November 19, 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:
ANNUAL ARMENIA FUND THANKSGIVING TELETHON; SPECIAL PLATE COLLECTIONS
AT PRELACY CHURCHES
This Sunday, as last Sunday, all of the parishes under the
jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy will offer a special plate
collection specifically for the annual Armenia Fund Thanksgiving
Telethon.
For the first time the telethon will focus on one placethe legendary
city of Shushi. Remember how overjoyed we were with the military
successes in Shushi in the battle for the liberation of Karabakh?
Well, now we need to express that joy in dollars as Shushi, devastated
through the war, desperately needs help. This is another war. This war
is against the crumbling infrastructure of Shushi, against the rampant
unemployment,against widespread poverty, and against the hopelessness
that has gripped the valiant inhabitants of Shushi.
Besides participating in the plate collection, donations can be made
at anytime before, during and after the Thanksgiving Day Telethon.
For complete information about broadcast schedule go to Armenia Funds
web site, (
4882/goto:
).
PRELAT E AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES ARE ATTENDING MEETINGS
IN ANTELIAS
Archbishop Oshagan is in Antelias, Lebanon, attending a series of
meetings with His Holiness Aram I and the Central Executive Council
and representatives from the three North American Prelacies (Eastern,
Western, Canadian). The meetings began yesterday, and continue today
and tomorrow.
Archbishop Oshagan is leading the Eastern Prelacys delegation which
includes Father Aram Stepanian, Jack Mardoian, Noubar Megerian, and
Raffi Ourlian. Also attending from the United States is Dr. Dertad
Manguikian who is a member of the Central Executive Council.
The meetings were recommended by the World General Assembly last
December with the understanding that regular consultations should take
place between the members of the Central Religious and Executive
Councils, and the dioceses, under the Presidency of His Holiness Aram
I. It was believed that these meetings would strengthen cooperation
and deepen reflection on challenging issues.
Photo: Catholicos Aram I with the representatives of the Eastern
Prelacy. From left to right, Jack Mardoian, Noubar Megerian, Raffi
Ourlian, His Holiness, Archbishop Oshagan, and Father Aram Stepanian.
VICAR HAS BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND IN NORTH ANDOVER
Last weekend Bishop Anoushavan, the Vicar General of the Prelacy, was
in North Andover where he presided over a number of events with the
parish of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts.
On Friday evening the Vicar conducted a Bible Study on Bible,
Theology and Art in the Armenian Divine Liturgy. On Saturday he
officiated at a wedding ceremony. On Sunday he celebrated the Divine
Liturgy and delivered the Sermon and presided over the parishs 39th
anniversary banquet.
During the banquet, Bishop Anoushavan presented Certificates of Merit
to John and Violet Dagdigian for their devoted service to St. Gregory
Church.
The Vicar expressed his appreciation for the fervent spirit of the
North Andover community as well as the impressive number of school
children enrolled in both Armenian and Sunday schools. There is always
a warm spirit of fellowship here, he told the congregation. It may be
a small community but the mission is huge, especially in view of the
tragic loss of your beloved pastor.
Even as the parish continues to cope with the loss, the members of
the parish continue their devoted service with even greater zeal. The
recent renovation of the church hall and the installation of a new
courtyard are tangible expressions of that commitment.
The anniversary dinner, which attracted more than 100 guests, was
also a celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Deacon and
Mrs. Ara and Ginny Shrestinian.
(Reported by Tom Vartabedian)
Bishop Anoushavan surrounded by the children of the parish following
the Divine Liturgy.
The Vicar and John Kulungian, board chairman, with honorees John and
Violet Dagdigian.
Ara and Ginny Shrestinian with family and friends celebrate their 50th
wedding anniversary.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM BEGINS
THIS MONDAY AT CATHEDRAL
The first of a new six-part Christian Education program begins this
Monday, November 23. Explore the basic elements of what Armenian
Christians believe through this program on The Creed
(Havadamk). Chanted or recited by countless Christians every Sunday
during the Soorp Badarak (Divine Liturgy), the Creed represents a
concise summary of biblical faith, formulated by the Church fathers of
the first two Ecumenical CouncilsNicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople
(381 AD)and endorsed by all the ancient churches.
The classes will take place at St. Illuminators Armenian Apostolic
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, twice a month, on the
2nd and 4th Mondays: November 23, December 14, 28, January 11, 25,
February 8. The program will begin at 7:15 pm with a presentation
(about 45 minutes) followed by QA and discussion (45 minutes).
The event is sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC) and St. Illuminators Cathedral. The sessions will be
conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, AREC Director.
The program is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For
registration and information: [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org) or 212-689-7810;
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or
212-689-5880.
ANEC DIRECTOR CONDUCTS SEMINAR
AT STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH IN RHODE ISLAND
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC), conducted a three-hour seminar on the Divine Liturgy
(Soorp Badarak) last Sunday for the Sunday School teachers and staff
members of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Providence, Rhode
Island.
Dn. Shant first provided some biblical background for understanding
worship, its basic elements, contents, vocabulary, images and symbolic
language. He then discussed the origin and history, as well as the
overall conventional structure of the Divine Liturgy. He then walked
the participants through the Liturgy, step-by-step, explaining its
prayers and hymns, along with its basic liturgical movements and
symbols. Resources were provided to the participants including a
detailed outline of the Liturgy cross-referenced to the Prelacys new
Divine Liturgy book and how to get more out of the Liturgy.
Communities wishing to sponsor similar seminars are encouraged to
contact the AREC office at the Prelacy (212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])).
