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
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER
JUNE 19, 2008
PRAYERS FOR MIDWEST FLOODING VICTIMS
Archbishop Oshagan has asked all parishes within the Eastern Prelacy to
offer special prayers this Sunday, June 22, for the widespread flooding that
has devastated large parts of the Midwest and southern plains, causing great
losses, including the homes and possessions of thousands of people. The
extraordinary flooding has also threatened the nation’s food supply. Tens of
thousands of acres of farmland are in jeopardy; many farms have already been
devastated, and in most cases the land cannot be replanted again this
season.
"Let us pray first and foremost for the physical safety of the people in
the areas affected, and help those who have lost their homes and
livelihood," said the Prelate.
PRELATE WILL PRESIDE OVER SERVICES AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, this Sunday, June 22.
He will preside over the luncheon following church services where a special
anniversary program will be presented and the Ladies Guild will be honored.
The traveling exhibit prepared by the Prelacy in celebration of the 110th
anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Prelacy in America and the
50th anniversary of the Prelacy’s affiliation with the Holy See of Cilicia
will be on display. For information, 718-224-2275.
VICAR WILL ATTEND GRADUATION AT HOVNANIAN SCHOOL
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will attend
the eighth grade graduation at the Hovnanian School, New Milford, New
Jersey, this Sunday, June 22.
SEMINAR FOR YOUTH IN SEPTEMBER
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia, a youth seminar/retreat will take
place September 26-28, 2008. The retreat, open to anyone ages 18 to 35, will
take place at the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton,
Massachusetts. The event is being planned and prepared for youth by youth,
in collaboration with the Prelate, the Vicar General, and the Prelacy
Executive Council. The agenda will feature a variety of excellent speakers
and two workshops on the Badarak, all aimed to educate and enrich the youth
of the Armenian Church. Complete details, as well as agenda, registration
form, etc., will be available on the Prelacy website. In the meantime if you
have any questions regarding this event send an email to
[email protected].
MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
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.
2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
We are nearing the final countdown to the 2008 St. Gregory of Datev
Institute’s Summer Program. Datevatzis have been volunteering at the Prelacy
office, helping Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), copy and collate classroom materials for the
various levels of study. For details about the program click here.
ST. ILLUMINATOR’S DAY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM
St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School has organized a summer program for
children ages 3 to 10. The summer program will take place at the school,
69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, NY, under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. The summer school will
begin on Monday, July 14, and continue through to Friday, August 1, Monday
to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm. The program includes instruction in Armenian
language and history, Bible readings, arts and crafts, sports, and more.
For information and/or registration contact the school office 718-478-4073
or the Cathedral office 212-689-5880.
PAN-DIASPORA YOUTH CONFERENCE
A pan-Diaspora youth conference will take place in Antelias, Lebanon, on
August 14-16. Under the theme, "The Armenian youth face the challenges of
the 21st century," the conference will feature lectures, and round table and
group discussions. More than 100 youth from the various dioceses within the
Catholicosate of Cilicia will participate. Travel subsidies are available.
For information contact your local parish or the Prelacy office,
212-689-7810.
ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN ECUMENICAL GATHERING
TO ASSESS DIALOGUE WITH ISLAM
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, convened an ecumenical
gathering in June to discuss the letter, "A Common Word between Us and You,"
which was signed last October by 138 Muslim scholars from different branches
of Islam. Many Christian leaders and academic institutions viewed the letter
as an invitation to deepen Christian-Muslim relations. His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilciia, responded with a reflection on the
long history of Armenian coexistence with Islam, and he made some concrete
recommendations.
The purpose of the June gathering at the Church House in Westminister,
was to discuss the current state of dialogue. Forty individuals from
different continents, churches and academic institutions participated.
Archbishop Avak Asadourian from the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, and Mrs. Teny
Pirri-Simonian, Vice President of the Ecumenical Committee of the Holy See
of Cilicia, represented the Armenian Church. The meeting reflected different
attitudes and experiences with Islam. The differences seemed to depend on
whether Christians are a majority or minority in the countries where they
live with Muslims. It also demonstrated different perspectives of expressing
the Christian faith in pluralistic societies. The participants acknowledged
that some churches and institutions are doing significant work in dialogue
and peace building.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, June 19, are: 2 Kings 13:14-21; 1
Corinthians 2:6-10; Luke 4:25-30.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of
this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we
speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages
understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of
glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the
human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him"-these
things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches
everything, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)
TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND
SAINT PAUL, THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE
This Saturday, June 21, the Armenian Church remembers the twelve
apostles of Christ and Saint Paul, who is considered to be the thirteenth
apostle.
