September 17, 2009
ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL TO REOPEN THIS WEEKEND
St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street,
New York City, will reopen this weekend after undergoing major
renovations for more than one year.
On Saturday, September 19, at 7 pm, the Prelate, His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, will lead a special service
re-consecrating the Cathedral’s altar. The next day, Sunday, September
20, Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon inaugurating a new era in the Cathedral’s rich
history. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the pastor of the Cathedral, and
Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian, Pastor Emeritus, will assist
at the altar. Madagh will be offered following the services.
Parking arrangements have been made with the parking garage at 240
E. 27th Street (diagonally opposite the Cathedral) for a special rate
of $7 for four hours on Sunday.
O Lord, our God, who has established the earth together with its
firmament and has wrought therein many works of power, You, O Lord of
all the earth, who has given strength to this Your church and has
commanded that a holy altar be erected within it and the reasonable,
bloodless sacrifice be offered on it in Your most holy name for the
quickening of Your faithful, we beseech You, O beneficent Lord, send
Your Holy Spirit and sanctify this altar that it may be unto hope and
life for us all who stand before Your great glory, unto the renewal of
our souls and unto the good pleasure of Your blessed will. For You
alone are God, compassionate, long-suffering and merciful, and
glorified is the most Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. (From the
Armenian Church’s Order of Consecration)
MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR CATHOLICOS KAREKIN I IN ARMENIA AND IN ALL
PARISHES WITHIN CILICIAN SEE THIS SUNDAY
The tenth anniversary of the passing of His Holiness Karekin I,
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will be
commemorated in Armenia this weekend, September 19 and 20, with
special memorial events. Presiding over the memorial events in Armenia
will be His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
instructed all dioceses within the Cilician See to offer a solemn
requiem service on this occasion. Accordingly, the 10th anniversary of
the passing of the beloved Catholicos will be observed in all Eastern
Prelacy churches this Sunday.
In Armenia, on Saturday afternoon, September 19, a groundbreaking
ceremony will take place for the construction of the "His Holiness
Karekin I Religious Missionary Educational Center," at
Etchmiadzin. When completed the center will provide advanced training
for the clergy and will 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 Catholicos Karekin’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 produced thus far with several more to be
published during the next few years. The most recent in the series is
a 320-page memorial book entitled "The Gift of Faith," published on
the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Pontiff’s passing.
On Saturday evening, 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.
PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS THIS SATURDAY AT ARMENIA’S MISSION TO U.N.
The Armenian National Committee of New York is calling for a peaceful
demonstration this Saturday, noon to 3 pm, in front of the Permanent
Mission of the Republic of Armenia, 119 East 36th Street, New York
City, over concerns about the protocols that are scheduled to be
signed between Armenia and Turkey.
The ANC has stated its support for relationship between Turkey and
Armenia, however feels that the proposed protocols are "one-sided and
when adopted will compromise the truth of the Armenian Genocide,
undermine the right of the Armenian nation to a just resolution of
this crime, and threaten the very security and future viability of
Armenia."
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) is making transportation
arrangements from various points along the eastern United
States. Contact ce@ayf.org (mailto:ce@ayf.org) for information.
VICAR ATTENDS NEAR EAST FOUNDATION EVENT
The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, attended a reception and special exhibit
of the historical archives of the Near East Foundation last Saturday
at the Rockefeller Archive Center in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The
keynote speaker was John Marshall Evans, former United States
Ambassador to Armenia.
The Vicar with Ambassador and Mrs. John Evans. The Vicar with James
Allen Smith, Vice President of the Rockefeller Archive Center.
REGIONAL CONFERENCES SCHEDULED IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Two regional conferences for pastors, boards of trustees, and NRA
delegates have been scheduled this fall by the Prelate and the
Executive Council.
The Mid-West regional conference will be hosted by St. Sarkis Church,
Dearborn, Michigan, on Saturday, September 26.
The Mid-Atlantic regional conference will be hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 10. The
conferences that took place last year proved to be helpful and the
Executive Council is looking forward to building on the work
accomplished last year with the participation of all of the parishes.
LINKED IN WEEKEND
The 2009 Prelacy LINKED IN weekend is rapidly approaching. Young
adults will be gathering next weekend, September 25-27, at the Holy
Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts, as part of
the ongoing Year of the Youth activities.
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.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I INAUGURATES NEWLY RENOVATED SANATORIUM
His Holiness Aram I inaugurated the newly renovated section in the
main building of the Azounieh Sanatorium-Hospital, on September
11. The renovated section, comprising the community room and the
library, was dedicated to the late Zohrab Torikian, who was the
chairman of the board until his death and an ardent supporter of the
renovation project.
Azounieh Sanatorium, located in the mountainous region of Chouf, was
created when tuberculosis was taking many lives. Currently the
sanatorium also serves as a hospital and home for the aged. The
representative of the Minister of Health, who was among the many
guests, congratulated the church and its faithful donors for
responding to a real need in Lebanon. "You should be proud of your
work," he said. "You built Azounieh when the need was great and there
were not many sanatoriums. Now, you have renovated it to meet the
needs of the people today."
