Author: Vasilian Manouk

CONSUMER PRICE GROWTH AMOUNTS TO 0,8% IN MARCH 2010

PanARMENIAN.Net
31.03.2010 19:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In March 2010, 0,8% inflation was registered on
Armenian consumer market compared to February; inflation was caused
by 1,2-6,1% price increase for provisions (eggs, fruit, meat foods,
butter, vegetable oil and sugar).

Besides, food products prices (including tobacco and alcoholic
beverages) increased by 0,9%, non-food products prices grew by 0,8%,
and services’ prices – by 0.8%.

Consumer price index comprised 108,8% in March 2010 compared with 2009
results. According to National Statistic Service data, food products
index (including tobacco and alcoholic beverages) comprised 106.3%,
non-food products index totalled 114.3%, index for services – 110.6%.

SUBLIME ART TRANSCENDS LIFE OF TORTURED GENIUS ARSHILE GORKY IN MOVING
By Kirstie Brewer

Culture 24
March 31 2010
UK

Exhibition: Arshile Gorky: A Retrospective, Tate Modern, London,
until May 2

Gorky’s work is haunted by his tragic childhood – a painful past he
draws from and yet tries to stifle and obscure. Perhaps this is why
he remains something of an enigma – his name doesn’t bear the same
weight as his contemporaries Pollock, Rothko or de Kooning, and yet
he is heralded as the father of abstract expressionism.

Born Vosdanig Adoian in Armenia, probably in 1904, Gorky survived
the atrocities of Turkey’s Armenian genocide and fled with his mother
and three sisters into Russian-controlled territory.

His mother soon starved to death and the 15-year-old boy and his
sister, Vartoosh, were left alone to begin the arduous journey to
join their father in the United States.

The Artist and His Mother (1926-36). Oil on canvas. Whitney Museum
of American Art, New York. Gift of Julien Levy for Maro and Natasha
Gorky in memory of their father. © the estate of Arshile Gorky Given
such an incalculably traumatic past, the work on display is testament
to Gorky’s inspirational resilience.

He reinvented himself as Arshile Gorky, in tribute to the Russian
proletarian writer Maxim Gorky, and even allowed people to believe
they were related. The name, however contrived, brought the promise
of a new kind of revolutionary, international art.

A self-made artist with little formal training, he learnt through
diligently studying the modern artists he passionately admired. At
first glance, one could be forgiven for mistaking Gorky’s earliest
works for those of Cezanne, Matisse or Picasso.

The exhibition reveals that Gorky’s road to success was a slow and
uneasy one. The series of works made on cheap paper document his
struggle to survive through the Depression. But they also mark an
inventive turning point in his work.

Garden in Sochi (circa 1943). Oil on canvas What is satisfying
about the exhibition is the way it spans Gorky’s 25-year career,
charting the artist’s journey from learned apprentice to a bold
Abstract Expressionist who lit the way for an entire generation of
American artists. It provides an eye-opening opportunity to consider
his evolving body of work as a whole.

Walking through the 12 rooms, his growing self-confidence and
shift in attitude materialise in front of you. Meticulous studies
and re-workings are displayed alongside final paintings, charting
the artist’s struggle for perfection and the emergence of his own
personality.

Gorky found resolve through art; he battled through his trauma by
channelling it into something powerful and poetic. Nowhere is this
more apparent than in his heart- rending painting, The Artist and
His Mother.

The young Gorky stands earnestly next to his beautiful, spectral
mother, both of them unaware of the imminent tragedy. The painting
serves as a haunting memorial to the Armenian genocide and in a
cathartic way, brings his mother back from annihilation.

nting+%2526+drawing/art77446

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE OF RA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THEATRE

National Assembly
March 29 2010
Armenia

RA NA Speaker Mr Hovik Abrahamyan sent congratulatory message on
International Day of Theatre, where it says:

"Centuries ago during the reign of the King Artavazd the capital
Artashat became the founding place of the Armenian theatre. And today,
it has been more than 10 years of Artavazd theatrical award-giving
ceremony, during which in different nominations awards are given for
the services rendered to the theatrical art.

