October 29, 2009
UNITED APPEAL ISSUED BY ARMENIA
FUND USA
Armenian Fund USA
issued the following united appeal today:
Acting in the
spirit of pan-Armenian unity,
Considering
prosperity of Armenia and Artsakh as an undisputed priority of the Armenian Diaspora
and
Recognizing the
remarkable achievements of Armenia Fund ("Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund), an
institution, which for the past 17 years has united all major Diaspora-based
Armenian organizations around the world under the mission of providing large-scale
infrastructure development and humanitarian assistance to the Homeland,
We, the undersigned
reaffirm our unequivocal support to the mission and goals of Armenian Fund and
call on each and every Armenian American to bring his or her generous participation
in the upcoming Armenia Fund International Thanksgiving Day Telethon to aire
live on Thursday, November 26, 2009, dedicated to the rehabilitation of an
iconic cradle of Armenian culture and arts, the heroic town of Shushi that was
severely damaged in the course of the Artsakh Liberation War.
It is up to each
and every Armenian to ensure the prosperity of our Homeland and security of its
borders.
Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate, Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America
(Eastern)
Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan, Prelate, Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Church of America
Hirair Hovnanian,
Chairman, Armenian Assembly of America
Berge Setrakian,
Chairman, AGBU Central Board
Papken Megerian, Co-Chairman Armenian
Democratic Liberal
(Ramgavar) Party,
Eastern U.S. and Canada District Committee
Andrew Torigian, Executive Director,
Armenian Missionary
Association of America
Antranig Kasbarian,
Chairman, ARF Eastern Region Board of
Directors
Silva Kouyoumjian, Chairwoman, ARS
Eastern Region
Edmond Azadian, Central Board Officer,
Tekeyan Cultural Association
PRELATE AND VICAR IN
MONTREAL
Archbishop Oshagan,
the Prelate, and Bishop Anoushavan, the Vicar General, went to Montreal
yesterday where they joined with Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada,
in the continuation of their Bible translation project. The Prelate and Vicar
will return to New York this weekend.
NEW CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM
AT THE
CATHEDRAL
Explore the basic
elements of what Armenian Christians believe through a six-part program on "The
Creed ( 82/goto: acy/PDF/nicenecreed.pdf )" (Havadamk). Chanted or recited
by countless Christians every Sunday during the Soorp Badarak (Divine Liturgy), the Creed represents a concise
summary of biblical faith, formulated by the Church fathers of the first two
Ecumenical Councils–Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD)–and endorsed by
all the ancient churches.
The classes will
take place at St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th
Mondays: November 23, December 14, 28, January 11, 25, February 8. The program
will begin at 7:15 pm with a presentation (about 45 minutes) followed by Q/A
and discussion (45 minutes.)
The event is
sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral. The sessions will be conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian,
AREC Director.
The program is open
to the public. Refreshments will be served. For registration and information: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
or 212-689-7810.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH
PATRIARCHS
IGNATIUS HAZIM AND ZAKKA IN
DAMASCUS
The recent
pontifical visit of His Holiness Aram I to Syria included meetings with H.B.
Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hasim) of Antioch and all the East, and H.H. Patriarch
Mor Ignatius Zakka I (Iwas), Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
In both instances
His Holiness and his delegation were received warmly. Patriarch Hazim and the
Catholicos discussed interchurch relations in the region and the situation of
the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The Patriarch hoped that the MECC
under the Presidency of Catholicos Aram I will be reorganized and
restructured so that it will serve the churches in the region in their witness
for peace.
The Catholicos met
with Patriarch Zakka I at the St. Thomas Monastery in Saidriaya, near Damascus. Patriarch Zakka
introduced the Catholicos as a strong ecumenical leader who was the moderator
of the executive and central committees of the World Council of Churches for
two terms and who continues to be a dynamic force in the meetings of the
leaders of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle
East and its standing committee. The Patriarch noted that this
cooperation has strengthened the contribution of oriental orthodox churches in
bilateral dialogues on theological, dogmatic and other issues with Christian
world communions.
CATHOLICOS ARAM MEETS WITH GRAND
MUFTI
During his visit to
Syria, His Holiness Aram I met with the Grand Mufti of the Republic at the
Ministry of Religious Affairs. They discussed concerns arising from His
Holiness’ conversation with President Bashar al-Assad. These concerns included
the presence of Armenians in Syria,
globalization and the urgency for dialogue between Christians and Muslims, different
cultures and people. They also discussed the role of His Holiness Aram I and
the Catholicosate of Cilicia in interfaith dialogue regionally and globally.
