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:
April 1, 2010
EASTER
This Sunday, April 4, is Easter
Christendoms greatest holy day.
PRAISE THE LORD, O JERUSALEM
(Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder)
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Christ is risen from the dead, alleluia!
Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord, alleluia!
To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia!
To Him that enlightened the world, alleluia!
PRELATES EASTER MESSAGE
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan issued his Easter message to the
Faithful last week. With a theme taken from a sharagan, Through the
resurrection of Christ we also become worthy to enter into the
paradise of the Church, the Prelates message focuses on The
ChurchParadise.
The cradle and stage of faith is the Church, he states. The
Church heralds Christs miraculous resurrection and from the Church,
from the mystical body of Christ, the source of faith springs. The
Church, from its founding to today and forever will quench the thirst
of its faithful, like the life-giving water received from Christ.
Christ is always with us through the Church that He founded and
bequeathed to us, and which in the history of the Armenian people
became our citadel of worship, caring and loving mother, nourisher of
souls, refuge of life, and as affirmed by the writer of the sharagan,
paradise.
To read the Prelates entire message in Armenian click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/2010prelateseastermessage-arm.pdf
).
To read the Prelates entire message in English click here (
4882/goto: /news/press-releases/96-pr032310
).
PRELATES HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Archbishop Oshagans Holy Week schedule is as follows:
On Holy Thursday, April 1, His Eminence will perform the Washing of
the Feet ceremony and preside over the Vigil service (Khavaroom) at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.
On Holy Friday, April 2, His Eminence will celebrate the Order of the
Crucifixion at 12 noon, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.
On Holy Saturday, April 3, His Eminence will celebrate Easter Eve
services and Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
On Easter, Sunday, April 4, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York City.
VICARS HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Bishop Anoushavans Holy Week schedule is as follows:
On Holy Thursday, April 1, His Grace will attend the Washing of the
Feet and Vigil services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
On Holy Friday, April 2, His Grace will attend the Order of
Crucifixion at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City. In the
evening he will attend the Order of Burial at St. Stephens Church, New
Britain, Connecticut.
On Holy Saturday, April 3, His Grace will attend the Easter Eve
services and Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
On Easter, April 4, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Archbishop Oshagan presided over the conference for the Boards of
Trustees and delegates to the National Representative Assembly of
parishes in the New England area last Saturday. The all day conference
was hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Hagop Khatchadourian, chairman of the Executive Council
highlighted the objectives of the conference and several presentations
were
made before the beginning of four panels. The panels were: Sunday
School and Armenian School post-graduate youth involvement and
responsibilities; Support Small Parish Programs and Events; Ways and
Means to Attract New Families and Parishioners; Serving in the Spirit
of the By-Laws.
The Prelate and Executive Council extends thanks to Holy Trinity
Church, Rev. Fr. Khatchadour Boghossian, the Board of Trustees, and
the Ladies Guild for their warm hospitality.
Photo: Archbishop Oshagan with the regional conference participants.
VISIT TO HOVNANIAN SCHOOL
Yesterday morning, Wednesday, March 31, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop
Anoushavan visited the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New
Jersey. They were accompanied by the clergy of the metro area
parishes: Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
They met with the students, administration and faculty of the
School. The Prelate praised the students and expressed his
appreciation for the Hovnanian Schools great achievements in the
education of Armenian students from an early age through to the 8th
grade. He praised the administration and the parents for their
devotion to the School and prayed for their continued success and even
greater achievements.
Photos: The clergy visit the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New
Jersey.
VISIT TO THE ARMENIAN HOME
Following their visit to the Hovnanian School, the clergy visited the
Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey, where they visited with the
senior residents and administration. They enjoyed a delicious lunch
together. The Prelate praised the leaders and supporters of the
Armenian Home describing their role as caretakers of elders as a noble
endeavor. He expressed his sincere wishes for the future success of
the Home as it keeps pace with the needs of the community.
Photos: The clergy visit the senior residents and administrators of
the Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for
youth ages 13-18, is scheduled to take place at the St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 25-July 4,
2010. The program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For more information click here (
4882/goto:
).
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA
On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
Eastern Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute is organizing a
pilgrimage to Syria and Lebanon, from August 2 to August 16. For more
information click here (
4882/goto: /component/content/article/95-pilgrimage
).
95th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE
Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
organized by the
Eastern Prelacy with the participation of community organizations
will take place on Saturday,
April 24, 7 pm, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street,
New York City. Keynote speaker Professor Peter Balakian.
VIGEN GUROIAN IN CHRISTIAN CENTURY
The latest edition of Christian Century (March 23, 2010), features an
article by Vigen Guroian, a professor at the University of
Virginia. The article, which is adapted from Dr. Guroians latest book,
The Melody of Faith, published by Eerdmans and scheduled to be
released this month, is entitled The Meaning of Holy Saturday:
Descended into Hell. Through Orthodox liturgy, iconography and
theology he shows the significance of Holy Saturday and suggests that
Holy Saturday may be the most significant of the three days of
Easter. On Holy Saturday, the Lord of Light and Life descends, this
time not from heaven to earth but from earth into the place of
shadows, into the pit of death. There he overcomes darkness with his
uncreated life; overcomes corruptible death with his immortal life.
