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:
January 28, 2010
CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE COMMISSION MEETING
IN ANTELIAS
Archbishop Oshagan is in Antelias, Lebanon, where he is
participating in the Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between
the Roman Catholic and Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Commission is
discussing the role of the Ecumenical Councils in the Early
Church. This seventh plenary meeting of the Commission is taking place
at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias at the
invitation of His Holiness Aram I. Delegates appointed by the Holy See
of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia are representing the
Armenian Church. Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Nareg Alemezian,
Ecumenical Officer of the Cilician See, are representatives of the
Holy See of Cilicia.
Yesterday the representatives of the Commission visited the
President of Lebanon, Michel Suleiman. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
introduced the delegation to the President and explained the purpose
of the Commission and the importance of its work in promoting
ecumenical relations. The President welcomed the guests and then
briefly spoke about the current political situation in Lebanon and the
region.
The meetings, which began on Tuesday, January 26, will
conclude this Sunday, January 31. During the closing Liturgy at the
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, His Excellency Walter
Cardinal Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity will give the sermon.
EXCERPTS OF ENCYCLICAL WILL BE READ
IN PRELACY PARISHES THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, January 31, all parishes of the Eastern Prelacy will read
excerpts from the encyclical issued by His Holiness Aram I, declaring
2010 the Year of the Armenian Woman.
In his encyclical, His Holiness refers to biblical,
historical and contemporary reflections that make it imperative to
reassess the role of women and men in society. According to the Bible,
he writes, God created men and women in His image, (Genesis 1:26);
therefore, he explains, women and men are equal in the eyes of God,
and partners in caring for the created world. His Holiness further
notes that in the New Testament, the New Eve,Mary the Mother of
Godplays an important role in the history of salvation.
Delving into Armenian history, His Holiness writes about
many women who contributed to the survival of the nation and to its
spiritual and cultural renaissance by assuming political
responsibilities through martyrdom and sainthood, as writers,
educators, social workers, and mothers.
In the encyclical His Holiness reflects on important events
and documents of the United Nations and the Ecumenical Movement. He
cites the achievements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the UN Decade for Women, and international conferences since 1976 and
the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
(CEDAW), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979. Speaking of the
Ecumenical Movement he mentions the Ecumenical Decade of the Churches
in Solidarity with Women 1988-1998, which deplored violence against
women at home and in society, and the Decade to Overcome Violence.
The Catholicos calls upon all Armenians to reconsider the
nature of the partnership of women and men in the Armenian community,
its organizations and the family, in view of the moral values taught
by the Church and internationally endorsed documents.
To read the encyclical in Armenian click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010pontificalmessagearm.pdf
).
To read the encyclical in English click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010pontificalmessageeng.pdf
).
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN ATTENDS
ECUMENICAL PRAYER MEETING
Bishop Anoushavan attended an ecumenical prayer service presided by
Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan, the Archbishop of New York at the
Catholic Archdiocese on Monday, January 25. The service was part of
the events for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN ATTENDS
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR OHANESS BARSAMIAN
On Tuesday, January 26, Bishop Anoushavan attended the funeral
services for Dirahayr Ohaness Barsamian, father of His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church (Eastern), at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City.
Bishop Anoushavan conveyed heartfelt condolences to
Archbishop Barsamian on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan.
VICAR ATTENDS FUNERAL OF ALAN CALLIAN
Bishop Anoushavan presided at the funeral of Alan Callian yesterday,
January 27, at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Mr. Callian,
along with his late brother Vernon, was an active supporter and
participant of the Prelacy especially in its formative years. The
Vicar expressed sympathy on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan and the
entire Prelacy family.
VICAR VISITS SENIORS OF ST. SARKIS
On Wednesday afternoon Bishop Anoushavan visited with the seniors of
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, in celebration of the churchs
name day.
VICAR AT ST. SARKIS DAY SERVICE
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over
name-day celebration this Sunday, January 31, at St. Sarkis Church in
Douglaston, New York. A requiem service will take place for the
parishs former priest, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian. A luncheon and
cultural program will follow.
LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 17
The Prelacys Lenten lectures series will focus on the Year of the
Armenian Woman theme. The first lecture will take place on Wednesday,
February 17 and will continue for the next five Wednesdays of Great
Lent. The lectures, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, will
take place at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York
City.
