August 27, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:
Email: Prelacy@mindspring.com
ARMENIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY MOURNS
PASSING OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY
We pause to remember Senator Edward Kennedy who died in the early morning hours of August 26th at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after
a year-long battle with brain cancer.
Personal politics aside, Senator Kennedy was a staunch supporter of Armenian causes during his nearly 50 years of service in the U.S. Senate. He
was a fierce fighter for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, a defender of the newly independent Armenia and for the right of
self-determination for Nagorno-Karbagh. He attended and delivered messages at commemorations of
the
Armenian Genocide, and was one of the first
to come to the defense of Ambassador John Evans after he was fired by the State Department for his
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Ten years ago Senator Kennedy rose on the Senate floor to eulogize
and pay tribute to His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, saying: "I was proud to call His Holiness my friend. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was loved and respected by the
Armenian people the world over, and his courage, intelligence, wisdom, and compassion were renowned in international religious circles. His
Holiness
dedicated his life to the Armenian people. He worked skillfully for Armenia’s freedom, and had the noble distinction of being the first
Catholicos
of the Armenian people elected in the newly independent Republic of Armenia. In this era, he has worked tirelessly and effectively for the
spiritual revival of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia. He was also a warm and humble man, gifted with wit and humor, who related easily
with
people from all backgrounds and from all walks of life–his remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come."
Senator Kennedy will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan conveyed a message of condolence to the Kennedy family on behalf of the
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America.
10th ANNIVERSARY OF PASSING OF KAREKIN I WILL BE MARKED IN ARMENIA
Today, August 27th, would have been the 77th birthday of His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians from 1995 to
1999.
The tenth anniversary of his passing is going to be marked in Armenia on the weekend of September 19 and 20 with special memorial events.
Presiding over the events will be His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.
On Saturday afternoon, September 19, a groundbreaking
ceremony will take place for the construction of
"His Holiness Karekin I Religious Missionary Educational Center," at Etchmiadzin. When completed the Center will provide advanced training for
the
clergy and will also be open to teachers of Christian education for seminars and workshops on theological, spiritual, pastoral and
church-related
matters.
The Center is being built through the sponsorship of Haig and Elza Didizian, lifelong friends of His Holiness. The Didizians have devoted their
efforts for the past ten years in perpetuating Karekin I’s rich intellectual and spiritual legacy, with the publication of His Holiness’s written
works through the "Karekin I Theological and Armenological Studies Series." Nine volumes have been printed thus far with several more to
be
published during the next few years.
Saturday evening, September 19, Catholicos Karekin II will preside over a concert of remembrance at Yerevan’s Aram Khachaturian Hall. On Sunday,
Catholicos Karekin II will preside over a special Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, followed by a memorial
luncheon.
NOW IS THE TIME TO FINALIZE YOUR PLANS
FOR 2009 PRELACY LINKED IN WEEKEND
In his sermon delivered during the Feast of the Assumption, His Holiness Aram I said this about our youth: "On this day of the Feast of the
Assumption of the Theotokos, I pray to her to intercede with her Son on behalf of our youth. We declared 2009 as the Year of the Youth to remind
ourselves that youth are both our present and future, and therefore, we should listen and respond to
them. Today our youth are facing many problems. We should enable them to
discover the spiritual foundations of our church, the ethical values arising from the teaching of our church, and the cultural traditions shaped
by
our Armenian roots."
With the words of His Holiness in mind, the 2009 Prelacy LINKED IN weekend for young adults will
take place September 25-27, at the Holy Virgin
Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts, as part of the ongoing Year of the Youth activities. Here in the northeast it seems that
summer
just started this week, when we finally experienced real summer weather. But, truth be told, Labor Day is looming ahead, so make your plans now
for
this inspiring LINKED IN weekend of September 25-27.
Under the general theme of "Know Your Church," presentations will be made by Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Archpriest Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian,
Professor Michael Papazian, and Yeretzgin Margaret Stepanian. The weekend gathering will also feature prayer services, meditations, bible
studies,
and panel discussions.
