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 22, 2010
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR ASBED MARASHIAN
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the funeral services
for Asbed Marashian who passed away on April 20. He was 54 years old.
Asbed was a member of Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey
where he served as a board member and treasurer for many years. He
also served on the Prelacys Auditing Committee.
Funeral services will take place at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Saturday, April 24 at 10
am. The family will receive visitors beginning at 9 a.m. Interment
will take place at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New
Jersey.
Asbed was the son of Onnic and Verkine Marashian of Oradell,
New Jersey, active members of the metropolitan area community. Onnic
Marashian was elected to the Prelacys Executive Council and served as
its chairman for several years.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Asbeds wife, Sosy, his
children Hratch and Knar, his parents Onnic and Verkine, and his
sister Hera and brother Mardig and their families.
May his memory shine forth always.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN OFFERS OPENING PRAYER AT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The U.S. House of Representatives opened yesterday, April 21, with a
prayer by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. The Prelate was
invited to be the guest chaplain of the House of Representatives at
the request of New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).
Archbishop Oshagans prayer became a part of the Congressional
Record for April 21, 2010. The text of the prayer follows:
Almighty God, we seek Your grace and wisdom in our lives and in
our leaders that they may serve Your people with truth and justice.
Remember Your faithful servants, the Armenian people, who for
95 Aprils have lived with the memory of the genocide of 1-1/2 million
of their nation. We pray that such barbarity never again be inflicted
upon any of Your creatures. We give thanks for the blessings that You
have bestowed upon the remnant of the Armenian people who were
welcomed and given new life in the United States of America. We thank
You for delivering us from the depths of despair into this land of
liberty.
Archbishop Oshagan meets with (left to right) Rev. Father Sarkis
Aktavoukian, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), ANCA chairman Ken Hachikian
and Mr. Raffi Karakahian.
Bless America, the country of greatness and goodness. Renew the
values of our American heritage so that America will remain the
country of truth, freedom, justice, and peace.
We stand before You and ask this in Your name and for Your
glory. Amen.
PRELATE ATTENDS CONGRESSIONAL COMMEMORATION
Archbishop Oshagan attended the Congressional Commemoration of the
95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide organized by the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues. Opening prayers were offered
by Archbishop Oshagan and by Archbishop Yeghishe Kizirian.
The text of Archbishop Oshagans prayer follows:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
Almighty God, we stand before You today in our nations Capital
on yet another Aprila month that is traditionally associated with life
and rebirth.
Archbishop Oshagan with Rev. Father Sarkis Aktavoukian and Yeretsgin
Sirarpi Koyian, a 105 year old survivor of the Armenian Genocide.
However, for some of Your faithful servants April continues to
be the cruelest month, as they remember the genocide of one and
one-half million of their ancestors. We hoped that such a great
calamity would never again befall any of Your children, yet since 1915
we have witnessed, and continue to witness, humankinds inhumanity.
The continuous tragedy of genocide is because the perpetrators
of genocide are neither confronted nor punished. For ninety-five years
the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocidethe first in a series of
genocides during the 20th centuryhave denied the truth.
We look to you for guidance because there is still injustice,
cruelty, and the denial of truth amongst Your people. We beseech you,
O Lord, to be mindful especially of the Armenian people, who for 95
Aprils have lived with the memory of the genocide. We must remember
and confront the evil of the past if we are to guard against the
shadow of evil in the future.
Almighty God, bless this noble country of America and her
servants so that they may provide the leadership that leads to truth,
justice and liberty. Renew the virtues and values of our American
heritage so that America will always remain the country of truth and
justice. The greatness and goodness of the United States is because of
its dedication to these virtues, especially in the pursuit of truth,
because, as you have taught us, Truth abides and remains strong
forever, and the Truth shall make us free.
Lord, grant Your people all over the world wisdom, compassion,
and love so that they may live in freedom and righteousness, and enjoy
the blessings that come from you. Amen.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN VISITS CONGRESSMEN
During his visit to Capitol Hill, Archbishop Oshagan met with
congressional leaders and exchanged ideas with them especially on
issues that are of concern to the Armenian American community. His
Eminence expressed thanks to the Congressmen for their support of the
Armenian American community.
To view more photos click here (
4882/goto: /news/press-releases/97-pr042110
).
Archbishop Oshagan with Rep. Frank Pallone and Archbsihop Yeghishe
Kizirian.
PRELATE AND VICAR MEET WITH ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan met with Archbishop Timothy
Dolan, the Archbishop of New York at the Archdiocese on Monday, April
19. Archbishop Dolan was named Archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict
XVI in February 2009 and was formally installed on April 15, 2009.
The Prelate and Vicar expressed their best wishes to His
Excellency for success in his new post of service and exchanged ideas
and concerns in a brotherly atmosphere. They conveyed the greetings of
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and described the mission of the Holy
See of Cilicia and the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America.
95th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE
Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and
Requiem Service, organized by the Eastern Prelacy with the
participation of community organizations will take place this
Saturday, April 24, 7 pm, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City.
The Keynote Address will be delivered by the well-know
educator, writer and translator, Professor Peter Balakian. Professor
Balakians most recent publication is a translation of Armenian
Golgotha: A Memoir of the Armenian Genocide, 1915-1918 by Bishop
Grigoris Balakian. The 500-page memoir provides a vivid and
heart-wrenching eyewitness account of the Armenian Genocide.