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 Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the
St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild.
For information about the topics and presenters click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010lentenprogram.pdf
).
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
There are no Bible readings for today, Thursday, January 28. Today is
the final day of the four-day period when there are no Bible readings
in the Armenian liturgical calendar. These four days coincide with the
Fast of the Catechumens, which began on Monday. This is traditionally
a time for reflection and repentance, and a time for the clergy and
laity to witness their faith to the unbaptized. The fast (dzom, which
means total abstinence) leads to the Armenian Churchs remembrance of
the Prophet Jonah. Jonahs entombment in the belly of the whale
represents the three day burial of Jesus and Jonahs release represents
the resurrection of our Lord.
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010dbr-1.pdf
).
THE PROPHET JONAH
On the fifth day of the Fast of the Catechumens (Friday, January 29),
the Armenian Church commemorates the Prophet Jonah, one of the twelve
minor prophets. The Minor Prophets are not less important than those
known as major prophets, but their books in the Bible are shorter. All
of the Minor Prophets were servants of God who proclaimed His will to
people in need of repentance.
The story of Jonah and the Whale is one of the better known
stories in the Old Testament. Just as the Ninevites fasted and
repented from their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during
this preliminary fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most
penitential season of the year.
During the three days and three nights that Jonah was in the
belly of the whale he composed a prayer of thanksgiving (see Jonah
2:1-10).
You sent Jonah to preach to the great city of Nineveh declaring
thereby your generous love for mankind; accept my repentance also.
He came forth from the whale alive, preserved by you in your
three-day burial as a pre-figuration of your burial and resurrection;
save me also dead in sins.
You hear the voice of prayer of the countless twenty thousand
and innocent children you who forgive, compassionate and long
suffering, hear now me also who call out to you.
(From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church)
ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, January 30, the Armenian Church remembers St. Sarkis
the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful soldiers. It is a
moveable feast that can occur between January 11 and February 15. It
follows the five-day Fast of the Catechumens. Although the Fast is not
connected to St. Sarkis, it has come to be associated with this saint
who enjoys a special popularity for Armenians.
Sarkis lived during the fourth century and was from
Cappadocia in Asia Minor. He rose through the military ranks because
of his valiant campaign on behalf of the Emperor Constantine. With the
accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took refuge in Armenia with his
son. Later they went to Persia to join the Persian army in fighting
Julian. Both fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader
(Shapur II) tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith
and embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and father and son were
martyred. Fourteen loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the
bodies were also killed. Eventually, Christians secured the remains
and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth century
when Mesrob Mashtots had them moved to the city of Karpi in the area
of Vaspurakan in Armenia. A monastery was built over the site of the
grave.
There are many Armenian churches named in honor of this
popular saint, including in Yerevan (Armenia), Bourj Hammoud
(Lebanon), and Tehran (Iran). Within our Eastern Prelacy we have two
churches named St. Sarkis, in Dearborn, Michigan and Douglaston, New
York.
ST. ADOM AND GENERALS;
ST. SOUKIAS AND MARTYRS
On Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 2, respectively, the
Armenian Church remembers Sts. Adom and Generals and Sts. Soukias and
Martyrs.
The armies of Armenian soldiers were led by Adom Knooni and
Manajihr Rshdooni in the fifth century, before the battle of
Avarayr. They were ordered by their Persian commanders to leave
Armenia and proceed to one of the most distant outposts of the empire
for the purpose of keeping the Armenian soldiers far away from Armenia
and thus prevent them from defending the Armenians. The commanders
recognized the Persian plot and returned to Armenia with their
armies. They were pursued, captured and martyred by the Persian
forces.
St. Soukias and Martyrs, known as the Holy Sookiasians, were
members of the Royal Court who were converted and baptized by the
Voskyan priests. They lived in isolation at Mount Sougaved. When they
refused to return to court and worship the pagan gods, they were
martyred.
ANNUAL GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
The annual clergy gathering on the occasion of the Feast of
St. Ghevont and Priests, will take place at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, February 8-11. The
Feast of Ghevontiantz is celebrated each year preceding the Vartanantz
Feast.