For more information and registration form click here ( 82/goto: htm ).
WCC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING
His Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian and Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian are in Geneva attending the World Council of Churches’ Central Committee
meeting which began yesterday and will continue until September 2 at the Ecumenical Center. In addition to reviewing and supervising the
activities and finances of the Council, the Central Committee will elect a new General Secretary to replace Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, and decide on
the
venue for the next Assembly.
NORTH ANDOVER PARISH AND CATHOLIC CHURCH JOIN IN PICNIC
The St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Massachusetts, is joining its neighbor, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, to co-sponsor a
picnic on Sunday, September 13, from 1 to 5 pm. The two churches have been neighbors for nearly four decades and during this time they have
remained
close and supportive of each other, but this is the first joint event. Main Street in front of both parishes will be closed to traffic.
Besides Christian fellowship and togetherness, the joint picnic will provide for a more diverse menu. St. Gregory’s will feature its traditional
Armenian cuisine with shish, losh, and chicken kebob dinners, with rice pilaf, salad and Armenian pastries, while St. Michael’s will offer the
American summer favorites of hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and American pastries.
St. Gregory Church, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, is currently undergoing a $1 million renovation. The parish lost its
popular pastor earlier this year when Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian died unexpectedly. The parish is being served by the retired outreach priest, Rev.
Fr. Vazken Bekiarian, until a new pastor is assigned. It is a testament to Der Vartan’s influence and leadership that the parish has rallied
together
at this time of great sorrow with great strength and collective dedication.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, August 27, are: Jeremiah 1:1-10; 38:1-13; 2 Peter 2:9-22; Matthew 2:16-18.
…then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of
judgment–especially those who indulge their flesh in depraved lust; and who despise authority.
Bold and willful, they are not afraid to slander the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not bring
against them a slanderous judgment from the Lord. These people, however, are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born to be caught
and killed. They slander what they do not understand, and when those creatures are destroyed, they also will be destroyed, suffering the penalty
for
doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their dissipation while they feast with
you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! They
have left the straight road and have gone astray. Following the road of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of doing wrong, but was rebuked
for
his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the deepest darkness has been reserved. For they speak bombastic
nonsense, and with licentious desires of the flesh they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. They promise them
freedom,
but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them. For if, after
they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and
overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of
righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them. It has happened to them according to the
true proverb, "The dog turns back to its own vomit," and "The sow is washed only to wallow in the mud." (2 Peter
2:9-22)
For listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here ().
FAITHFUL PARISHIONER CONTINUES HER SERVICE
This lovely photograph of 102-year-old Digin Elmas Boghosian was sent to us and we are happy to share it with our readers. Digin Elmas, a
faithful parishioner of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, makes the pilaf for the church’s annual picnic. This photo was
taken
during the parish’s picnic this summer with Digin Elmas continuing her traditional
role.
We are told that she makes delicious pilaf. We send her our love and best
wishes and look forward to another photo next year!
FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK…
THE PEOPLES OF ARARAT
by Armen Asher and Teryl Minasian Asher
322 pages, softcover, $15.50 plus shipping and handling
The Peoples of Ararat relates the story of three powerful peoples of the ancient Near East–the Hurrians, the Hittites, and the
Urartians. Together, they played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural fabric of the region over the course of more than one
thousand years. While they all eventually succumbed politically and seemingly disappeared from the pages of history, in fact their cultures and
traditions were preserved in the kingdom of Armenia. Indeed, the authors say, the Armenians are the biological and cultural successors to the
peoples of Ararat.
