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
October 11, 2007
HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
ADOPTS GENOCIDE RESOLUTION, 27 TO 21
Yesterday afternoon, October 10, the House Foreign Affairs Committee
adopted House Resolution 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, by a vote of
27 to 21, after intense debate within the committee. Earlier in the day,
prior to the vote, President Bush spoke against the resolution, as did
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, and Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.
Last week eight former secretaries of state joined in signing a letter
against the resolution. The Turkish lobby and its high-priced consultants
mounted an intense media blitz against the resolution, causing many to
wonder why a non-binding resolution would generate such a heavy duty
response. As one Congressman noted yesterday, "I feel as though there is a
Turkish sword over my head."
None of the Congressmen who spoke yesterday-even those who voted against
the resolution-denied the Genocide; in fact, they acknowledged it, but felt
it should not be pursued at this time because of the threats made by Turkey,
especially about Turkey’s cooperation in the Iraq war.
The resolution must now go to the full House of Representatives for a
vote. If the speaker, Nancy Pelosi, permits it to be presented, the
resolution will most probably pass.
Ironically, once again, the actions of Turkey have generated a
tremendous amount of media attention for the Armenians. Today’s issue of the
New York Times covered yesterday’s vote with a long story, starting on the
first page (above the fold-the most coveted position), with a large photo of
genocide survivors attending the committee vote.
We congratulate the exceptional efforts of the Armenian National
Committee, as well as the Armenian Assembly, the Armenian American Political
Action Committee, and the ordinary Armenian Americans who got on the phone
and let their representatives know their feelings.
It is appropriate now to express thanks to those who voted for the
resolution yesterday. Go to the ANC web page, for details.
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II OFFERS OPENING PRAYER
AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES YESTERDAY
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, delivered the
opening prayer yesterday at the House of Representatives. His Holiness, who
is on a pontifical visit to the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), was invited to deliver the invocation on the very day that the
Foreign Affairs Committee was considering the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
His Holiness spoke eloquently. You can see a video of the prayer on the
pontifical visit web page,
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I SENDS MESSAGE TO PELOSI
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent a
letter following the vote in Washington to Speaker of the House Nancy
Pelosi. His Holiness wrote:
"I salute from the headquarters of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
in Antelias, Lebanon, the courageous step taken by the House Foreign Affairs
Committee in favor of the Armenian Genocide resolution. Indeed, this
decision of the Committee is a concrete and genuine manifestation of the
deep concern of the United States of America in respect to human rights and
all forms of crimes against humanity, including genocide.
"The Armenian Genocide is a fact of history. Not only is it deeply
rooted in the common memory of the Armenian people but also well
substantiated by historical documents and eye-witness accounts. The formal
recognition of such crimes against humanity is indispensable to avoid new
genocides. Hence, the resolution of the Committee is a right response to
this sad page of the history of the Turkish-Ottoman Empire.
"The Cilician Catholicosate of the Armenian Church has been, with its
people and institutions, a victim of this Genocide. The Martyrs’ Chapel, the
Museum, and the thousands of archives existing within the confines of the
Catholicosate, are tangible proof of the Armenian Genocide planned and
executed by the Ottoman-Turkish authorities in 1915.
"I greatly appreciate the action taken by the House Foreign Affairs
Committee, and it is my firm expectation that the entire Congress will soon
adopt the said resolution.
"I would like to seize this opportunity to express my high
appreciation to you for your many years of committed support towards the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
"May God bless you and your colleagues."
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO RACINE THIS WEEKEND
Archbishop Oshagan will visit the parish of St. Hagop Church, in
Racine, Wisconsin, this weekend. His Eminence will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon on Sunday, October 14, and preside over the
church’s 69th anniversary celebration. On Saturday the Prelate will meet
with the pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian, and the lay leadership.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will visit the parish of St. Sarkis
Church in Dearborn, Michigan, this weekend. His Grace will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and ordain the following sub-deacons and
acolytes: Sub-Deacons: Kegham Tazian, Jeffrey Narayan. Stolebearers: Chris
Yangouyian, Greg Karapetian, Aaron Broglin. Acolytes: Zaven Shrikian, Alex
Kourtjian, Elliot Stepanian, Aram Cholakian, Peter Crane, Ryan Sirian, Alex
Zazaian, Armen Brus, Vahan Cholakian, Ethan Stepanian, Chris Kourtjian,
Michael Nercesian.
On Saturday, the Vicar will preside over the church’s 45th anniversary
celebration. Awards will be presented to: Verjin Mampreian, Oghnig
Mooradian, Keghouhi Derovakimian, Violet Apkarian, and Harry Dakesian.
BIBLE TRANSLATION CONTINUES
Next week, Monday to Friday, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan
will be in Montreal, Canada, where they will join with Archbishop Khajag to
continue their Bible translation work.
TWO IRAQI-ARMENIANS KILLED
Two Iraqi-Armenian women were killed this week when an Australian-run
security company struck the car with 40 bullets, killing the driver and a
passenger in the front seat. A woman and boy in the back seat survived. A
priest and relatives near the scene said that all of occupants of the car
were Armenian Christians. The case is being investigated by the Iraqi
government and the United States
HOLY TRANSLATORS REMEMBERED
This Saturday, October 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives
and accomplishments of the Holy Translators, including Mesrob, Yeghishe,
Moses the Poet, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, and Nerses the
Graceful.
The Feast of the Holy Translators is one of our most popular feasts.
There are, in fact, two commemorations in our liturgical calendar. One is on
the Thursday following the fourth Sunday after Pentecost which can occur
either in June or July, and on the second Saturday of October.