CATHOLICOS ARAM
LECTURES AT DAMASCUS
UNIVERSITY
His Holiness Aram I
went to Damascus where he was invited to lecture at Damascus University. Upon
his arrival the president of the university, government officials, faculty and
students received him. His lecture topic was "Challenges of Christian-Muslim
Dialogue Today." The lecture included current theories and practices of
dialogue, with specific reference to Christian-Muslin relations; the
monotheistic basis and the differences in theological, ethical and social
interpretations of the two religions, with reference to religion and politics,
religion and culture and faith and reason; common global issues and challenges
to which the two religions may respond together through their messages of love
and trust.
U.S. PREMIERE OF FILM
"GYUMRI"
The Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York and the American Museum of Natural History are
proud to co-sponsor the United States premiere of GYUMRI (69 minutes), at the 33rd annual Margaret Mead
Film and Video Festival on Friday, November 13, 8 pm. Filmmaker Jana Sevcikova,
who will attend the screening, tells the story of the survivors of the December
7, 1988 earthquake that struck northern Armenia, nearly leveling the town of
Gyumri. She spent three years making this documentary film about life after the
catastrophe. To order tickets: 212-769-5200. Mention Anthropology
Museum of the People of
New York to receive special member price of $10. For information: 718-428-5650.
JOHN KULUNGIAN,
78
We note with
sadness the passing of John Kulungian, father of John Kulungian, the chairman
of the Board of Trustees of St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts.
The senior John
Kulungian died last week at age 78. He was a decorated veteran of several
branches of the United
States military. He is also survived by
another son and two daughters and five grandchildren.
Archbishop Oshagan
and the Prelacy family extend heartfelt words of sympathy to the Kulungian family.
DAILY
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday,
October 29,
are: Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 20:25-38; John 15:17-25.
"And now I know that none of
you, among whom
I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again.
Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of
any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of
God. Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy
Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God
that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone,
savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from
your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples
to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not
cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God
and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give
you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or
gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to
support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that
by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,
for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ "
When he had finished
speaking, he knelt down
with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced
Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they
would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship. Acts 20:25-38)
For listing of this week’s Bible readings
click
here ( 82/goto: acy/PDF/dbr2009-10.pdf ).
ST.
JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Today, October 29, the Armenian Church
commemorates
and remembers St. John Chrysostom (Hovhan
Voskeperan), who was a notable Christian bishop and preacher in the 4th
and 5th centuries in Syria
and Constantinople. He is famous for his
eloquence in public speaking–Chrysostom literally means "golden mouth." The
Orthodox Church honors him as a saint and one of the "three holy hierarchs" (along
with Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian). He is also recognized
and honored by the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
John converted to Christianity in 368
when he was
barely 21 years old. He renounced a large family inheritance and a promising
legal career and went to live in a mountain cave where he studied the Bible. He
was later ordained a priest and soon his sermons were attracting huge
audiences. He challenged wealthy Christians, whose generosity was confined to
donating precious objects for display in churches. "The gift of a chalice may
be extravagant in its generosity," he said, "but a gift to the poor is an
expression of love." He told them they had a duty to help the poor and needy.
He wrote often about valuing the richness of nature created God which should be
enjoyed and protected. Although he was very popular with the people, his
outspoken criticism was not appreciated by the hierarchy and he was sent into
exile at various times. His sermons made a great impact on Christendom (his
Easter homily is considered to be a masterpiece). He had a profound influence
on the doctrines and theology of the Armenian Church because he spent the final
years of his exile in Armenia.
Many of his important works have survived only in Armenian manuscripts. He is
also the author of liturgical prayers used in the Armenian Church.
Muse of the deep and ineffable Divine
Mysteries,
Wise Prefect and Great Doctor of the
world,
Like the rock of the Church, you were
faithful to the key to heaven,
>From the beloved disciple, you
received the Gospel.
>From the Holy Virgin Birth-giver you
received your mark of authority,
O Patriarch John, by the grace of the
Holy Spirit you received Wisdom.
Ode
of the Armenian Church dedicated to St. John Chrysostom
FEAST
OF ALL SAINTS, OLD AND NEW, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
This Saturday, October 31, the Armenian
Church
commemorates the Feast of all Saints, Old and New, Known and Unknown. The
western churches celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 (the day after
Halloween). In the Armenian Church tradition the date is variable depending on
the season of the Cross. It can occur in late October or in November. The
commemoration is rooted in the belief that there are many saints who are not
known to us. Therefore, on this day all saints are honored.
TENTH
ANNIVERSARY OF ELECTION AND CONSECRATION
OF
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
Sunday, November 1, is the tenth
anniversary of the
election and consecration of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians.
We wish His Holiness good health and
continued
success in his pontificate.
SO,
YOU WANT TO LEARN ARMENIAN?
