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:
May 19, 2011
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY CONVENES IN PHILADELPHIA;
HISTORY IS MADE WITH FIRST FEMALE CO-CHAIR
The Eastern Prelacys National Representative Assembly (NRA) concluded
last week, May 12 to 14, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. St. Gregorys new Founders Hall, which was
the setting for the meetings, provided a comfortable and impressive
environment for the Prelacys annual assembly. The co-chairmen elected
were Jack Mardoian, Esq. (Chicago) and Nayiri Baljian Bell
(Watertown), the first female NRA chair to be elected. Janet Haroian
(Granite City) was elected English secretary and Rev. Fr. Karekin
Bedourian (Granite City) was elected Armenian secretary. Concurrent
with the NRA the National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) met.
The first session of the NRA began with an opening prayer offered by
the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The morning session was
devoted to messages, including the welcoming words of Archpriest
Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of the host parish, and William Arthin,
chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Delegates and guests viewed a video message by His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, who wished the Assembly
success in its deliberations and plans for the upcoming year. Click
here (
) to view the video message.
Archbishop Oshagan delivered his keynote address during the afternoon
session on Thursday. His Eminences message, delivered in Armenian
with English text available, focused on service and faithfulness. He
began his comments by acknowledging the advancements made by a number
of parishes during the past year. Click to read the Prelates message
in Armenian (
) or English (
).
The following panels met during the Assembly and later reported to the
full Assembly: Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC); Armenian
National Education Committee (ANEC); Technology; Audit and Budget;
Board of Trustees Workshop.
The extensive reports presented by the Religious and Executive
Councils were examined and discussed. Considerable time was spent on
budgetary considerations, and the Prelacy Building Project.
Friday evenings banquet was well attended by delegates and the local
community. Stephen Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council served
as the MC. During the evening a number of local parishioners were
honored for their outstanding service and leadership, including the
following: Certificates of Merit were presented to Kirk Karagelian,
Noubar Yeremian and the Founders Hall Construction Committee (Bill
Arthin, Richard Keshgegian, Hagop Keshishian, Haroutiun Aghajanian,
Arthur Selverian, and Jeffrey Selverian). Youth Leadership Awards were
presented to Mariam Sarkessian and Taleen Yeremian. In a special
presentation, Archbishop Oshagan presented the Eagle of the Prelacy
(the highest award given by the Prelacy) to Stephen Selverian in
appreciation for his leadership of the parishs recent construction
project which includes Founders Hall, classrooms for Sunday and
Armenian school and meeting rooms, expanded state-of-the-art kitchen,
renovation of Terhanian !
Hall, new rest facilities, and storage areas. Spirit of Armenia Award
was presented to Congressman Chris Smith (D-NJ) in appreciation of his
ongoing support of issues of interest for the Armenian American
community.
The final session on Saturday morning was devoted to the election of
Executive Council members, the budget, and the Prelacy Building
Project. Earlier two members of the Religious Council were elected:
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian (re-elected,Whitinsville), and
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian (New York). Re-Elected to the Executive
Council were Raffi Manjikian (Boston), and John Daghlian (Boston).
Elected to the Council were Noubar Megerian (Philadelphia), and Armen
Kourkounian (North Andover).
Clergy and lay delegates in front of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church.
The 2010-2011 Executive Council.
Archbishop Oshagan with the NALG,
PRELATE WILL BE AT ST. SARKIS ON SUNDAY MORNING;
AND ATTEND 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ILLUMINATORS IN EVENING
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York, this Sunday, May 22. The parishs priest,
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, will celebrate the Liturgy.
In the evening the Prelate will preside over the 95th anniversary
banquet celebration of St. Illuminators Cathedral, which will take
place at the Terrace in the Park in Flushing Meadow Park in the
Borough of Queens.