The theatrical life in Armenia continued irrespective of ups and downs
of public life. Otherwise our theatrical life and culture should not
survive in the conditions, which during certain periods were not rather
favorable. The thing that today in Armenia different international
festivals are held speaks about our cultural attractiveness and our
viability of our creative gene.

Today lively events take place in our theatrical life: beginning from
the repertoire of the performances up to the life in the theatre.

Before we had wonderful provincial theatres, which, by the way, today
need support. The population of the provinces should more actively
take part in the theatrical, in general, cultural life.

On the occasion of the International Day of Theatre I congratulate
all the figures of the theatre world, including also those, whose
work we see, but they don’t appear on the stage. I wish them cultural
limitless zeal and longevity, solidarity and welfare."

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Watch our latest videos on YouTube here:

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT DR. FARID KHAZEN MEETS WITH HIS HOINESS ARAM I

On Thursday 25 March 2010 in the morning, His Holiness Aram I received in
his office Dr. Farid Khazen, member of the Lebanese Parliament. Dr. Nora
Kabakian-Bayrakdarian, President of the Committee of Ecumenical
Relationships was also at the meeting.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the Lecture Series on the Armenian
Genocide and International Human Rights Law organized by the Catholicosate,
and will be held in April 2010. His Holiness Aram I will preside over the
meetings and Dr. Farid Khazen will moderate. The lecturers are experts on
International Human Rights Law from the United Kingdom.

##
View the photo here:
tos/Photos458.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

news.am, Armenia
March 26 2010

Caroline Cox urges British government to recognize Genocide

15:26 / 03/26/2010 Baroness Caroline Cox called on British Government
to recognize Armenian Genocide, Asbarez reports. In her article on
ePolitix.com, she noted that the question is timely due to three
reasons. First, approval of Genocide Resolution by Swedish Parliament,
secondly the publication last October of `Was there an Armenian
Genocide?’ by Geoffrey Robertson. According to her, the third reason
is that on the threshold of Genocide’s 95th anniversary recognition is
`long overdue.’

She deems that recognition of Armenian Genocide will prevent genocides
against other nations in the future, recalling "Hitler’s reference to
the Armenian Genocide before he embarked on the extension of the
Holocaust in Poland: `Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation
of the Armenians?’

Cox mentions that Turkish government’s active efforts directed towards
rejection of Genocide recognition initiative might be tragic. She is
confident that refusal to acknowledge the truth might prevent `genuine
reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey.’ And finally, `refusal to
recognize historical reality of any genocide can serve as an
encouragement to other potential perpetrators, who will believe that
they can get away with similar genocides with impunity.’

TURKEY IS SUBJECT IN INTERNATIONAL ARENA, TURKISH FM SAYS

Today’s Zaman
March 25 2010
Turkey

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey was a subject in
international arena, not an object. "This means that Turkey is carrying
out its relations on its own, and it does not get any instructions
from any one," Davutoglu told a televised interview on Wednesday.

Davutoglu remarks came after allegations that Turkey had started to
normalize its relations with Armenia, launched a democratic initiative
and a process regarding the seminary in Heybeliada, Ä°stanbul after
US President Barack Obama’s visit to Turkey in April 2009.

"This is an unjust accusation against the governments of the Republic
of Turkey," he said.

Davutoglu said Turkey would only make necessary consultations with
other countries.

The Turkish minister defined the normalization process with Armenia
as a part of Turkey’s program of "zero problem with neighboring
countries".

"Turkey will be in peace and deep relations with all its neighbors
today and tomorrow," he said.

Turkey and Armenia signed two protocols on October 10, 2009 to
normalize relations between the two countries. The protocols envisage
the two countries to establish diplomatic ties and open the border
that has been close since 1993. Turkey and Armenia also agreed to take
steps to operate a sub-commission on impartial scientific examination
of the historical records and archive to define existing problems
and formulate recommendations, in which Armenian, Turkish as well
as Swiss and other international experts would take part. However,
on January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of Armenia declared a
decision of constitutional conformity on the protocols. Turkey thought
the fifth article of Armenian Constitutional Court’s verdict regarding
the protocols was against the target and basis of the protocols.