CHECK
OUT THIS ON LINE COURSE
The Prelacy is making available an
on-line course in
modern Western Armenian. The course was developed by Dr. Thomas J. Samuelian
with partial funding from the Prelacy. It is accessible through the Prelacy’s
web page. Anyone wanting to learn Armenian can have access to it.
Also available are Dr. Samuelian’s
pioneering text
books: A Course in Modern Western
Armenian, (which comes with its companion book, Dictionary and Linguistic Notes); and his popular Armenian Dictionary in
Transliteration. Although not mandatory, the books
are valuable companions to the on-line course. The books are available at the
Prelacy Bookstore.
To access the on-line course go to the
Prelacy’s web
page ( ( 82/goto: )) or click
here ( 82/goto: epartments/anec/an-online-course-in-modern-western -armenian ).
80th
ANNIVERSARY OF 1929 STOCK MARKET CRASH
Today, Thursday, October 29, is the
80th
anniversary of the devastating stock market crash that ushered in the worldwide
Great Depression of the 1930s.
RETURN
TO STANDARD TIME;
TUESDAY
IS ELECTION DAY
Remember:
This Sunday at 2 am daylight saving time
ends and
standard time resumes. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.
And Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day.
There are
some interesting and close races on a state and local level. Although in a
democracy it is as much a right to not vote as it is to vote, we urge all
citizens to vote on Tuesday.
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
November
1–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Sunday School Halloween Party.
November
6–"On
the Road," by Levon Shant, presented The Theater Group of Hamazkayin, New York,
directed by Dr. Herand Markarian. Sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society Mayr
Chapter, this performance is a benefit for St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School.
Performance begins at 8:35 pm at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Ave., Woodside, New York.
For tickets ($25) contact Sonia at 718-961-9550 or Alice at 516-676-6167.
November
6-7–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Food Festival.
November
6-7–St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts,
53rd
annual bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at the ACEC, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown.
Delicious lamb, losh and chicken kebab, kheyma, kufta and yalanchi. Meals
served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Armenian pastries, gourmet foods, arts &
crafts, auction, raffles, and more.
November
7–Christmas
Holiday Craft Fair, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 4 pm.
November
7 & 8–Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode
Island, largest Armenian Fest in New England.
Saturday from 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday 12 noon to 8 pm.
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket, 60 Rhodes
Place (off Broad Street), Cranston, Rhode Island.
Kebobs and kufta dinners, pastry, raffles and more. Performance by the Armenian
school dance group. Live Armenian music * dancing. For information,
401-831-6399.
November
13–Anthropol ogy
Museum of the People of New York and The American Museum of Natural History
co-presenting the U.S. Premier of the film Gyumri,
at the 33rd Annual Margaret Mead Film and Video Festival, 8 pm. Filmmaker
Jana Sevcikova, who will attend the screening, tells the story of the survivors
of the December 7, 1988 earthquake that struck northern Armenia nearly
destroying the town of Gyumri. For information: 718-428-5650.
November
14–Soorp Khatch
Church, Bethesda, Maryland,
45th anniversary celebration.
November
15–39th
anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, presided by
His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General.
November
20-21–Holy
Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Fall Fest 2009, Friday,
November 20, 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, November 21, 10 am to 5 pm. Armenian
delicacies and dinners. For information 508-852-2414.
November
20, 21, 22–Sts.
Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield,
New Jersey) Annual Bazaar and
Food Festival. Saturday night dancing with "Onnik Dinkjian"; Sunday traditional
kavourma dinner.
November
22–St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Luncheon and Cultural Program, presented by the Cathedral’s Ladies Guild. $25
adults; $10 children. For reservations: 212-689-5880. Parking for $7.00
available at Kips Bay 27, 240 East
27th Street (between 2nd and
3rd avenues).
December
4–Special
benefit concert for St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan, featuring Isabel
Bayrakdarian at the Dearborn Performing Arts Center.
December
5–Soorp Asdvadzadzin
Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
annual bazaar. Come one, come all.
December
5–Saint
Gregory (North Andover, Massachusetts)
Ladies Guild Christmas Luncheon and Yankee Swap at the Phoenician at Michael’s
Function Hall, Route 110 in Haverhill.
December
5–Annual
Christmas Bake Sale and "Lunch at Cafe St. Paul", St. Paul Church,
Waukegan, Illinois,
9 am to 3 pm.
December
20–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Sunday School Christmas Pageant.
December
31–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Seroonian Community Center New Year’s Eve celebration.
December
31–Sts.
Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield,
New Jersey), New Year’s Eve
Dinner-Dance. Details to follow.
July
17–"A Hye Summer Night
V," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani
Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. Watch for details.
Web pages of the
parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s 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])