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for today, Great Thursday, April 1 are as follows:
Morning : John 12:27-43. Office of Penitents: Isaiah 60:20-22; Ezekiel
36:24-31; Hebrews 10:19-31; Luke 7:36-50. Holy Eucharist: Genesis
22:1-18; Isaiah 61:1-7; Acts 1:15-26; Mark 14: 1-26; 1 Corinthians
11:23-32; Matthew 26:17-30. Washing of the Feet: Exodus 30:17-21; 1
Kings 7:38-40; 2 Chronicles 4:2-6; Isaiah 44:2-6; 1 Corinthians
10:1-4; 1 John 4:7-21; John 13:1-11; John 13:12-15. Passion: John
13:16-18:1; John 18:28-19:16.
Now my soul is troubled. And what should I sayFather, save me
from this hour? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this
hour. Father, glorify your name. Then a voice came from heaven, I have
glorified it, and I will glorify it again. The crowd standing there
heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, An angel has
spoken to him. Jesus answered, This voice has come for your sake, not
for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this
world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth,
will draw all people to myself. He said this to indicate the kind of
death he was to die. The crowd answered him, We have heard from the
law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you8 say that the Son of
Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man? Jesus said to them, The
light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light,
so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the
darkness, you do no!
t know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the
light, so that you may become children of light.
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from
them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they
did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word spoken by the
prophet Isaiah:
Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of
the Lord been revealed? And so they could not believe, because Isaiah
also said:
He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that
they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart
and turnand I would heal them.
Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about
him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But
because of the Pharisees they did not confess it; for fear that they
would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more
than the glory that comes from God. (John 12: 27-43)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/2010dbr-4.pdf
).
ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
Next Wednesday, April 7, is the Feast of the Annunciation of the
Virgin Mary (Avedoumn Sourp Asdvadzini), which is commemorated nine
months before Christmas on the seventh of April in the Armenian
Liturgical calendar. It is the celebration of the announcement of the
forthcoming birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary as recorded in the
Gospel of Luke. This year this feast day comes after Easter, but it
generally falls during the Lenten season and when it does the altar
curtain is opened on this day for the celebration of the Divine
Liturgy.
One of the Gospel readings on this day (Luke 1:26-38)
demonstrates Marys faithful response and willingness to say yes to God
and fulfill all prophecies by bearing the Son of God. Mary is greeted
with an exalted salutation by the angel Gabriel because in her destiny
to be the mother of Christ, she is the most blessed woman of all
time. This episode is recorded only in Lukes account of the birth of
our Lord.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
In keeping with the tradition of the Armenian Church, the day
following each of the five major feast days is Memorial Day, or
Remembrance of the Dead. On this day the faithful visit the graves of
their loved ones to give them the good news of the Resurrection.
Krisdos haryav ee merelots
Orhnyal eh harootyoonn krisdosi
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 3 Easter Eve Salmon Dinner at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York. Immediately following Easter eve services. Donation: $25. For
reservations or information: 718-224-2275.
April 11 ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway,
Bayside, New York, 4 pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under
12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
April 17 St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts,
presents jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm,
church hall. $35 per person. Contact hyejazzeve@gmail.com
(mailto:hyejazzeve@gmail.com) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
781-209-1915. Reservations only.
April 17 Ladies Guild New England Regional Seminar hosted
Sts. Vartanantz Church (Providence) Ladies Guild and the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 9 am. Guest speaker: Shakay
Kizirian. Topic: Survival (A Womans Story). For information: Joyce
Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 or sweetano6@aol.com.
April 18 ARS 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).
April 18 Health Expo 2010, To Your Health, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65
234th St., Douglaston, New York, 1 pm to 6 pm. Free tests, counseling,
information on medical conditions, mini-lectures on current health
issues. For information: Dr. Arthur Kubikian 718-786-3842.
April 24 Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, organized by the Eastern Prelacy with the participation of
community organizations, 7 pm at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York
City. Keynote speaker: Professor Peter Balakian.
May 1 New York State Theatre Institute presents Silence in a Circular
Rainbow, a staged reading of a play by Herand Markarian at the James
L. Meader Little Theatre, Troy, New York. For information about bus
transportation: Sonia 917-679-6992; Anahid 917-751-4916; Rita
347-991-4759.
May 10 Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, New
York Palace, 455 Madison Avenue, New York City. Reception at 12 noon;
lunch at 1 pm.
May 13 to 16 National Representative Assembly hosted by St.
Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
May 13-14 NALG Annual Conference in conjunction with the NRA, Crowne
Plaza, LaGuardia Airport Hotel. For information Mary Derderian,
781-762-4253, hyeguin@yahoo.com (mailto:hyeguin@yahoo.com).
May 22 Divine Liturgy and annual banquet, presided by His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
May 23 75th Anniversary celebration of Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Worcester. For information: 508-852-2414.
June 25-July 4 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13 to 18, at St. Mary of Providence Center,
Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 17 A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island,
at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Cranston,
Rhode Island. For tickets and information: Joyce Bagdasarian
(401-434-4467) or Joyce Yeremian. (401-354-8770).
August 22 Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
October 8-10 The Eastern Prelacys Linked In workshop weekend for young
adults at Holy Virgin Marys Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts.
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@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)