The commemorative program will feature a theatrical
presentation compiled and coordinated by Dr. Herant Markarian, and the
Hamazkayin Childrens Choir, directed by Vagharsag Ohanyan. A solemn
Requiem Service will conclude the commemorative event.
Bus transportation is available from New Jersey at 5 pm from
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, and from the
Armenian Presbyterian Church, 140 Forest Avenue, Paramus.
Bus transportation from New York at 5 pm from Armenian Center,
69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside; Baruir Grocery, 40-07 Queens Boulevard,
Sunnyside.
The event, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
is organized by the 95th Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee
which includes the following sponsors: Armenian Apostolic Church of
America, Eastern Prelacy; Exarchate of the Armenian Catholic Church;
Armenian Evangelical Church; Armenian Revolutionary Federation (NY &
NJ); Armenian Relief Society (NY & NJ); Armenian National Committee
(NY & NJ); Hamazkayin (NY & NJ); Homenetmen (NY & NJ); Armenian Youth
Federation (NY & NJ).
For information: [email protected]
(mailto:remember1915@gmail. com)
DIVINE LITURGY TO BE CELEBRATED PRIOR TO COMMEMORATION
Prior to the 7 pm commemoration and requiem service, the Divine
Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Illuminators Cathedral under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. The celebrant will be
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey.
TIMES SQUARE COMMEMORATION THIS SUNDAY
The annual commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Genocide at
Times Square organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan and with
the co-sponsorship and participation of all the Armenian Churches and
organizations will take place this Sunday, April 25, beginning at 2
pm. There is free bus transportation to and from Times Square from all
New York and New Jersey Armenian Churches as well as from other
locations. For complete information: (
4882/goto:
)
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
).
ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA
Only a few days remain for those interested to register for the
pilgrimage to Syria and Lebanon which will take place August 2 to
16. The pilgrimage has been organized on the occasion of the 95th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by the Eastern Prelacys
St. Gregory of Datev Institute. For information and to register click
here (
4882/goto: /component/content/article/95-pilgrimage
).
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 22 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.
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages,
proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The
twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil
spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven
demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herods steward Chuza, and
Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their
resources.
When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town
came to him, he said in a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed;
and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the
birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up,
it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the
thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when
it grew, it produced a hundredfold. As he said this, he called out,
Let anyone with ears to hear listen!
Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said,
To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God;
but to others I speak in parables, so that looking they may not
perceive, and listening they may not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones
on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes
away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be
saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word,
receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a
while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the
thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they
are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their
fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the
ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good
heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.
No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it
under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may
see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor
is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then
pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be
given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have
will be taken away.
Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could
not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, Your mother and
your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you. But he said to
them, My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and
do it. (Luke 8:1-21)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/2010dbr-4.pdf
).
RED SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 25, is the fifth Sunday of Eastertide, known as Red
Sunday (Karmir Kiraki). The name does not have an ecclesiastical
origin, but rather is similar to last weeks Green Sunday. The name Red
Sunday is believed to refer to the burst of color that comes forth
from the land after a barren winter. It is a celebration of nature,
especially the rebirth after the Resurrection of our Lord we
celebrated a few weeks ago. The Gospel reading for this Sunday (John
5:19-30) emphasizes the life-giving word of Jesus.
NEW CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE CATHEDRAL
Women in the Bible , a new five-part Bible study will begin next
Wednesday, April 28. The study will spotlight 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 will be
held at the Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New York City) on five
consecutive Wednesdays (April 28, May 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2010).
The classes will 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]).
FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
The New York area radio station WBAI (99.5 FM and wbai.org) will
commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this
Saturday, April 24, from 2:30 to 5 pm with a special broadcast.
XM Public Radio (channel 133) is featuring a program on the
Armenian Genocide from 9 am to 10 am on the Bob Edwards program, which
is rebroadcast several times during the day. Guests include Taner
Akcam and Rouben Adanalian. Google Bob Edwards XM Radio for the
schedule.
REMINDER APPEAL FOR IRENE KATRANDJIAN
Last week we informed you of the need to find a match for a bone
marrow transplant for Irene Katrandjian of Sts. Vartanantz Church in
New Jersey. The April 21st issue of the online Huffington Post
featured an article about Irene written by Maia Szalavitz. The article
describes how you can help. To read the article click here (
4882/goto: vitz/save-a-moms-life—and-le_b_546418.html
).
FI NALLY.
There have been a lot of stories about the disruption of air travel
due to the volcano eruption in Iceland. One of the most unexpected
consequences is this one:
Magna Carta Will Go on Display at Morgan Library and Museum
One of the earliest original manuscripts of the Magna Carta (Great
Charter of English Liberties) dating to 1217 went on view yesterday,
April 21. This extremely rare and important document came to New York
for a special event for Oxford University but could not be returned to
Britain because of the disruption to air traffic caused by the recent
volcanic ash cloud. The Bodleian Libraries generously offered the
Morgan Library and Museum the opportunity to exhibit Magna Carta while
new arrangements are made to transport it back to England. The
document is on view at the Morgan through May 30. The Morgan is
located on Madison Avenue at 36th Street in New York City.
We cant help noting that our Nvarsag Treaty, which could
easily be called Great Charter of Armenian Liberties) dates back to
484more than 700 years earlier than the Magna Carta.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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.
April 24Commemoration and Requiem Service of the 95th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide, hosted and organized by St. Hagop Auxiliary and
Board of Trustees. St. Hagop Church, 4100 N. Newman Road, Racine,
Wisconsin. For information 262-632-2033.
April 28First 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 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])