Dn. Shant delivers Sermon during the Divine Liturgy.
A scene from the seminar.
BISHOP NAREG REPRESENTS CILICIAN SEE
AT MEETING IN LONDON
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, the Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of
Cilicia, attended the meeting of the Secretaries of Christian World
Communions (CWC) in Canterbury, London. The meeting was attended by
about 30 representatives of major Christian families.
In his report to the meeting, Bishop Nareg informed the participants
of the ecumenical endeavors of the Catholicosate, and the theological
dialogue between the three Oriental churches under the auspices of the
Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
While in Canterbury, Bishop Nareg met with the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, to whom he transmitted the greetings
of His Holiness Aram I. Bishop Nareg also met with Rev. Alyson Barrett
Cowan, Director of Ecumenical Relations of the Anglican Consultative
Council.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, November 19, are: Colossians
3:15-4:4; Luke 11:49-54.
Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, I will send them prophets and
apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute, that the blood of
all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be
required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of
Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I
tell you, it shall be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers!
For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter
yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.
As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to
press him hard, and to provoke him to speak of many things, laying in
wait for him, to reach at something he might say. (Luke 11:49-54)
For listing of this weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/dbr2009-11.pdf
).
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 22, is the first Sunday of Advent (from the
Latin adventus, meaning coming). Advent is a season of waiting for the
coming of Christ, which gives us reason to live in hope regardless of
the many challenges and vicissitudes facing us on many fronts. John
the Baptist is the greatest Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter 3,
and Luke, Chapter 3).
Advent is a solemn season for preparation for the mystery of the
Incarnation. Please remember that this time of the year, although
filled with great joy, can be lonely and sad for many people. Reach
out with a visit, a note, or a telephone call to an elderly person
living alone, someone who is ill, or someone who recently lost a loved
one. Thats what Christmas is all about!
HAMAZKAYIN OF NEW YORK PRESENTS
TRIBUTE TO HOLY TRANSLATORS TOMORROW
The Literary Committee of Hamazkayin of New York will present an
evening devoted to the Holy Translators, tomorrow, Friday, November
20, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York.
Speakers include Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York, who will speak about the Sacraments of
the Feast of the Holy Translators, and Aris Sevag, noted editor,
translator, and writer, who will speak about The Present State of
Translation Activity.
The event will also include biographical readings, as well as
recitations by the students of St. Illuminators and Holy Martyrs
Armenian Day Schools. For information: (
4882/goto:
).
CAFESJIAN ART CENTER FEATURED IN
NEW YORK TIMES TODAY
The new Cafesjian Center for the Arts which recently opened in
Yerevan, is the front-page feature story in the Arts section of todays
New York Times.
Housed in the soviet-era building known as the Cascade, built in a
steep hillside with outdoor steps linking gardens and galleries, and a
man-made waterfall, the Cascade was renovated by 84-year old Armenian
American, Gerald L. Cafejian.
If you would like to read the entire article, which is both
fascinating and sad, click here (
4882/goto: esign/19abroad.html
).
THIS WEEK AT THE BOOKSTORE
TWO COOKBOOKS BY ONE AUTHOR:
SIMPLY QUINCE
By Barbara Ghazarian
Who would have thought? A whole cookbook on the Quince! This newest
cookbook offering by Barbara Ghazarian is a winner. The Quince is
native to southwest Asia and especially the Caucasus region. A very
aromatic fruit, many cooks keep a bowl full in the kitchen just for
that reason. But, this cookbook with its 70 recipes shows that the
Quince is much more than a good aroma. Looking through the recipes
brought back childhood memories of a delicious lamb stew with
chickpeas and quince.
209 pages, soft cover, $21.95, plus shipping and handling.
An earlier book by the same author:
SIMPLY ARMENIAN: NATURALLY HEALTHY ETHNIC COOKING MADE EASY
By Barbara Ghazarian
This award-winning cookbook contains more than 150 recipes; many are
classic favorites but some are innovative, such as Green Onion and
Pine Nut Pizza. Critics describe this as a joy to read, and easy to
follow.
293 pages, soft cover, $17.95, plus shipping and handling.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE OR OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACYS WEB SITE, OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT [email protected] OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 20-21Holy 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, 22Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey)
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. Saturday night dancing with Onnik
Dinkjian; Sunday traditional kavourma dinner.
November 22St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Luncheon and Cultural Program, presented by the Cathedrals Ladies
Guild. $25 adults; $10 children. For reservations:
212-689-5880. Parking for $7.00 available at Kips Bay 27, 240 East
27th Street (between 2nd and 3rd avenues).
November 22Holiday Fair Luncheon, Chinese Auction and Bake Sale
presented by the Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th
Street, Douglaston, New York, at 1 pm. Adults $10; children under 12
$5.00. For information 718-224-2275.
December 4Special benefit concert for St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan, featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian at the Dearborn Performing
Arts Center.
December 5Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
annual bazaar. Come one, come all.
December 5Saint Gregory (North Andover, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild
Christmas Luncheon and Yankee Swap at the Phoenician at Michaels
Function Hall, Route 110 in Haverhill.
December 5Annual Christmas Bake Sale and Lunch at Cafe St. Paul,
St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm.
December 12Second Armenian Holiday Food Fair, St. Hagop Church, 4100
Newman Road, Racine, Wisconsin, noon to 5 pm. For information:
262-632-2033.
December 20St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Sunday School Christmas
Pageant.
December 31St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Seroonian Community
Center New Years Eve celebration.
December 31Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), New Years
Eve Dinner-Dance. Details to follow.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) 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:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])