Untitled DocumentPress 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
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
APRIL 17, 2008
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PARTICIPATE IN
ECUMENICAL SERVICE FOR POPE BENEDICT
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will represent the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America, at a special Ecumenical Prayer Service at Saint Joseph
Parish in the Yorkville section of Manhattan on the occasion of the first
visit to the United States of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, tomorrow,
Friday, April 18. The service will be followed by a dinner reception.
The Pope’s New York itinerary includes an address to the United Nations,
a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, visit to Ground Zero, Youth Rally, and
Mass at Yankee Stadium.
PASSING OF YERETZGEEN MARIE GHAZARIAN
Archbishop Oshagan expressed his sympathy on the passing of Yeretzgeen
Marie Ghazarian, who died this week in Montreal. She was the yeretzgeen of
Archpriest Fr. Vahan, of blessed memory, and the sister of Archbishop Khajag
Hagopian, Prelate of Canada. The wake will take place tomorrow, Friday,
April 18, at St. Hagop Church in Montreal. The funeral service will take
place at St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Toronto on Saturday, followed by
interment. She is survived by her three children, Haroutune, Christine,
Vartouhi, and their families.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN IN ARMENIA
Bishop Anoushavan is in Armenia where he is participating in the
meetings of the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Martyrs, at Holy
Etchmiadzin, which began on Tuesday and will continue through tomorrow,
Friday, April 18. Bishop Anoushavan is representing the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, together with Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and
Bishop Papken Charian, Prelate of Isfahan.
PRELATE ORDAINS ACOLYTES IN NORTH ANDOVER
Last Sunday Archbishop Oshagan visited the parish of St. Gregory the
Illuminator of Merrimack Valley, in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he
presided over the Liturgy on Sunday, ordained seven acolytes, and
consecrated a new painting for the church.
The newly ordained acolytes are: John Mahlebjian, Nicholas Kulungian,
Matthew Kochakian, Nicholas Kochakian, Denis Teague, Jacob Gostanian, and
Timothy Kublbeck. The oil painting of Vartan Mamigonian is the work of the
artist Marlen from Armenia; it was donated to the church by Eliza Krikorian.
Photos: Archbishop Oshagan delivers the sermon. Archbishop Oshagan and Rev.
Fr. Vartan Kassabian with the newly-ordained acolytes.
PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE IN MARTYRS DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Archbishop Oshagan will participate in a number of commemorations on the
occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
On Wednesday, April 23, the Prelate will travel to Washington, DC, where
he will participate in observances on Capitol Hill organized by the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.
On Thursday, April 24, the Prelate will preside at a Divine Liturgy in
memory of the Martyrs at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. The
celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral. The service will begin at 7 pm.
On Friday, April 25, Archbishop Oshagan will participate in ceremonies
at New York’s City Hall, organized by the Armenian National Committee of New
York.
On Sunday, April 27, the Prelate will participate in the Times Square
Gathering, organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and supported
by all Armenian religious groups and major Armenian organizations.
GROUNDBREAKING FOR FOUNDERS’ HALL AT
ST. GREGORY CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA TAKES PLACE
Last Sunday, April 13, Bishop Anoushavan celebrated the Liturgy and
presided over the groundbreaking of Founders’ Hall at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church in Philadelphia.
The expansion will provide new and larger Sunday school rooms, a more
up-to-date kitchen, a new general purpose room, a new larger main hall, and
storage space.
Photo: Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, with
Bill Arthin, chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Stepanian, major benefactors to the expansion project. To view more photos
click eaking1.pdf.
EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS IN ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I will officiate over the Episcopal consecration of V.
Rev. Fr. Norair Ashekian and V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian, this Sunday, April
20, in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon.
Father Norair serves as the director of the Holy See’s publishing house.
Father Shahe is well-known to the Eastern Prelacy community. He has served
the South Florida community, All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois, St.
Asdvadzadzin in Toronto, and most recently Sts. Vartanantz Church in
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Currently he is the dean of the Cilician Theological
Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon.