On Iraq, Davutoglu said Turkey was having close relations will all
ethnic and political groups in Iraq.

"Iraq policy means northern Iraq policy, and northern Iraq policy
means fighting the terrorist organization," he said.

Davutoglu said Turkey would continue countering terrorism, but saw
Iraq as a whole.

The foreign minister defined the timing of the democratic initiative
during the counter-terrorism process as a right step.

"If our security is taken under guarantee as the area of freedom is
broadened, this is a permanent security," he said.

Commenting on stories that German Chancellor Angela Merkel proposed
privileged partnership to Turkey, Davutoglu said it was not an
official remark and Germany was supporting Turkey’s European Union
(EU) full membership bid.

Davutoglu said Cyprus was one of the chapters that prevented healthy
course of the process.

"Unfortunately, the EU has not assumed an objective attitude towards
Cyprus," he also said.

The EU countries had decided in 2006 not to open 8 chapters in
accession negotiations and suspending the conclusion of the remaining
chapters in process on the grounds that Turkey failed to fulfill
its responsibilities stemming from the "Additional Protocol" to the
Association Agreement which stipulates Turkey to open its ports and
airports to Greek Cypriot ships and planes.

CARL BILDT: RIKSDAG CAN SET REPEAT VOTING ON GENOCIDE ISSUE

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.03.2010 16:16 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Swedish Riksdag can set repeat voting on Armenian
Genocide resolution, Foreign Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt stated.

Foreign Minister expressed regret over Armenian Genocide resolution
passed in Riksdag, characterizing political decision-making on events
of 1915 as incorrect policy. Rather, he urged to give more thought to
the events of 2015 when Turkey will possibly become full member of EU.

"Swedish parliament can return to discussion of Genocide resolution in
2011. Sweden was always friendly with Turkey. And I hope bilateral
relations, which became somewhat strained because of resolution
passage, will be normalized in near future," NTV cited Carl Bildt
as saying.

On March 11, 2010, Swedish Parliament recognized the Armenian Genocide
in Ottoman Empire in 1915 by 131 votes in favor and 130 against

SARKISIAN: ‘AUSCHWITZ IS THE DER ZOR OF THE JEWS’

rkisian-auschwitz-is-the-der-zor-of-the-jews/
Wed, Mar 24 2010

On March 22, at the invitation of the president of the Syrian Arab
Republic, Bashar Al-Asad, the president of Armenia, Serge Sarkisian,
arrived in Syria on a three-day official visit. On March 24 Sarkisian
gave the following remarks in the Der Zor desert in Syria, where
thousands of Armenians perished during the genocide.

***

Your Eminences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am here today since I could not but be here. It is the greatest
grief of my nation that has brought me here, the grief of the first
genocide of the 20th century and the greatest disgrace of civilized
humanity. Up to this moment, in the 21st century, the stigma of that
disgrace still remains on the foreheads of all those who have turned
the denial of the evident facts into their policy, turned it into
their bargaining chip and into their lifestyle and norm of behavior.

In the desert of Der Zor, the most monstrous acts of the tragedy took
place, and it is neither possible to articulate the particulars of
that tragedy in the language of human beings, nor am I going do that
since these particulars are well-known even to those who publicly deny
the veracity of the genocide. Bereft of home and property, bereft of
children and parents, bereft of health and the last hope, and finally
bereft of the most important-their homeland-these people were doomed
to lose the last thing they had-their life in accordance with the
state orchestrated and meticulously developed plan of extermination.

Quite often historians and journalists soundly compare Der Zor with
Auschwitz, saying that "Der Zor is the Auschwitz of the Armenians." I
think that the chronology forces us to formulate the facts in a reverse
way: "Auschwitz is the Der Zor of the Jews." Only a generation later
humanity witnessed the Der Zor of the Jews. Today, as the president
of the Republic of Armenia, the homeland of all Armenians, I am here
to ask: "Where and when will be held our Nuremberg?"

