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 29, 2010
REQUIEM SERVICE THIS SUNDAY
FOR BISHOP NSHAN TOPOUZIAN
All parishes of the Eastern Prelacy will offer a requiem service for
Bishop Nshan Topouzian, Prelate of the Aderbadagan diocese (Iran), who
went to his eternal rest on April 27, 2010, in Armenia. Bishop Nshan
was 44 years old.
Details of the extreme unction and burial services, which are
expected to take place in Tabriz, Iran, have not yet been finalized.
To read the special issue of Crossroads that was sent on
Tuesday click here (
4882/goto: 6c0dc670857a01d8680273b2320
).
95th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE IS MARKED WORLD WIDE
Commemorations of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide took
place throughout the world, even in Istanbul.
In New York the Eastern Prelacy together with eight other
religious and community organizations marked the occasion on Saturday
evening, April 24, with a solemn requiem service and program at
St. Illuminators Cathedral.
An overflow crowd listened in rapt attention to the keynote
address by the well-know educator, writer and translator, Professor
Peter Balakian. The program featured performances by Armenian youth of
various ages which gave the evening an atmosphere of hope and
optimism. The dramatic presentation, Voices of the Survivors, and the
Hamazkayin Arekag Choir elicited thunderous applause, as did the vocal
selections, Hayasdan and Hayrenkis Hed, by Vagharshak Ohanian.
The commemoration at Times Square, organized by the Knights of
Vartan, and co-sponsored by all Armenian religious and community
organizations, was moved indoors to Kavookjian Hall at St. Vartans
Cathedral, because of the rain. As in previous years, the event was
attended by thousands of Armenians from the metro New York area, as
well as from the Mid-Atlantic, and New England areas. Archbishop
Oshagan delivered the invocation on this occasion which brought
together many congressmen and city and state officials.
Earlier in the week, as reported in last weeks Crossroads,
Archbishop Oshagan delivered the opening prayer at the House of
Representatives in Washington, DC, where he met with many congressmen,
and attended and delivered the invocation at the commemoration
organized by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL VISIT RHODE ISLAND
This Sunday, May 2, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence,
Rhode Island.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND NEW JERSEY EVENT
Saturday evening, May 1, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a fundraising
event for Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. The event,
which is under the auspices of His Eminence, is hosted by Peter and
Sharon Najarian-Chipolone at their home in Old Tappan, New Jersey.
VICAR IS ATTENDING MEETINGS IN ANTELIAS
Bishop Anoushavan is in Antelias, Lebanon, where he is attending
meetings of the committee for canonizing the Armenian martyrs. The
meetings, with representatives from the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin
and the Holy See of Cilicia, began today, April 29 and will continue
to Monday, May 3.
MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
The Prelacy Ladies Guilds Mothers Day luncheon will take place on
Monday, May 10, at the New York Palace, 455 Madison Avenue, New York
City. Reception begins at 12 noon with luncheon at 1 pm.
Grace Keshgegian, a member of St. Gregorys Church in
Philadelphia, is being honored as the Prelacys Mother of the
Year. Grace is not only a faithful member of her local parish, but
well-known on a national level through her service as a delegate to
the National Representative Assembly, as well as her dedicated support
of other community organizations, most significantly the Armenian
Sisters Academy in Philadelphia.
For information about the Mothers Day luncheon contact the
Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
WILL CONVENE MAY 13-15 IN NEW YORK
The Eastern Prelacys National Representative Assembly (NRA) will
convene in New York beginning May 13 to May 15. It is being hosted by
the two New York parishes: St. Illuminators Cathedral and St. Sarkis
Church. It is the first time the NRA is being hosted jointly by two
parishes and it is the first time since 1962 that the NRA will take
place in New York. The overall theme of the NRA will focus on His
Holiness proclamation of 2010 as the Year of the Armenian Woman.
The Assemblys banquet is scheduled for Friday, May 14, at the
Crowne Plaza at LaGuardia Airport. The banquet is open to the public;
reservations can be made by contacting Dr. Louiza Kubikian at
516-445-3169.
For more information about the NRA click here (
4882/goto: /nra
).
YERETZGIN CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE DURING NRA
This year once again the Prelacy is sponsoring a conference for the
Yeretzgins. As in past years the conference will provide an
opportunity for the wives of our parish priests to meet with each
other to discuss issues of importance. The program will take place on
Thursday, May 13. The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will open the
program. The morning session will feature a presentation by Iris
Papazian on Women as Guardians of Armenian Family Values, and the
afternoon session will feature a presentation by Yn. Joanna Baghsarian
on Women as Christian
Educators Today. Throughout the day, periods of open discussion will
take place where the Yeretzgins can exchange and share their thoughts
and ideas.
On Friday morning, May 14, the group will go to the
Metropolitan Museum of Art where they will have a guided tour,
especially of the two Armenian khatchkars and other exhibits of
interest. They will have lunch at the museum before returning to the
hotel in Queens.
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: /departments/arec/datev-institute
).
BIBLE READING
Beginning April 12 and continuing through to Pentecost (May 23), in
addition to other readings portions of the four Gospels are read each
day: Luke is read in the morning; John is read at mid-day; Matthew is
read at the beginning of the evening hour; and Mark is read at the end
of the evening hour.
Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 29 are: Luke 8:1-21;
Acts 11:1-26; 1 Peter 3:10-22; John 4:24-42; Matthew 9:35-10:15; Mark
4:1-9.
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to
keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of
judgmentespecially those who indulge their flesh in depraved lust, and
who despise authority.