EXECUTIVE AND RELIGIOUS COUNCILS WILL MEET THIS WEEKEND
The Executive and Religious Councils of the Prelacy will convene their
monthly meeting beginning tomorrow, Friday, April 18, through Saturday,
April 19, at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK TO BE PRESENTED
Archbishop Oshagan is hosting a book presentation and celebration of the
recently published book, "Archbishop Nerses Labronaci: Commentary on the
Wisdom of Solomon," by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, on Friday, May 2, at 7
p.m., at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. The book, which will be
introduced by Professor Peter Cowe of UCLA, arose from his doctoral
dissertation. Bishop Anoushavan received his PhD from Columbia University in
2003 after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation and was awarded
the degree with distinction at the unanimous recommendation of the examining
committee.
PLG MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
The Prelacy Ladies Guild’s popular Mothers Day Luncheon will take place
on Monday, May 5, at The St. Regis, Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, New York
City. Reception is at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 12:30. Mrs.
Mary Mardoian will be honored as the Mother of the Year. For reservations
contact the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810.
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL;
PRELATE WILL PRESIDE THIS SUNDAY AT TEMPORARY LOCATION
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York. This Sunday Archbishop Oshagan will attend and preside
over the Liturgy at the Cathedral’s temporary location.
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will be hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, May 8-10. Information for
delegates, including hotel reservations, meal plans, and airport shuttle
service are on the Prelacy web page. In addition to the NRA, the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will be meeting and celebrating its 25th
anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens will take place. To get to the
NRA site click
CATH OLICOS ARAM AND PATRIARCH PAULOS ADDRESS
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I and Patriarch Paulos of the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church addressed the international conference convening at the headquarters
of the Cilician See. Patriarch Paulos, who is one of the presidents of the
World Council of Churches, came to Antelias for one day to visit Catholicos
Aram and express his gratitude to him for his key role in the reconciliation
of the Coptic and Ethiopian churches.
Patriarch Paulos emphasized the importance of the conference and
stressed the essential role of religion in accomplishing an adequate
standard of living for society.
YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click
Pontifical%20Messages/messages58.htm.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click
.
2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Plans are underway for the 22nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute
Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the program will take place at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By
popular demand, this year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a
weekend retreat (optional) June 27-29. For details click
BLESSI NG OF MURON
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) on June 7, 2008.
The Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally
blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which
is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the
parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which
are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, thus
creating an unbroken chain with the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron
is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Prior
to its blessing, the Muron remains for forty days on the altar of the
Cathedral. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of
pilgrims from various parts of the world.
During this same period the World General Assembly of the Catholicosate
of the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias beginning on June 3
through to June 5.
The Prelacy is organizing a pilgrimage to Antelias for the Muron
blessing. For details click
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
An international gathering of youth is being organized by the Holy See
of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older,
to attend this gathering from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the
annual pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of
God.
Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes
to facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting
with a portion of the travel expenses. For information contact your local
parish.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 17 are: Luke 10:25-42; Acts
15:1-29; 2 Peter 2:9-22; John 6:22-38; Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 6:1-6
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw
that there had been only one boat there: They also saw that Jesus had not
got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away
alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had
eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that
neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the
boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the
other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not
because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not
work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the
Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform
the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you
going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are
you performing? Our ancestors are the manna in the wilderness; as it is
written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ " Then Jesus said to them,
"Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from
heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For
the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the
world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to
them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and
whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you
have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me
will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I
have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who
sent me. (John 6:22-38)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click
AP PARITION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, April 20, the Armenian Church commemorates the Apparition
of the Cross (Yerevoumun Sourp Khatchi). The Apparition of the Holy Cross is
the third feast of the Holy Cross in the Armenian liturgical calendar. It is
celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Easter, in remembrance of the apparition
of the sign of the cross that appeared over the city of Jerusalem in 331
A.D. The apparition, which extended from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives,
was brighter than the sun and seen by all of Jerusalem. This event is
celebrated by the Armenian and Greek churches. The Greeks observe it on a
fixed date of May 7th; the Armenians observe it on the fifth Sunday of
Easter (which is the fourth Sunday after Easter).
REMINDER OF MARTYRS’ DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Wednesday, April 23-Martyrs’ Day commemoration on Capitol Hill, organized by
the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.