I’m here to commemorate and to pray for the vast majority of my
slaughtered nation that had suffered both physical and cultural
extermination. I will elaborate neither on the quality, nor on the
quantity of the loss. Let me recall a single fact: As a result of
the genocide the greatest share of the dialects of one of the most
ancient Indo-European languages-Armenian-was irreversibly eradicated
along with its speakers.

In spite of all that happened, we say that we are ready to establish
normal diplomatic relations with the modern Turkey, we are ready to
have open borders and economic relations, we are ready to make efforts
towards building confidence between the peoples of Armenia and Turkey,
we are ready to bring closer the two societies by breaking stereotypes
and myths that have nothing to do with the reality and were developed
in decades of dearth of any sensible contact.

We do this sincerely since we believe that there is no alternative to
the living and development between neighbors through the implementation
of what is proposed and still at the table, at least to start it. The
signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols presented us with an historic
opportunity that should have a logical destiny.

We, however, do not accept the style of references to the
Armenian-Turkish dialogue in attempts to avoid the recognition
of the genocide. I do not think it helps the process. Moreover,
it is irrelevant to cite some commission of historians since
the Armenian-Turkish protocols provide for merely a governmental
sub-commission on the historic dimension. I assume everyone understands
what it means and what the difference is. I ask all those who will
have an occasion to elaborate or express themselves on the topic of
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide: remember of this desert,
millions of ruined human fortunes, and this ancient people deprived
of their motherland and with pain in their hearts, before you make
up your minds.

In 1915 the greatest Armenian poets of the 20th century-35-year-old
Daniel Varoujan and 37-year-old Atom Yarjanian (Siamanto)-had also
been slaughtered. Before being tortured to death, they were undressed,
because they wore European clothes. In those times and places European
clothes were quite expensive. The executioners dressed up in European
clothing stolen from the Armenian geniuses encompassing millennia
old civilization, stolen from ordinary Armenians.

I would not interpret symbols signified in these images but I am
unequivocally convinced: While preaching European apparel, manners,
or values, no one has a right to cast these images into oblivion.

I am here to remind you of the well-known words: "It is impossible to
kill a nation that does not want to die." We mean to live and to grow.

It is no more possible to intimidate or blackmail us since we have
seen the most horrible. We shall continue to live and create with
double vigor for us and for our innocent victims. We look forward to
sharing with each other, and sharing with the world the brightness
and glow that Daniel Varuzhan and Atom Yarjanian did not have the
chance to share.

And here, in Der Zor, we firmly and loudly say over and over again
that we are, shall exist, and will flourish.

S. SARGSYAN MEETS ALEPPO ARMENIANS

/sargsyan
04:20 pm | March 24, 2010

Official

Within the framework of the official visit to the Arab Republic of
Syria, President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with the Governor of
Aleppo. The interlocutors discussed issues related to Armenian-Syrian
cooperation and the opportunities of promoting the collaboration
between regions of the two countries.

President Sargsyan later met with representatives of the local
Armenian community. During the conversation Serzh Sargsyan expressed
satisfaction with the results of his visit to Syria and noted that it
would give new impetus to the traditional friendly relations between
Armenia and Syria.

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:

March 25, 2010
REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN WORCESTER
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the New England Regional
Conference for pastors, boards of trustees, and delegates this
Saturday, March 27. The all-day conference is being hosted by Holy
Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts.

RECEPTION FOR PILLARS
Archbishop Oshagan will welcome current and new Pillars of the Prelacy
from the New England area at a reception on Saturday evening, March
27. The reception is being hosted by Archpriest Fr. Aram and Yeretzgin
Margaret Stepanian at their home.

PRELATES HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Archbishop Oshagans Holy Week schedule is as follows:

On Palm Sunday, March 28, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek) at St. Stephens
Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.