Bold and willful, they are not afraid to slander the glorious
ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not bring
against them a slanderous judgment from the Lord. These people,
however, are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born
to be caught and killed. They slander what they do not understand, and
when those creatures are destroyed, they also will be destroyed,
suffering the penalty for doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to
revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their
dissipation while they feast with you. They have eyes full of
adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have
hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! They have left the
straight road and have gone astray, following the road of Balaam son
of Bosot, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless
donkey spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophets madness.
These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for
them the deepest darkness has been reserved. For they speak bombastic
nonsense, and with licentious desires of the flesh they entice people
who have just escaped from those who live in error. They promise them
freedom, but they themselves are slaves to whatever masters them. For
if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again
entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for
them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to
have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn
back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them. It has
happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog turns back to
its own vomit, and, The sow is washed only to wallow in the mud. (2
Peter: 2:9-22)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/2010dbr-4.pdf
).
APPARITION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, May 2, the Armenian Church commemorates the Apparition of
the Cross (Yerevoumun Sourp Khatchi). The Apparition of the Holy Cross
is the third feast of the Holy Cross in the Armenian liturgical
calendar. It is celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Easter, in
remembrance of the appearance of the sign of the cross over the city
of Jerusalem in 351
A.D., which remained in the sky for about a week. The apparition,
which extended from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles),
was brighter than the sun and was seen by all of Jerusalem. This event
is celebrated by the Armenian and Greek churches. The Greeks observe
it on a fixed day (May 7), while the Armenian observation is moveable
depending on the date of Easter. It is celebrated on the fifth Sunday
of Easter, which is the fourth Sunday after Easter.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE CATHEDRAL
Women in the Bible , a five-part Bible study began yesterday and will
continue for the next four Wednesdays. The study spotlights some of
the female characters in the grand biblical story of
creation-fall-redemption-consummation.
Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC) and St. Illuminators Armenian Cathedral, the classes are held
at the Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New York City).
The classes begin at 7:15 pm with a presentation (45 minutes)
followed by Q and discussion (45 minutes), conducted by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian, Director of AREC.
The program is free and open to the public, though
registration is required. For registration or information, contact the
Cathedral office at 212-689-5880 or the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810
or at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
NEW WORK BY HERAND MARKARIAN
WILL BE FEATURED
A world premiere staged reading of Silence in a Circular Rainbow, a
new play by Herand Markarian will take place on three consecutive
days, April 30 (10 am), May 1 (2 pm), and May 2 (2 pm), at the James
L. Meader Little Theater, Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. It
is directed by David Baecker and features Lorraine Serabian. The
setting is the beginning of World War I and the systematic oppression
of the Armenians in Ottoman Turkey. For information (
4882/goto:
).
COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION IN RHODE ISLAND
A commemorative exhibition, The Armenian Geocide95 Years Later, in
Remembrance, opened on April 1 and will continue through April 30, in
Providence, Rhode Island. The exhibition was produced in collaboration
with the University of Rhode Island, and is on display at URI
Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery, 80 Washington Street,
Providence. The exhibition curator is Berge Ara Zobian, director of
Gallery Z in Providence. The exhibit features the works of more than
50 professional artists and over 100 works of school-age children, as
well as theatrical productions and lectures. For information:
[email protected]
(ma ilto:[email protected]).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE.
The Prelacy Bookstore has a nice selection of music CDs. Here are
three for your consideration:
ARMENIAN CHAMBER MUSIC
The Amici Chamber Ensemble
Featuring the music of Arno Babajanian, Serouj Kradjian, Parsegh
Ganatchian, Aram Khachaturian, and Alexander Arutiunian.
$18.00 plus shipping and handling
To hear a sample selection click here (
4882/goto: mble3Babadjanian.mp3
)
MAZMANIAN: FOLK SPIRIT
The musical Mazmanian familyGreg, Ida, Eddy, and Rosepresent a
dazzling collection of folk-inspired classics.
$12.00 plus shipping and handling
To hear a sample selection click here (
4882/goto: rMovSarer.mp3
)
SANDPLAY
Arpie Dadoyan
A selection of Armenian and French songs by this popular singer,
writer, comedian, and satirist are featured in her first vocal album.
$15.00 plus shipping and handling
To hear a sample selection click here (
4882/goto: diLseh.mp3
)
TO ORDER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL AT
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) OR BY
TELEPHONE AT 212-689-7810.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 1New 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 1Third Annual Silent Auction and Wine Tasting, Holy Trinity
Church, 635 Grove St., Worcester, Massachusetts, 7 pm to 10 pm. Join
us for hors doeurves, wine and a fun-filled night. General admission
$20; students $15. For information: 508-852-2414 or visit web site
(holytrinitysilentauction.vpweb.com
(mailto:a [email protected])), or send email to
[email protected]
(mailto:arm [email protected]).
May 2Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon sponsored by Ladies Guild of
St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 158
Main Street, North Andover.
May 5Second of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored b7y the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council
and St. Illuminators Cathedral.
May 10Mothers 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 12Third of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and
St. Illuminators Cathedral.
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
May 13-14NALG Annual Conference in conjunction with the NRA, Crowne
Plaza, LaGuardia Airport Hotel. For information Mary Derderian,
781-762-4253, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
May 19Fourth of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:15 pm. Sponsored by the
Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and St. Illuminators
Church.
May 22Divine Liturgy and annual banquet, presided by His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
May 2375th 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.
May 26Fifth and final Bible study on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and
St. Illuminators Cathedral.
June 12Food Festival sponsored by Ladies Guild of St. Gregory Church,
Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts.
June 25-July 424th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13 to 18, at St. Mary of Providence Center,
Elverson, Pennsylvania.
June 27St. Hagop (Racine) annual Madagh and Church Picnic at Johnsons
Park (Hwy 38) Racine, Wisconsin.
July 17A 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 15Annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts (12 noon to 5
pm). For information: 617-924-7562.
August 22Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
October 8-10The 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 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])