Thursday, April 24-Divine Liturgy in memory of the Martyrs, celebrated by
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, 7:00 pm, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan.
Friday, April 25-Commemoration at City Hall Chambers, New York City, with
New York City Council members and New York Congress members. Buses will
depart at 4:45 pm from St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston; Holy Martyrs Church,
Bayside; Baruir’s Grocery, Sunnyside; Armenian Center, Woodside. For
information 718-423-7010.
Sunday, April 27-Times Square Gathering (43rd and Broadway, NYC), at 2 pm,
sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, with the co-sponsorship of
all major Armenian organizations, and the participation of all Armenian
churches. Buses will depart from all Armenian churches in New York and New
Jersey; Baruyr’s Grocery, 40th Street & Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside; and
>From Brooklyn from the corner of Coney Island Ave. and Brighton Beach Ave.
For information: 516-352-2587.
>From THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
This week we call your attention to a pioneering publication: Who’s Who
of Outstanding Athletes, Coaches and Sports Personalities, 1906-1989,
featuring Armenian American and Armenian Canadian sports personalities. The
book was compiled by Richard N. Demirjian. It covers all of the major sports
like football, track, basketball, baseball, soccer, water sports, tennis,
volleyball, and much, much more. The 500-page oversize volume is interesting
reading even for the non-sports enthusiast. $39.95, plus shipping and
handling.
For shipping and handling charges call the Prelacy Bookstore, 212-689-7810.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY’S WEB SITE () OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL ([email protected]) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).
KEEP CHECKING YOUR ATTICS AND BASEMENTS..
This year, as many of you know, we are marking a dual anniversary: the
110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in America by
Catholicos Mgrditch (Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia. We are seeking any type of
memorabilia and photographs, especially during the tenures of Archbishop
Hrant Khatchadourian (1958-1973) and Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian
(1973-1977). Anything you have will be returned to you safe and sound after
we scan them for use in a forthcoming book. Please contact us by email at
[email protected] or by telephone 212-689-7810, Extension 23.
We received a great deal of enthusiastic response to the historic photo
we posted in last week’s Crossroads. Several of you caught the mistaken
identification of V. Rev. Fr. Bedros Bozabalian; of course it should have
read V. Rev. Fr. Nersess Bozabalian (later Archbishop). The first email we
received-minutes after Crossroads was transmitted-was from ever-faithful and
knowledgeable Deacon Allan Jendian from Fresno, California.
Because of your enthusiastic response to this photograph we will include
photographs from our archives starting next week during this anniversary
year.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 20-Third lecture in a series presented by St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian,
PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr.
Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842.
April 24-Divine Liturgy in memory of the Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide, at 7
pm at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, under the auspices of the
Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. The Liturgy will be celebrated by Rev.
Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.
April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, New York City, 2
pm. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Co-sponsored by the
AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA, ADL-RAG and S.D. Hunchagians. With
the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the
Armenian Church, AMAA, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical
Church and Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and Armenian youth
organizations. Free bus transportation from Armenian churches in New York
and New Jersey; Baruyr’s, 40th & Queens Boulevard, and Hovnanian School, New
Milford, New Jersey. For information: Sam: 516-352-2587; Leo: 201-746-0409;
Ara: 973-759-7518; John: 718-631-2247.
May 2-Presentation of the recent publication of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian’s
Archbishop Nerses Lambronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon, 7 pm, at
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York.
May 5-Mothers’ Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St.
Regis, New York City. Reception at 11:30 followed by luncheon.
May 8-10-National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
May 8 and 9-National Association of Ladies Guild (NALG) conference in
conjunction with the National Representative Assembly, celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the NALG, will take place at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
May 9-Mothers Day banquet hosted by ARS Mayr Chapter, New York, at Armenian
Center, 69-23 47th Ave. Woodside, New York. For information and reservations
contact Sonia 718-961-9550.
June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia will convene in Antelias, Lebanon.
June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon.
June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.
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.
July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
401-434-4467.
August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.
August 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.
August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.
September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to follow.
September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.
September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.
October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.
November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.