On Holy Thursday, April 1, His Eminence will perform the Washing of
the Feet ceremony and preside over the Vigil service (Khavaroom) at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.

On Holy Friday, April 2, His Eminence will celebrate the Order of the
Crucifixion at 12 noon, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.

On Holy Saturday, April 3, His Eminence will celebrate Easter Eve
services and Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.

On Easter, Sunday, April 4, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York City.

VICARS HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Bishop Anoushavans Holy Week schedule is as follows:

On Palm Sunday, March 28, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

On Holy Thursday, April 1, His Grace will attend the Washing of the
Feet and Vigil services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.

On Holy Friday, April 2, His Grace will attend the Order of
Crucifixion at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City. In the
evening he will attend the Order of Burial at St. Stephens Church, New
Britain, Connecticut.

On Holy Saturday, April 3, His Grace will attend the Easter Eve
services and Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.

On Easter, April 4, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

PRELATE AND VICAR WILL VISIT HOVNANIAN SCHOOL
AND NEW JERSEY HOME FOR AGED
On Wednesday, March 31, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan,
together with the clergy from the New York-New Jersey area, will visit
the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New Jersey, and the Armenian Home
for the Aged in Emerson, New Jersey.
LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONCLUDES
The sixth and final weekly Lenten program took place last night at
St. Illuminators Cathedral in New York City, a program that included a
Husgoom service, an educational component, and a meal fellowship (from
7:30-9:30pm), presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, the
Prelate.
Women as Christian Educators Today was the topic of the
lecture, presented by Yeretsgin Joanna Baghsarian. Women, as mothers
and grandmothers, have a great role an important vocation, in the
Christian character development of their children and grandchildren,
said Yeretsgin Joanna. Skillfully weaving scriptures with stories,
some personal, Yeretsgin inspired and empowered the audience to be
more attentive to the Christian formation of their children. As a
Christian mother-educator, how would I want to be remembered she
asked. Will I be remembered as a mother who gave her children love, a
warm, stable home and things that only money can buy? Or will I be
remembered as an agent of God a mother committed to forming Christian
character in her children, introducing them to their Savior and
teaching them the ways and the wisdom of God?
At the conclusion, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, the
Prelate, reflected briefly on the six-week Lenten journey that the
community had taken. He first expressed gratitude to God for the gift
and the grace of bringing the community together in prayer and worship
before Him. He thanked the speakers for their presentations, lectures
that provided a deeper understanding of the role and mission of the
Armenian women in the life of our Church and nation. He blessed the
participants wishing them a blessed holy week commemorations and a
joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC, who each week
introduced the speakers and guided the Q sessions, expressed thanks to
all of the lecturers, the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the Ladies Guild of
the Cathedral, and Dn. Sarkis Apelian who each week taught sharagans
dedicated to Asdvadzadzin.
The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG),
and St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild.

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
).

PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA
On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
Eastern Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute is organizing a
pilgrimage to Syria and Lebanon, from August 2 to August 16. For more
information click here (
4882/goto: /component/content/article/95-pilgrimage
).

95th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE
Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
organized by the
Eastern Prelacy with the participation of community organizations
will take place on Saturday,
April 24, 7 pm, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street,
New York City. Keynote speaker Professor Peter Balakian. Check here
for details next week.

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for today, Thursday, March 25, are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1
Timothy 3:14-16.
The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the
spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was
full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying
in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, Mortal, can
these bones live? I answered, O Lord God, you know. Then he said to
me, Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the
word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause
breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and
will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put
breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the
Lord.
So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied,
suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together,
bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh
had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath
in them. Then he said to me, Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal,
and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four
winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. I
prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they
lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
Then he said to me, Mortal, these bones are the whole house of
Israel. They say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are
cut off completely. Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says
the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from
your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of
Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your
graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my
spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your
own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will
act, says the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/2010dbr-3.pdf
).

