PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
April 3, 2006
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HOLY WEEK AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL WILL BE OBSERVED APRIL 9 THROUGH APRIL 16,
EASTER SUNDAY
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will observe Holy Week, April 9 through 16,
with a series of special services, culminating in the Easter Sunday
celebration on April 16, 2006.
Holy Week is the sacred commemoration of the dramatic events leading to the
Resurrection of Jesus Christ, His victory over death and the redemption of
humanity and the fallen world. The Armenian Church re-enacts these episodes
in the days leading up to Easter. What follows is a brief schedule of Holy
Week events:
PALM SUNDAY–the commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into
Jerusalem–falls on April 9. Fr. Mardiros Chevian (dean of St. Vartan
Cathedral) will be the celebrant for the services, which will begin with a
Morning Service at 9:30 a.m., and will continue with the Divine Liturgy at
10:30 a.m. The Turun-Patzek or “Door-Opening” Service will be held after
the Divine Liturgy.
April 13 is GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY, and the day’s services memori¬alize the
Last Supper, Jesus’ vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane, His arrest and trial.
Two separate services will be celebrated on this day. In the morning, the
Divine Liturgy, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a
luncheon.
In the evening, the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony will start at 7:00 p.m.,
with the Khavaroom or Vigil Service following at 8:30 p.m. Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese, will officiate. During the
Washing of Feet ceremony, twelve individuals will serve as surrogates for
the apostles. This year, in recognition of the 1600th anniversary of the
Armenian alphabet, the twelve will be selected from individuals with the
names Sahag, Mesrob, Vramshabouh, and names associated with the Holy
Translators.
The crucifixion and death of Christ will be observed on April 14–GREAT AND
HOLY FRIDAY–and again two services will occur. The Order of the
Cruci¬fixion of Christ will begin at 12:00 noon. This will be a short
service enabling working people in Manhattan to attend, and it will be
followed by a luncheon in the Diocesan Complex’s Yerevan Room.
That same evening, at 7:30 p.m., the Order of the Entombment of the Lord, or
Taghoom Service, will take place.
On GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY, April 15, the Divine Liturgy will be preceded by
a scripture-reading ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Easter Eve Liturgy will begin at
7:00 p.m. The St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir, under the direction of Maro
Partamian, will sing the liturgy. (The St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir is
made up of students from the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum, and Diocesan Armenian
Saturday schools of New York and New Jersey.) Students of the Diocesan
Khrimian Lyceum will also provide the Scripture readings. A reception will
follow the services.
The drama of Holy Week will culminate on EASTER SUNDAY, April 16. Easter is
the central holy day of the Christian calendar, and commemorates the
discovery of Christ’s empty tomb and the news of His glorious Resur¬rection.
Matins will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America, will celebrate the Liturgy and deliver the homily. The St.
Vartan Cathedral Choirs will sing the Divine Liturgy under the direction of
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. Florence Avakian will accompany on the organ.
Immediately following the service, the traditional Antasdan ceremony, or
“Blessing of the Fields,” will be conducted on the cathedral plaza. This
will be followed by the release of doves ceremony on the cathedral plaza,
where Haig Dadourian will serve as “godfather.”
Please note that after a year hiatus, the annual Easter Luncheon and program
has been reinstated. The luncheon–featuring a traditional Armenian lamb
dinner–will follow the services in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium.
The reception will include a home-blessing service, entertainment by the
Yeraz Dance Ensemble directed by Karnig Nercessian, and the recognition of
the various names associated with the holiday. The donation for the
luncheon for adults is $30; for children twelve and under, $20.
For more information on these observances, call the Diocese of the Armenian
Church at (212) 686-0710. St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at 630
Second Avenue (corner of 34th Street) in New York City.
–4/3/06