnic, St. Hagop Church (Racine), at
Johnson Park Picnic Grounds, 6200 Northwestern Ave., Racine, Wisconsin,
10:30 to 7 pm.
June 29 – July 5-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute, St. Mary
of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Ladies
Guild/ARS Chapter present a Hye Summer Night 4 Dance at The Annunciation
Greek Church, Cranston, Rhode Island. For information, 401-434-4467.
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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