For the agenda of the clergy conference (in Armenian) click
here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010ghevontyantzprogram.pdf
).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Woman, during the next
several weeks we will feature books by or about Armenian women. All
are available for purchase at the Prelacy
Bookstore.
A History of Armenian Womens Writing, 1880-1922
By Victoria Rowe
This book explores the work of six renowned Armenian women writers:
Srpouhi Dussap, Sibyl, Mariam Khatisian, Marie Beylerian, Shushanik
Kurghinian, and Zabel Yessayian. It focuses on the contributions of
these authors to issues of their time. The book provides biographical
information on each writer and the cultural institutions that helped
Armenian women become a part of the literary and intellectual scene
dominated by men.
296 pages, soft cover
$28.00 plus shipping and handling.
Episodes of My Life
By Ania Kayaloff
Ania Kayaloff was a constant presence in the New York Armenian
community up until her death. She was a devoted member of
St. Illuminators Cathedral and was an early advocate for the
Cathedrals renovation. This short but captivating memoir of her life
is fascinating. In a little over 100 pages the book is packed with
exciting insights into her early life and her life with her husband
Jacques.
120 pages, soft cover
$10.00 plus shipping and handling
The Role of Armenian Women in the
Armenian Revolutionary Movement
By Sona Zeitlian
This book provides a wealth of information about the Armenian Women
who participated in the Armenian Revolutionary Movement. Written in
Armenian, it provides the recognition that is deserved to women who
would otherwise be forgotten.
224 pages, soft cover
$12.00 plus shipping and handling
Orphan in the Sands
By Virginia Haroutunian
This memoir chronicles the authors life as well as her parents lives,
especially her mother, who repressed the horrible memories of the
genocide. It wasnt until those memories could be expressed that the
author herself was liberated from her own demons.
192 pages, soft cover
$15.00, plus shipping and handling
TO ORDER THESE BOOKS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.
PLEASE DONT FORGET HAITIThe human suffering is enormous. Donations
will be needed for a long time. Please send your check payable to the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America, to the Prelacy at 138 E. 39th
Street, New York, New York 10016.You may also make your donation by
credit card through our secure web page. Go to
(
9509342/2530470/90914563/24882/goto: enianprelacy.org/index.php/departments/donate-now
) and click on donate now. Fill out the form and select Haiti relief
in the designation menu.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 31Saint Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York, and special
requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian. Luncheon
and special cultural program following church services. Special guest:
His Excellency Garen Nazarian, representative of the Republic of
Armenia to the United Nations. Donation $40. For reservations:
718-224-2275.
February 6St. Stephens (Watertown, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild, Mardi
Gras celebration, 7 pm at church hallo. Costumes optional; masks a
must. For information: Mary Derderian, [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
February 8-10Annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, hosted by
St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
February 11Presentation of Kir Gyanki, by Rev. Fr. Khoren Habeshian,
organized by St. Illuminators Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York,
under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, at the Armenian Center
in Woodside, New York, 8:05 pm. Vartan Matiosian will present the
recently published book.
February 11Vartanantz Day Divine Liturgy and celebration at
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, New
Jersey. Celebrant, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Luncheon (adults $20;
children $10) and special cultural program following church services.
February 17First Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. General introduction by
Archbishop Oshagan. Women Witnesses of Christ in the Armenian Church,
presented by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral.
February 24Second Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Guardians of
Armenian Family Values, presented by Mrs. Iris Papazian.
February 28 and March 7General Membership meetings of Soorp
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 3Third Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Mothers and Wives,
presented by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
Church (NJ).
March 7Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Blvd., Ridgefield, New Jersey.
March 10Fourth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. St. Mary, Paradigm of Discipleship and
Holiness, presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church (NY).
March 14Ladies Guild annual Lenten Luncheon following church services,
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 17Fifth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Church, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Charity Workers, presented by
Mrs. Valentine Berberian.
March 21Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie Aroyan,
soprano.
March 24Sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Christian
Educators Today, by Yeretzgin Joanna Baghsarian.
April 11ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
Armenian Society, 39-03 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY, 3
pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under 12. Contact Sonia,
917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
April 18ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to benefit
Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins 1
pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
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])