PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: chrisz@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
March 15, 2010
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HOLY WEEK AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL WILL BE OBSERVED MARCH 28 THROUGH
APRIL 4, EASTER SUNDAY
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will observe Holy Week, March 28 through
April 4, with a series of special services, culminating in the Easter
Sunday celebration on April 4, 2010.
Holy Week is the sacred commemoration of the dramatic events leading
to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, His victory over death and the
redemption of humanity and the fallen world. The Armenian Church
re-enacts these episodes in the days leading up to Easter. What
follows is a brief schedule of Holy Week events:
PALM SUNDAY–the commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into
Jerusalem–falls on March 28. Fr. Mardiros Chevian (dean of
St. Vartan Cathedral) will be the celebrant for the services, which
will begin with a Morning Service at 9:30 a.m., and will continue with
the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. The Turun-patzek or `Door-Opening’
Service will be held after the Divine
Liturgy.
The cathedral is also holding a special Children’s Day on Palm Sunday,
which begins at 10:00 a.m. in Guild Hall of the Diocesan Center.
Children will learn about Armenian faith and culture, do seasonal
crafts, and participate in the badarak. The Children’s Day will end
with lunch for the participants. (To register for the Palm Sunday
Children’s Day at St. Vartan Cathedral, call (212) 686-0710,
ext. 141.)
April 1 is GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY, and the day’s services
memori-alize the Last Supper, Jesus’ vigil in the Garden of
Gethsemane, His arrest and trial. Two separate services will be
celebrated on this day. In the morning, the Divine Liturgy, beginning
at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a luncheon.
In the evening, the `Washing of the Feet’ ceremony will start at 7:00
p.m., with the Khavaroom or Vigil Service following at 8:30 p.m.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese, will officiate.
During the Washing of Feet ceremony, twelve individuals will serve as
surrogates for the apostles. This year, in recognition of the
Diocese’s `Year of Vocations, the twelve will be selected from the
ordained clergy, including priests and deacons.
The crucifixion and death of Christ will be observed on April 2–GREAT
AND HOLY FRIDAY–and again two services will occur. The Order of the
Cruci-fixion of Christ will begin at 12:00 noon. This will be a short
service enabling working people in Manhattan to attend, and it will be
followed by a luncheon in the Diocesan Complex’s Yerevan Room.
That same evening, at 7:30 p.m., the Order of the Entombment of the
Lord, or Taghoom Service, will take place.
On GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY, April 3, the Divine Liturgy will be
preceded by a scripture-reading ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Easter Eve
Liturgy will begin at 7:00 p.m., celebrated by Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian. The St. Vartan Cathedral Adult and Youth Choir, under the
direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, will sing the liturgy. (The
St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir is made up of students from the
Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum, and Diocesan Armenian Saturday schools of
New York and New Jersey.) Students of the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum
will also provide the Scripture readings. A reception will follow the
services.
The drama of Holy Week will culminate on EASTER SUNDAY, April 4.
Easter is the central holy day of the Christian calendar, and
commemorates the discovery of Christ’s empty tomb and the news of His
glorious Resur-rection. Matins will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Divine
Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, will celebrate the
liturgy and deliver the homily. The St. Vartan Cathedral Choirs will
sing the Divine Liturgy under the direction of Maestro Khoren
Mekanejian. Florence Avakian will accompany on the organ.
Immediately following the service, the traditional Antasdan ceremony,
or `Blessing of the Fields,’ will be conducted on the cathedral plaza.
This will be followed by the release of doves ceremony on the
cathedral plaza, where Mr. Hratch Toufayan, of New Jersey, will serve
as `godfather.’
Please note that an Easter reception and program will follow the
services, in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The reception will
include a home-blessing service, and the recognition of the various
names associated with the holiday. The reception is free and open to
the public.
For information on these observances, call the Diocese of the Armenian
Church at (212) 686-0710. St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at
630 Second Avenue (corner of 34th Street) in New York City.
–3/8/10