His Holiness thanked the donors and the staff for their devotion. He
noted that the Armenian Church expresses the greatest Christian
command of love through its deeds.
CATHOLICOS ARAM RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR
Michele Sison, the Ambassador of the United States to Lebanon, visited
His Holiness Aram I on September 11 in Antelias. After an overview of
the situation in the region and in Lebanon, His Holiness emphasized
the importance of strengthening national unity at this critical moment
in the life of the country.
The ambassador and His Holiness discussed the positive contributions
of Armenians to American society. They also discussed the spiritual
and educational activities of the Eastern and Western Prelacies and
their contribution to democratic ideals.
PRELACY WEB PAGE REDESIGNED
The Prelacy’s web page has a total new look. Take a look and let us
know what you think. During the coming months all of the text will be
revised, enhanced and expanded.
Our address is
VIGEN GUROIAN KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ST. VLADIMIR’S SEMINARY
Vigen Guroian, professor of Religious Studies in Orthodox Christianity
at the University of Virginia is the keynote speaker at St. Vladimir’s
Seminary on Saturday, October 3. Dr. Guroian is participating in the
Seminary’s Orthodox Education Day 2009 which is devoted to "God’s
green earth: Ecology and Theology." Dr. Guroian will speak at 1 pm on
the topic "Ecological blessings from the Garden." He has written two
books on this subject, Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening
and The Fragrance of God, both of which are available at the Prelacy’s
bookstore.
St. Vladimir’s is located at 575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, New York
10707-1659.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, September 17, are: Isaiah 2:1-16;
Hebrews 12:18-27; Matthew 21:12-17.
Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and
buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money
changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, "It
is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are
making it a den of robbers."
The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured
them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing
things that he did, and heard the children cry out in the temple,
"Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry and said to him, "Do
you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you
never read, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have
prepared praise for yourself?"
He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night
there. (Matthew 21:12-17)
For listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
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GORKY RETROSPECTIVE AT PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM
The Philadelphia Museum of Art will present a major traveling
retrospective celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Arshile
Gorky (1904-1948). The first comprehensive survey of the work of this
artist in nearly three decades, Arshile Gorky: A Retrospective will
premier at the Museum on October 21 and continue there until January
10, 2010. The exhibition will then travel to the Tate Modern, London
(Spring 2010) and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (Summer
2010). Photo: The Artist and His Mother, c. 1926-36, oil on canvas,
60 x 50 inches, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, Gift of
Julien Levy for Maro and Natasha Gorky in memory of their father.
Copyright 2009 Estate of Arshile Gorky / Artists Rights Society (ARS),
New York.
ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Monday, September 21, is the 18th anniversary of the independent
Republic of Armenia. Less than three years after the massive public
demonstrations in Yerevan calling for the return of Nagorno-Karabakh
and the devastating earthquake that shook Armenia (and in many ways
the Soviet Union), Armenia declared itself a free and independent
republic. It was a remarkable event for those of us who grew up
dreaming of a free and independent Armenia, and were never permitted
by our parents to doubt that it could and would happen one day.
On a personal level, for me the full impact registered six months
later when on March 2, 1992, I watched the red, blue and orange
tricolor flag raised at the United Nations.
O Lord, hearken the voice of the supplication of Your servants and
keep unshaken the Armenian Republic which was restored by Your
mercy. Increase the wisdom of all those ministers who are appointed
for the leadership of the Republic in order that they m ay lead Your
people with equity to justice. Those who respect wisdom will rule
forever. Grant abundantly the spirit of courageousness to our
generals and armies in order that their arrows straightly aim at their
targets. Plant in all of us the love of holiness, wisdom and good
sense, to know the wisdom and instruction and bring our part to the
observance of all laws that are useful for our nation. Pour into our
hearts the mercy of Your benevolence, in order that we may manifest
through good works our love towards our homeland. For if the words are
not accompanied with good works of virtue, according to the Proverbs,
the hearts of such people are like ashes, their hope aimless, and
their lives worse than clay. (From "Prayer of Thanksgiving for the
Republic of Armenia," written by Archbishop Torkom Koushagian, in
Cairo, Egypt in 1920).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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–Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Sunday
school opening and registration. The Sunday school will host a
fellowship for the entire parish following the Holy Badarak.
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.
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 16-17–Annual Fall Fair Bazaar, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 8 pm.
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 6-7–St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 53rd
annual bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at the ACEC, 47 Nichols Avenue,
Watertown. Delicious lamb, losh and chicken kebab, kheyma, kufta and
yalanchi. Meals
served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Armenian pastries, gourmet foods,
arts & crafts, auction, raffles, and more.
November 7–Christmas Holiday Craft Fair, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 4 pm.
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–Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts,
Fall Fest 2009, Friday, November 20, 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, November
21, 10 am to 5 pm. Armenian delicacies and dinners. For information
508-852-2414.
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)