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]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
JUNE 1, 2006
V. REV. FR. ANOUSHAVAN TANIELIAN WILL BE
ELEVATED TO BISHOP THIS SUNDAY
V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy,
will be graced with the Episcopal consecration by His Holiness Aram I, this
Sunday, June 4, at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias,
Lebanon. Archbishop Oshagan, the Prelate, is en route to Lebanon to
participate in the ceremony.
Hayr Anoushavan’s service to the Armenian Church spans more than three
decades. He was ordained to the rank of Deacon in 1968 by Bishop Karekin
Sarkissian; to the rank of celibate priesthood by Archbishop Ardag Manougian
in 1972. He received the Fourth Degree of Vartabed in 1974 by His Holiness
Catholicos Khoren I and the Fourteenth Degree in 1988 by Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian. In 1996 he was given the honor to wear the Episcopal Mitre on Feast
Days by Catholicos Aram I. A graduate of the Cilician See’s Seminary in
Lebanon, he holds degrees from the Near East School of Theology, Princeton
Theological Seminary, and Columbia University, where he received his PhD
degree in May 2003.
IRAQI PRIMATES VISIT CILICIAN SEE
His Holiness Aram I met with the primates of the Armenian and Syrian
communities of Iraq on May 30. His Holiness and the Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of Iraq, Archbishop Avak Assadourian and the Primate
of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Baghdad and Basra, Mor Severios Hawa,
discussed the situation in Iraq and particularly the difficulties that the
Christian communities face.
The Primates assured His Holiness that despite the ongoing lack of
security in Iraq, the country’s Christian communities are well organized.
They noted, however, that due to the dire economic situation in Iraq, they
need financial assistance. Although currently the Middle East Council of
Churches (MECC) provides some assistance, the Primates asked His Holiness to
advocate for increased support by the MECC during these difficult times.
CATHOLICOS ARAM INVITED TO SPEAK AT NOTRE DAME
His Holiness Aram I has been invited to be the keynote speaker at an
international conference devoted to the theological-medical connection that
will convene at Notre Dame University in December. Participating in the
conference will be noted theologians, physicians, sociologists, and
psychologists. The conference is intended to focus on the growing interest
in the role of religion in medical care.
ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN DOUGLASTON WILL CELEBRATE
16TH ANNIVERSARY THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, June 4, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, will
celebrate the 16th anniversary of the new St. Sarkis Church and the first
anniversary of their new pastor, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian. Luncheon and
program will take place immediately after the Divine Liturgy. For
information: 718-224-2275.
SUMMER CAMP AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, NY, will provide a summer camp for
children ages 5 to 12, for one week this summer, July 10 to 14, 9 am to 3
pm. The program will include prayers and hymns, Armenian classes, Bible
classes, and arts and crafts. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For
information: 718-224-2275.
TWO NEW BOOKS AT THE BOOKSTORE
During the National Representative Assembly (NRA) two new books
published by the Prelacy were presented on two separate evenings.
On Tuesday, May 16, Light from Light: An Introduction to the History and
Theology of the Armenian Church, by Michael B. Papazian, was presented at
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, the hosts of the NRA.
Archbishop Oshagan presented the book and author, after which Professor
Papazian spoke briefly about how he came to write this book at the request
of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of blessed memory. This soft-cover 216-page
book (including 16 pages of color photographs) is available at the Armenian
Prelacy Bookstore for $15.00, plus shipping and handling.
On Wednesday evening, May 17, delegates traveled to New York to visit
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and the Prelacy offices, where another newly
published book was presented. This book is the PhD dissertation of the late
Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, who was the first Prelate of the Prelacy.
Entitled, Historiography of Fifth Century Armenia, the book focuses on a
group of authors who formed Armenia’s fifth century literature, following
the founding of the Armenian alphabet. These include: Goriun, Agathangeghos,
Pavsdos Puzant, Movses Khorenatsi, Yeghisheh and Ghazar Parbetsi. Archbishop
Oshagan presented the book and expressed his thanks to Archbishop Hrant’s
family for their support of this project. Attending this poignant occasion
were relatives of the late Archbishop, including his brother, Antranig
Khatchadourian, nieces and nephews and cousins. This hardcover, 164-page
book is available at the Prelacy Bookstore for $15.00, plus shipping and
handling.
For information or to order either of these books contact the Bookstore,
212-689-7810.
SUNDAY IS PENTECOST (HOGEGALOUST)
This Sunday, June 4, is Pentecost (Hogegaloust), which is celebrated
fifty days after Easter. Jesus had commanded the apostles to, “Go therefore
to all nations and make them my disciples,” (Matthew 28:19). Christ
recognized the difficulty of this great responsibility and had advised them
not to begin their teaching mission until after the Descent of the Holy
Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that on the day of Pentecost,
the apostles had gathered in one place, and that suddenly something that
sounded like a strong wind filled the house in which they were assembled:
“And there appeared to them flames like tongues of fire distributed among
them and coming to rest on each one. They were all filled with the Holy
Spirit and began to talk in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power of
utterance,” (Acts 2:2-4).
Many of the people in Jerusalem were from foreign lands. They marveled
at the fact that each one of them could understand the Apostles’ words in
his own language. The first gift of the Holy Spirit given to the Apostles
was the ability to speak and be understood by people who came from many
different nations.
SUMMERTIME..
Although summer does not officially start until later this month, for
many people last weekend’s Memorial Day holiday signified the start of
summer.
Some of our parishes start Sunday services a little earlier than usual
during the summer. We suggest you check with your local parish.
Many of you have been kind to inquire about our vegetable garden. We
promise to give you an update next week.
Calendar of Event
June 4-16th Anniversary Celebration of the new St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.
June 4-Communion and Breakfast honoring high school and college graduates,
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, 8701 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia. For
information: 215-482-9200.
June 4-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, will host a medical
workshop with members of the Armenian Association of Health Professions. A
light lunch will be served at 1 pm prior to the workshop. Q&A session will
follow. Have your blood pressure checked by the nurse on duty. All invited
to this free event. For information, 201-943-2950.
June 18-Fathers’ Day celebration at St. Illuminator Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, following Divine Liturgy. Organized by the Cathedral’s
Ladies Guild. For information: 212-689-5880.
June 24-Siamanto Academy graduation.
July 22-Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek
Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.
August 8-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, Annual Golf Tournament, 11:30 am registration. Blackstone
Valley Country Club, Sutton, MA. For details contact David, 508-234-3261.
August 20-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic, 12 noon on the church grounds. For
details: 508-234-3677.
September 28-4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.
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