PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

April 6, 2010

____________________________________________

EASTER WELCOMED AT NEW YORK’S ST. VARTAN ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL WITH HUGE CROWD
OF WORSHIPPERS

A stormy winter, trailed by a rainy March, gave way to a sunny spring day,
as hundreds gathered at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Easter
Sunday. It was the kind of sunlight that brought out the warm pinks on the
cathedral’s granite block plaza and gently stole into the narthex where it
was hushed like a child by the somber interior of the church.

Inside, the faithful shared the joy of the Resurrection, but were reminded,
too, of the story’s darker beginning, marked "with the suffering of an
innocent person" and the sacrifice borne to "expose the evils of the world,
while illuminating the power of God."

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily
at St. Vartan Cathedral on April 4.

More than 1,800 people participated in services, with some 6,000 candles-a
record number-lit throughout the day. Upon entering the church, many paused
to offer a prayer before passing into the pews; others stood at the back
when the seats had become scarce, or spilled out onto the plaza, where audio
speakers broadcast what was happening inside the cathedral.

With the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide approaching, the Primate
spoke about God’s love and the way "Christ showed this love for the most
humble people." He said that the experience of Genocide survivors "is part
of the greater story of Easter: the miracle that conquered death with life,
and conquered falsehood with truth."

"We all have family members and loves ones who endured suffering, but who
emerged to stand as a light of truth, for us and for the world," Archbishop
Barsamian said.

He reflected on the difficulty of parting with a generation of survivors who
built a future in a new country without losing the ancient faith of their
forefathers. The passing of Archbishop Barsamian’s own father earlier this
year-a man born during the Genocide-was a personal sign "that life will be
different from now on," the Primate said.

"Indeed, life will be different for our entire community without the
presence of our beautiful elder generation among us," Archbishop Barsamian
said.

"Just as clearly, we need to understand the duty that now falls on us, as
their proud descendants.As Armenians and as Christians, we must let our good
works shine before the world, so that the example of our people-living,
departed, and yet to be born-will always be a Light of Truth, to glorify
God."

Flight of doves

After the Divine Liturgy, the Primate led a procession to the cathedral
plaza, where 12 doves were released, symbolizing the dispatching of the 12
apostles.

Hratch Toufayan, a member of St. Mary Church of Livingston, N.J., who is
actively involved in the Armenian Church on the parish, Diocesan, and global
levels, was the godfather of the "Release of Doves" ceremony.

Most recently, Mr. Toufayan, and his wife Suzanne, have been supporting the
construction of Sourp Haroutiun Armenian Church of Orlando, FL, which will
be consecrated in June. At the Diocesan Assembly in Chicago, IL, this year,
Mr. Toufayan will receive the "Armenian of the Year" award.

Also taking part in the "Release of Doves" ceremony was Ambassador Garen
Nazarian, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and his family.

A reception followed in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Hall, where Archbishop
Barsamian officiated at a home-blessing service. The faithful received
nshkhars, or blessed communion bread, to take home.

The St. Vartan Cathedral Choir sang the Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday
under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. Florence Avakian
accompanied on the organ. The cathedral remained open until 6 p.m. on Easter
Sunday, welcoming worshippers throughout the afternoon and early evening.

Vocations theme part of "Washing of Feet" service

Similar celebrations were underway at parishes across the Diocese. Easter
was preceded by Holy Week, which commemorates the dramatic events leading to
the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At St. Vartan Cathedral on Palm Sunday, March 28, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, cathedral dean, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and conducted the
Turun-Patzek or "Door Opening" Service.

At the conclusion of services, the faithful walked from the cathedral plaza
to the western entrance of the building, carrying palms in commemoration of
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Also on Palm Sunday, a special Children’s Day was held at the Diocesan
Center, where young Armenians had the opportunity to learn about their faith
and culture, do seasonal crafts, participate in the badarak, and enjoy lunch
together.

On April 1, Great and Holy Thursday, Fr. Chevian celebrated the Divine
Liturgy in the morning. In the evening, Archbishop Barsamian officiated at
the "Washing of the Feet" ceremony, which commemorates Christ washing the
feet of the apostles after the Last Supper.

In recognition of the Diocese’s "Year of Vocations," ranks of
clergy-Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, several priests, and deacons and
seminarians-served as surrogates for the apostles. The "Washing of the Feet"
ceremony was followed by a Khavaroom or Vigil Service.

The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Order of the Entombment of
the Lord (or Taghoom Service) were commemorated with services on Great and
Holy Friday, April 2.

On Easter Eve, Saturday, April 2, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian celebrated
the Divine Liturgy. Students from the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum read
scriptures and sang in the choir along with students of local Diocesan
Armenian Saturday schools.

###

Photos attached.

Photo 1: Worshippers kiss the cross during the procession on Easter Sunday
at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

Photo 2: More than 1,800 people participated in services at St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral on Easter Sunday. (Photo by Dn. Levon Altian.)

Photo 3: In his sermon, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian said that the experience
of Armenian Genocide survivors "is part of the greater story of Easter."

Photo 4: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Hratch Toufayan prepare to release
doves following the Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday. Mr. Toufayan and his
wife Suzanne are actively involved in the Armenian Church on the parish,
Diocesan, and global levels.

Photo 5: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian looks on as Hratch Toufayan, surrounded
by family members, releases a dove on the cathedral plaza. The "Release of
Doves" ceremony symbolizes the dispatching of the 12 apostles.