REMEMBRANCE OF THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
This Saturday, March 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the raising
of Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, Chapter 11.
Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha were good friends of
Jesus. Their home in Bethany (near Jerusalem) was Jesus home whenever
he was in Jerusalem. Lazaruss sudden death threw his sisters into deep
mourning. Jesus also wept for his friend. Johns gospel account
emphasizes the fact that Lazaruas was indeed dead by pointing out that
his body was in the tomb. Jesus raising of Lazarus convinced many
people of his unique powers, and according to John, the authorities
took steps to try to silence him.
Lazarus personifies the whole of humankind and Bethany
represents the whole world. Lazarus Saturday is the real beginning of
the Cross. Its major themes are the forthcoming victory of Christ over
death, the supreme sacrifice of love, and the Resurrection as the
ultimate triumph of love.
A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening (eve of Palm
Sunday) says: With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given
hope, the descendents of Adam were also raised. Thus, as the Lenten
period comes to an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christs promise
of the resurrection of humankind.

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK
We are now entering the most solemn period of ChristendomHoly
Weekleading us to Christianitys most sacred and joyous periodEaster
and the celebration of the Resurrection. Karekin Vehapar, of blessed
memory, used to describe Easter as the crowning feast of all the
feasts of the Christian Church. It is the ARARAT of our ecclesiastical
and religious life.
The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life
of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the
resurrection of Lazarus (as described above) and the triumphal entry
of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday
(Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described
centuries before by the prophet Zechariah, (chapter 9, verses 9-16). A
large enthusiastic crowd greeted him with olive and palm branches, and
with the words, Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the
Lord, (John 12:13).
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the
beginning of Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to
the faithful. The traditional procession of children, dressed in their
finest clothes and carrying decorated candles, is an important sight
as the long procession of happy children parade around the church. On
the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door of the
church for the Opening of the Doors ceremony (Drnbatsek), symbolizing
the opening of the gates to the Kingdom of God. The priest kneels
before the doors and says, Open to us Lord, the door of mercy. In most
communities in the Diaspora, especially here in the United States,
this service takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm
Sunday, rather than in the evening vespers service.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday
commemorates the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday
commemorates the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates
the Anointment and Betrayal of Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday,
which originates from the command of Christ that his disciples love
one another (John 13:34). In the evening the Washing of the Feet
ceremony (Votunlva) takes place in remembrance of the events of the
Last Supper. In the evening the betrayal and torment of Christ,
Tenebrae (Khavaroum), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are
read from the Gospel, describing Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane,
the betrayal by Judas, and denial by Peter, interspersed with the
readings and hymns composed by Nerses Shnhorhali are sung. After each
reading a candle from each side is extinguished in the darkened
sanctuary.
Holy Friday (Avak Shabat) commemorates the death and burial
of Jesus and is the most solemn and sacred day in the Christian
calendar. In the Armenian Church tradition, during evening Vespers a
tomb is prepared and decorated with flowers and candles. The faithful
bring flowers and decorate the tomb throughout the service.

THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
The Armenian Churchs hymns for Holy Week, from Christs triumphant
entry into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music
ever created.
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the somber
Lenten period, and the hymn Rejoice, O Holy Church (Ourakh Ler)
expresses the joy of Palm Sunday. Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the
advent of the Holy Only-begotten, rejoice and delight with all the
saints. Blessed are you. You who came, King of the universe.
During the Opening of the Doors ceremony (Drnbatsek), the
beautiful hymn, Open to us, Lord (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of
the church or in front of the closed altar. We beseech you, O Lord,
open for us, open for us, Lord, the gate of your mercy, we beseech you
imploringly, O Lord.
During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most
melodious and memorable hymns are sung including: My Heart Trembles
(Sird Im Sasani); Seized by the Love of Money (Ardsatsiroutyampun
Molyal), and the heartbreaking Where Are You, O Mother (Oor Es Mayr
Im). Where are you, most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly
love. My eyes are filled with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them
away. Where are you, my mother?
THE FEAST OF ST. GREGORY IN ANTELIAS
Last weekend, the feast day for St. Gregory the Illuminator, the
patron saint of the Armenian Church, was a time of pilgrimage to
Antelias. The relics of the right hand of the saint which is preserved
in a hand-shaped reliquary, is displayed. The altar curtain, which is
closed during the 40 days of Lent, is opened for this two-day feast.
On Sunday the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace
Bishop Shahe Panossian. As the church bells chimed, His Holiness Aram
I, the bishops, and the priests entered the Cathedral. In his sermon
Bishop Shahe spoke about the life of Saint Gregory and the way in
which his legacy continues to revitalize the church and the faith of
its believers.
NEW BOOK BY CATHOLICOS ARAM ISSUED
A new book, in Armenian, by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia was recently issued with the sponsorship of the
Gulbenkian Foundation. Entitled Giving Meaning to Life through Values,
the 492 page book reflects the pastoral concerns of a church
leader. His Holiness invites the reader to reflect upon moral and
ethical values and provides a message for a meaningful life and a
challenge for transformation.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE.
IN KEEPING WITH THE UPCOMING HOLY WEEK AND EASTER HOLIDAYS THE
BOOKSTORE CALLS YOUR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING CDs. ALL ARE PART OF
THE MUSICAL HERITAGE SERIES PRODUCED BY THE CATHOLICOSATE OF THE GREAT
HOUSE OF CILICIA IN ANTELIAS, LEBANON. ALL WERE RECORDED IN THE
CATHEDRAL OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR. THESE CDs ARE VALUABLE
TEACHING TOOLS.

Hymns of the Holy Resurrection
Performed by members of the Brotherhood of the Holy See of
Cilicia. Also includes a DVD as an additional educational tool.

$15.00, plus shipping and handling

Hymns of the Armenian Orthodox Church
A collection of hymns performed by Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian.

$12.00, plus shipping and handling

Hymns of Great Lent Sundays (a four-disc set)
The distinct hymns for the six Sundays of Lent performed by members of
the Brotherhood of the Holy See of Cilicia.

$20.00, plus shipping and handling
TO ORDER THESE BOOKS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OR BY TELEPHONE AT 212-689-7810.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 26 New York Hamazkayin Literary Committee presents, We are not
Ermeni: The Hamshen Armenians, lecturer Avedis Hadjian, 8:05 pm at the
Armenian Center, Woodside, New York.
March 27 New England Regional Conference for pastors, boards of
trustees, and delegates, hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 10 am to 4 pm.
March 29 Karine Poghosyan, pianist, will perform works by Mozart,
Chopin, Liszt, Komitas and Ginastera at the Bechstein Piano Centre,
207 W. 58th Street, New York, 7 pm. Admission $15; $7 for seniors and
students. Reception following performance.
April 3 Easter Eve Salmon Dinner at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York. Immediately following Easter eve services. Donation: $25. For
reservations or information: 718-224-2275.
April 11 ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway,
Bayside, New York, 4 pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under
12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
April 17 St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts,
presents jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm,
church hall. $35 per person. Contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
781-209-1915. Reservations only.
April 17 Ladies Guild New England Regional Seminar hosted
Sts. Vartanantz Church (Providence) Ladies Guild and the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 9 am. Guest speaker: Shakay
Kizirian. Topic: Survival (A Womans Story). For information: Joyce
Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 or [email protected].
April 18 ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to
benefit Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th
Street, Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins
1 pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
April 18 Health Expo 2010, To Your Health, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65
234th St., Douglaston, New York, 1 pm to 6 pm. Free tests, counseling,
information on medical conditions, mini-lectures on current health
issues. For information: Dr. Arthur Kubikian 718-786-3842.
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.
May 1 New 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 10 Mothers 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 13 to 16 National Representative Assembly hosted by St.
Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
May 13-14 NALG 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 22 Divine Liturgy and annual banquet, presided by His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
June 25-July 4 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13 to 18, at St. Mary of Providence Center,
Elverson, Pennsylvania.
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.
August 22 Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
October 8-10 The 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.

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Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
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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])