The October commemoration focuses on the creation of the Armenian
alphabet (406) and on the accomplishments of the Holy Translators. Mesrob
Mashtots, the founder of the alphabet, and Catholicos Sahak, together with
some of their students, translated the Holy Bible (Astvadzashounch, Breath
of God). Schools were opened and the works of world-renowned scholars were
translated. Their work gave the Armenian Church a distinct national
character.
In modern times the entire month of October has been designated as a
"Month of Culture." Armenians throughout the Diaspora and Armenia mark this
with a variety of cultural events not only in remembrance of the past, but
in celebration of modern-day scholars, theologians, and translators.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS
A conference for Sunday school teachers will take place October 26-28 at
the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in
Charlton, Massachusetts. The theme of the conference is "Prayer-Personal and
Communal," and will feature presentations by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Ph.D., Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. A
modest fee of $60 covers all expenses including lodging for two nights, five
meals and refreshments. For detailed information click
N EW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
A new five-part series of Bible studies ("from Jesus’ meals with sinners
to the Lord’s Supper") will take place at the Prelacy beginning on October
16 and continue on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 7:15 to
8:45 pm. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC) will conduct the Bible studies. For information and
registration, send email to [email protected] or telephone
212-689-7810.
FIRST OF A SERIES OF BOOKLETS IS PUBLISHED
The first in a series of booklets on contemporary ethical issues was
published this week. The entire series is being written by Vigen Guroian,
the well-known theologian and professor at Loyola College in Maryland. All
of the booklets are written from an Armenian Orthodox perspective.
The first booklet is, "Homosexuality and Same-Sex Union." Forthcoming
topics include: Marriage and Divorce; Procreation and Reproductive
Technology; Abortion; Genetic Screening and Genetic Technology; Suicide and
Euthanasia; Organ Donation and Cremation.
Professor Guroian will make a presentation on this important series, and
specifically on the first booklet just published, on Friday evening,
November 16, at the Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Reception Hall at the
Prelacy in New York City.
This series of booklets by the Eastern Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council is being underwritten by Elza and Haig Didizian in memory
of His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, October 11, are: Proverbs 4:20-27; Jeremiah
15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; Matthew 9:35-10:1.
My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do
not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they
are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your
heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away
>From you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes
look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight
the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the
right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. (Proverbs 4:20-17)
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click
01107.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
Armenian language and literature:
Believing in the power of words, Armenians-especially travelers-kept with
them a phylactery scroll (hmayil), rolled up in a cylinder container or a
pouch and worn around the neck or pocket as protection against all kinds of
evil. The scrolls were inscribed with prayers and passages from the Bible.
Many of them were also illustrated.
"It take two to speak the truth-one to speak, and another to hear."
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Calendar of Events
September 27 to November 29-Christian Education classes at Sourp Khatch
Church in Bethesda, Maryland, 8 pm in the church sanctuary. Topic: The
Badarak. Classes held second and fourth Thursdays of each month, except
Thanksgiving week when classes will take place Friday. Armenian and English.
Prior attendance is not a requisite. For information: 301-229-8742.
October 14-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Celebration of the
Year of the Armenian Language. Cultural program and Book Fair following the
Divine Liturgy. For information 212-689-5880.
October 14-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
commemorative lecture, 3 p.m. Guest lecturer Dr. Abraham Terian, Professor
of Armenian Patristics at St. Nersess Seminary, New York.
October 14-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 69th anniversary dinner. His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will preside. For information 262-632-2033.
October 16 to December 18-"From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s
Supper," a five part Bible study at the Armenian Prelacy will begin on
October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from
7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
send e-mail to [email protected] or call 212-689-4481.
October 18, 19, 20-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Food
Festival and Bazaar.
October 19 & 20-Annual fall fair/bazaar, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack
Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, in newly renovated Jaffarian Hall.
October 21-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the
20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information
or 215-482-9200.
October 26-28-National Conference for Christian Educators, a conference for
Sunday School teachers at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic
Orthodox Retreat Center, in Charlton, Massachusetts. Theme: "Prayer-Personal
and Communal." Presentations by Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. For more information
click here.
October 28-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presents The Way We Were
group in their new musical "Hello Ellis Island!’ by Hourig
Papazian-Sahagian. Immediately after Sunday services. Refreshments served.
For information 718-224-2275.
November 2-3-Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
November 7-Soorp Khatch (Bethesda, Maryland) Senior Citizens second reunion
and Thanksgiving luncheon.
November 11-37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and
ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
Prelacy.
November 11-St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachussetts, 50th anniversary
commemorative concert, 4 pm., church hall.
November 10-11-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual
"Armenian Fest," at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For
information 401-831-6399.
November 11-Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and Armenian Children’s
Chorus, 7th annual gala concert and dinner, Armenian Church of Our Saviour
Cultural Center. Advance tickets only. Barbara Baljian, 508-799-6972.
November 16-Introduction to the new series of booklets on Contemporary
Ethical Issues: An Armenian Orthodox Perspective, by Vigen Guroian.
Professor Guroian will speak about the series and the first booklet newly
published, "Homosexuality & Same-Sex Union." 7:30 pm at the Prelacy office
in New York City. For information [email protected] or 212-689-7810.
November 16 & 17-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar. All are welcome. For information 508-852-2414.
November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.
November 18-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Divine Liturgy
celebrated by the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.
December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.
December 23-St. Stephen’s Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts. The
Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration of the
church’s patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen.
June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click here.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
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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]
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