TO ORDER THIS BOOK OR FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER BOOKS VISIT THE PRELACY’S WEB SITE ( ( 82/goto: )) or contact the Bookstore by email (books@armenianprelacy.org (mailto:books@armenianprelacy.org)) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
AND SPEAKING OF BOOKS…
Noted mystery writer P. D. James has been wondering for a long time if anyone has ever found a comfortable way to read in bed. Acknowledging that
bedtime is the best (maybe only) time most people have to read, she however expresses some doubts about reading in bed. In Time to Be
in Earnest: A Fragment of Autobiography, she writes, "Reading is so important, so necessary to the nourishment of mind and spirit that I feel
that it should be as seriously ceremonial as a church service. Ideally we need a comfortable chair with back and arm support and good,
well-directed
light, a rest for the book if it is too heavy to hold comfortably, a small table with our favorite drink to hand, silence and solitude." She
concludes: "It is an ideal that few of us are able to obtain."
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 12–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening of Haigazian
Armenian School.
September 13–St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts, annual picnic on newly renovated church grounds, 158 Main St., North Andover. Enjoy food, music. Fellowship. For details go to
church’s web site ( ( 82/goto: )) or call 978-685-5038.
September 13–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening of Sunday
School.
September 13–Annual picnic of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church of New
Britain and Hartford at the Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New Britain, Connecticut, beginning at noon, rain or shine. Live music. Armenian
food. Free admission.
September 19-20–Re-consecration of the altar and the newly renovated
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City on Saturday. Episcopal Divine Liturgy and Madagh on Sunday.
September 20–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Lobster Fest. For
information: 215-482-9200.
September 20–St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, New York), annual picnic on
the church grounds, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, beginning at 1 pm immediately following church services and the blessing of the basil.
Delicious
Armenian kebabs, sweets, etc., along with games, music, dancing, tavloo, basketball, volleyball, vendors and returning by popular
demand–"Kid-Z-One," with a host of activities for children. For information 718-224-2275.
September 21–St. Stephen’s (Watertown, MA) Armenian School/ACEC 14th
annual Golf Outing at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf, lunch, dinner, and contests. For information contact Astor at
781-326-5764.
September 26–Mid-West Regional Conference for Pastors, Boards of
Trustees, and NRA delegates at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
September 25-26-27–Prelacy Linked In, gathering of the youth. For
details click here ( 82/goto: htm ).
September 27–75th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard,
Massachusetts, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Country Club of Wilbraham, 859 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Special
performances by Dottie Bengoian and the St. Gregory Sunday School children. For information: 413-596-9242.
September 28–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Golf Outing at Talamore
Country Club, Ambler, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.
September 28–Holy Trinity Church (Worcester, Massachusetts), 6th
annual Golf Outing, Sterling National Country Club, Sterling, MA. Golf, breakfast, dinner, and prizes, $130 per person. For information send
email
to kappyk@verizon.net (mailto:kappyk@verizon.net), or telephone 508-872-9629.
October 1–Sts. Vartanantz Church (New Jersey), presents 7th annual
Golf Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. $175 includes lunch, dinner, golf and contests. Come out and enjoy a great day and
support the church. For information contact Mark, 201-483-3200.
October 10–Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Pastors, Boards of
Trustees, and NRA delegates at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
October 15-18–Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Food Festival
and Bazaar.
October 17–National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) annual
conference at the Prelacy offices in New York City. Details will follow.
October 18–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Intercommunal Cultural
Celebration at Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham, PA.
November 1–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Sunday School Halloween
Party.
November 6-7–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Food
Festival.
November 7 & 8–Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
largest Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday from 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday 12 noon to 8 pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket, 60 Rhodes Place (off
Broad
Street), Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and kufta dinners, pastry, raffles and more. Performance by the Armenian school dance group. Live Armenian
music * dancing. For information, 401-831-6399.
November 14–Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 45th anniversary
celebration.
November 20, 21, 22–Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey)
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. Saturday night dancing with "Onnik Dinkjian"; Sunday traditional kavourma dinner.
December 20–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Sunday School Christmas
Pageant.
December 31–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Seroonian Community
Center New Year’s Eve celebration.
December 31–Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), New
Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance. Details to follow.
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 (mailto: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 (mailto:info@armenianprelacy.org)