The Mayr Yegeghetzee and its faithful parishioners are celebrating the
rich history of the Cathedral on this milestone anniversary with a
totally renovated house of worship. The Cathedral is the oldest
Armenian Apostolic Church in New York, and the first Armenian
Cathedral in the United States.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ENTHRONEMENT SERVICE ON SATURDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will participate in the Enthronement of His Grace
Zachariah Mar Nicholovos as the Diocesan Metropolitan of the Northeast
American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, on Saturday,
May 21. His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II,
Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church will preside. The
ceremony will take place at St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church in
Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The new Diocesan Metropolitan was appointed in
February to succeed His Grace Matthews Mar Barnabas.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN IS ATTENDING INTERNATIONAL
PEACE CONVOCATION IN JAMAICA
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian is participating in the World Council of
Churches International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in
Kingston, Jamaica, May 18 to 25. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, the
Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, is heading the
representatives of the Holy See of Cilicia which also include
Mrs. Asdghig Kandaharian from Lebanon, and Deacon Mark Shirinian from
Fresno, California.
Bishop Anoushavan was invited to lead five consequent Bible study
sessions. The topics selected for the IEPC Bible Studies are: Peace in
the Community; Peace with the Earth; Peace in the Market Place; Peace
among the Peoples; and Go in Peace.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.
The summer program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). Early bird registration ends this Sunday, May 15. For
information and registration, contact the AREC office by telephone at
212-689-7810, by email at arec@armenianprelacy.org
(mailto:arec@armenianprelacy.org), or click here (
) or join us on our Facebook (
) page.
ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE WILL MARK
25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA CELEBRATION
The St. Gregory of Datev Institute turns 25 this year. For the past
twenty-five years the Prelacy has provided a much needed
Christian-based program for youth ages 13 to 18. The Institute is
organized by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC),
under the directorship of His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General.
On Saturday, July 9, Datevatsis, past and present, will come together
to celebrate the silver anniversary of Datev with a banquet at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. The committee
is comprised of Datevatsis and is co-chaired by Dr. Arsen Mekaelian
and Dr. George Berberian.
The success of this program can be seen by the service Datevatsis who
have attended the four-year program now provide to the Church. They
serve as Sunday School teachers, choir members, board of trustee
members, altar servers, and some have aspired for ordination to the
priesthood.
For information regarding the banquet or for reservations, contact the
Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or arec@armenianprelacy.org
(mailto:arec@armenianprelacy.org), or visit the Datev webpage (
) or Facebook (
).
LUCY ISHKANIAN HONORED AT MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
Ms. Lucy Ishkanian was honored at the Woman of the Year at the
Prelacy Ladies Guilds Mothers Day luncheon that took place on May 2 at
The Palace in New York City.
After conferring this honor upon Ms. Ishkanian, His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, made a second announcement and surprise
presentation of the Prelacys Queen Zabel award to Ms. Ishkanian.
In introducing Ms. Ishkanian to the attendees, the afternoons MC, Iris
Papazian, described Ms. Ishkanian as an internationally recognized
artist. She gave her first recital at the age of seven, two years
after becoming the youngest student ever accepted to the Juilliard
Preparatory Division. She has performed throughout the world,
receiving the enthusiastic critical acclaim of musicians, critics, and
music lovers. In 1991, during her concert tour in Armenia she
established a scholarship at the Gomidas Conservatory for talented and
deserving piano students in Armenia and Karabagh. Through her
determined efforts she fulfilled a dream by inaugurating a unique
friendship program between The Juilliard School in New York and the
Gomidas Conservatory in Yerevan. And in 1992, she established the
Armenian Scholarship Fund at Juilliard to help talented music
students. Lucy Ishkanian has achieved success with poise, grace, and
humility. She has beenand continues to !
bea good and generous influence, an inspiration, a source of joy and
comfort.
A musical interlude was presented by Juilliard graduates and students:
Cecee Pantikian, violin; Alex Sakarellos, violin; and Alexander
Gurevich, viola.
Archbishop Oshagan presents awards to Ms. Lucy Ishkanian.
Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and guests at the head table surround Lucy Ishkanian and her husband Hagop Tankian.
A musical interlude from Juilliard students.
Check Prelacys web page next week for more photographs.
