PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
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Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER -December 23, 2004
JOHN VARTAN IS ACCORDED THE HONOR
OF A NATIONAL FUNERAL
A National Funeral Service took place for John Vartan, an extraordinary
businessman, and long-time benefactor of the Armenian Church and especially
the Eastern Prelacy, on Saturday, December 18 at the Cathedral Chapel of St.
Lawrence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan presided over the funeral services and the vigil service the
previous evening.
We honor his memory and pray for his soul to rest in everlasting peace.
2005 BIBLE READINGS ON THE WEB
The Bible readings for the entire year of 2005 are now posted on the
Prelacy web page. Visit the web page for this and other news. To reach the
Bible readings go to:
COMMEMORATIONS THIS WEEK
This is a busy week in the Armenian Church with several commemorations
in honor of saints.
DAVID AND JAMES
Today, Thursday, December 23, the Church honors St. David the
Prophet-King and James the brother of the Lord.
David was the youngest of eight brothers and was brought up to be a
shepherd where he learned courage, tenderness and caring. David eventually
became the second king of Israel. In Scripture the name is his alone which
shows the unique place he has as an ancestor and forerunner of our Lord
Jesus Christ. In the New Testament there are more than 50 references to
David, including the title given to Jesus-Son of David. David was also a
poet and some of the Psalms are his creations.
James, the brother of the Lord, became a leader of the early Christian
Church following the Resurrection. Tradition states that he was appointed
first bishop of Jerusalem by the Lord Himself. James was martyred by
stoning.
ST. STEPHEN THE PROTODEACON AND FIRST MARTYR
On Saturday, December 25, the Armenian Church commemorates the life of
St. Stephen the Protodeacon and First Martyr. After Christ’s Ascension the
apostles went about spreading the Word of the new faith. It soon became
apparent that more persons were needed to serve the churches. A selection of
seven worthy individuals were made to serve the holy altar, and called
deacons (sarkavag). The most noteworthy of the original seven deacons was
Stephen and the Feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is an important feast
day in the Armenian Church. It is also meant as a special day of honor for
all deacons.
St. Stephen was the first martyr for his faith and is therefore called
Protomartyr.
APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL
On Monday, December 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Apostles, Peter and Paul.
On the day after the Crucifixion, Jesus came to Paul and asked him to
tell the others apostles of His appearance and give them His message. This,
in spite of the fact that at the time of the judgement of Jesus, Peter
denied knowing Him. Peter was known for his oratory skills and used this
talent to spread the Word and advance Christianity.
The Roman Catholic Church considers Peter as its founder. The Armenian
Church has great love and reverence for the Apostle and the name Peter
(Bedros) is a popular choice for newborns.
JAMES AND JOHN: SONS OF THUNDER
On Tuesday, December 28, the Armenian Church remembers the Apostles
James and John. James, a Galilean fisherman was called with his brother John
to be one of the twelve apostles. They, together with Peter, formed the
inner core among the twelve who were present at the raising of the daughter
of Jairus, the transfiguration, and the agony of Gethsemane. James and John
earned the nickname sons of thunder by Jesus.
CHRISTMAS: DECEMBER 25 OR JANUARY 6?
Of course, Saturday is also December 25, the day that all of Christendom
celebrates the birth of our Lord. All, except the Armenians.
Originally all Christians celebrated the birth, the baptism, and the
visit of the Magi on January 6. Of course, there is no such thing as a
correct date, because we do not know when Jesus was born. For a variety of
reasons Rome officially adopted December 25 in the year 336, and this date
gradually became popular. It was decided at the Council of Chalcedon in 451
that all churches should accept December 25 as the date of the Nativity. The
Armenians did not attend Chalcedon because of their war with the Persians
concerning national and religious freedom. Thus, the Armenian Church
remained faithful to the original date and continued to celebrate the birth
and baptism on January 6.
We here at Crossroads had very wise parents who told us it was OK to
celebrate both dates. After all, they said, our Lord deserves to be honored
and remembered with two birthdays. Growing up, December 25 became a more
commercial type of celebration, while January 6 remained very religious,
very Armenian, very introspective, and very much a time to remember and
dedicate ourselves to the principles and teachings of our Lord.
Today is the Feast of the Holy Birth. Glad Tidings.
Of our Lord, and of His Revelation. Glad Tidings.
Today the Son of Righteousness. Glad Tidings.
Has appeared among men. Glad Tidings.
Today the angel of heaven descended. Glad Tidings.
And with us praised the immortal King. Glad Tidings.
>>From an Armenian hymn of the Feast of the Nativity,
Aysor Ton Ee Sourb Dzunundyan, Avetis
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