TRUSTEES OF PASHALIAN EDUCATION FUND MEET
The trustees of the Pashalian Family Education Fund had their annual
meeting on May 4, to discuss the grants that would be distributed for
the 2011-12 school year. The names of the recipients of the grants
will be announced next month.
The Pashalian Fund was created in 1991 with gifts in memory of John
Pashalian by his family and friends. Income from the Fund supports
Armenian education. Trustees of the Fund are: Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan, Ms. Gloria Tarsy, Dr. George Dermksian, and Mr. Michael
Derian. Since 1993 the Fund has distributed close to $100,000.
BIBLE READING
Beginning on the Sunday after Easter and continuing through to
Pentecost (June 12), in addition to the readings of that day, 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 Sunday, May 22, Apparition of the Holy Cross are:
Galatians 6:14-18; Matthew 24:30-36; Luke 11:33-12:12; Acts 17:1-15; 1
John 1:1-10; John 7:14-23; Matthew 13:53-58; John 19:25-30; Mark
6:30-44.
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all
the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man
coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will
send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
>From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes
tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So
also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the
very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until
all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of
heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:30-36)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
).
APPARITION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, May 22, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of 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 in remembrance of the appearance
of the sign of the cross over the city of Jerusalem in 351 that
remained in the sky for about a week. The apparition extended from
Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles), and was brighter
than the sun and was seen by everyone in Jerusalem. The Patriarch of
Jerusalem, Cyril, used this occasion to remind Emperor Constans of
Byzantium of his father (Constantine the Great) orthodox faith. Cyril
said the Apparition was further reason to return to
orthodoxy. Traditionally, the Armenian translation of Cyrils message
is read on this feast day during the AntastaNv Prior to the Gospel
lection. This event is celebrated by the Armenian and Greek
churches. The Greeks observe it on th!
e fixed date of 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.
O Christ, may the power of your holy cross lifted up by you for the
salvation of the world preserve us from all temptation.
For you, O God, ascended it and on it you shed your precious holy
blood; may it preserve us from all temptation.
And by the sign of your cross you showed to the world your second
coming; may it preserve us from all temptation.
(Canon to the Holy Cross from the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian
Apostolic Church)
FINAL THOUGHTS
The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one
which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for
that. (Anonymous)
Most people are bothered by those passages of the Scripture they do
not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do
understand. (Mark Twain)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 21An event not to be missed, A Benefit Dinner Dance Extravaganza,
sponsored by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossum Street, West Warwick,
Rhode Island. Twenty-seven musicians from New England area are
generously donating their talent and time. Dinner at 6 pm; adults $35,
children (under 16) $25. Dance only $20. Dinner tickets by advance
sale only. Contact Joyce Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467.
May 21Walk Armenia, sponsored by New York Mayr and Erebouni chapters
of the Armenian Relief Society, to benefit Camp Haiastan, Franklin,
Massachusetts. Registration 12 noon at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York. Walk (approximately 4 miles) begins at 1 pm; rest halfway at
Armenian Society, Little Neck, New York. Participation fee $25. For
information: Hasmik Israelian 516-330-5290 or Nayda Voskerijian
516-603-2809.
May 22Celebration of the 95th anniversary of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, will take place at the Terrace on the Park,
Flushing Meadow Park, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Cocktails 5 pm; Dinner 6 pm.
June 11St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, presents
Armenian Food Festival, 11 am to 7 pm. Buffet served all day; take-out
available. Pastries, handmade jewelry, Armenian gifts, raffles, and
much more. For information contact church office, 978-685-5038.
June 16Second Annual Cigar Night & Dinner in memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kassabian, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Featuring hors doeuvres with cold seafood buffet at 6
pm, followed by Filet Mignon & Stuffed Lobster dinner at 7:30
pm. Premium Cigars and Top Shelf Complimentary Bar. Donation: $100 per
person. For information/reservations contact church office
978-685-5038.
October 23Student Festival in celebration of the Year of the Armenian
Child. Details will follow.
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)