Christ selected twelve apostles to carry on His work and sent them to
preach and to baptize converts all over the world (Mt. 28:19-20). Christ
himself gave the title "Apostle" to the twelve (Luke 6:13; Mark 3:14). The
word apostle derives from the Greek word apostellein, meaning "to send,"
(Arakyal in Armenian).The apostles dedicated their lives to spread the Word
and fulfill the sacred mission entrusted to them. Their mission was not just
to transmit the message, but to put it into practice.
Paul, the "thirteenth apostle," was initially a great enemy of
Christians, but he had a vision on the road to Damascus and became a fervent
Christian and was subsequently responsible in large measure for the rapid
spread of the new religion. Most of the New Testmament (aside from the four
Gospels) is from the writings of Paul.
BAREKENTAN OF THE FAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, June 22, the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, is the
barekentan of the Fast of the Transfiguration-the five-day period of fasting
prior to the Feast of the Transfiguration which is next Sunday.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
This week we offer two books describing the work accomplished by two
very different men, but both completely dedicated to their mission at hand,
to the detriment of their personal lives and health.
Vahan Cardashian: Advocate Extraordinaire for the Armenian Cause, compiled
by Vartkes Yeghiyan.
Softcover, 353 pages, $25.00, plus shipping and handling.
Vahan Cardashian single-handedly ran the American Committee for the
Independence of Armenia and the Armenian Press Bureau. For more than twenty
years Cardashian pursued the Armenian Cause with the top leaders of the
United States. He managed to get the attention of leading senators,
representatives, cabinet members, and even the president. He was relentless
in his pursuit of justice for the Armenian Cause. He died in 1934 at age 51.
He is buried in Long Island’s Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Raphael Lemkin’s Dossier on the Armenian Genocide, with a Foreword by
Professor Michael J. Bazyler. Softcover,145 pages, $20.00, plus shipping and
handling.
This book includes Lemkin’s papers on the Armenian Genocide from the Raphael
Lemkin Collection at the American Jewish Historical Society. Lemkin coined
the word "genocide" in 1944. He was also an outspoken advocate for the
adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment
of the Crime of Genocide. His determination to give a name to the crime of
mass killing of a people began with his horror at the massacres of the
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. He died on August 28, 1959, in New York.
He was 59 years old and penniless. Seven people attended his funeral.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY’S WEB SITE, OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT [email protected] OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.
TOMORROW IS FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
Summer arrives officially tomorrow evening, June 20. Enjoy.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
This year we are marking the dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of
the establishment of the Armenian Prelacy of America by Catholicos Mgrditch
(Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy
See of Cilicia. We continue to seek any type of memorabilia and photographs.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or by telephone
212-689-7810, Extension 23. We thank many of you who have already responded.
This week’s photo was taken in 1957 when Archbishop Khoren Paroyan came to
the United States as a special emissary of Catholicos Zareh I. This photo
was taken during a visit to Providence,
Rhode Island. Archbishop Paroyan (right) is being welcomed by the Mayor of
Providence, Walter A. Reynolds. The two clergymen in the center are Rev. Fr.
Nishan Papazian (on the left) and Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragosian.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 21-Armenian Food Fair sponsored by the Ladies Guild of St. Gregory
Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall from 11 a.m. to 7 pm.
June 22-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Anniversary
Celebration, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Special program
and exhibit dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy’s affiliation
with the Holy See of Cilicia. Also honored will be the Ladies Guild of St.
Sarkis Church. For reservations contact the church office, 718-224-2275.
June 22-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Divine Liturgy, Luncheon
and Program dedicated to Father’s Day. Organized by the Cathedral’s Ladies
Guild. Mardo Anastasian will be honored as Father of the Year. Information
and reservations: 212-689-5880.
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.
June 29-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, celebrate summer at Seroonian
Community Center, "Vartavar Family Picnic," at 1 pm.
June 29-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 70th year of "Madagh" and
parish picnic, 10:30 am to 7 pm at Johnson Park, Racine. Madagh will be
blessed at 11 am and served at 12 noon. Armenian food and desserts available
for purchase. Music and children’s entertainment beginning 2 pm; raffle
drawing at 7 pm.
July 7 to July 18-Summer Camp at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New
York. For children age 5 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, lunch and
snack included. Minimum donation is $150. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. &
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. For information contact the church
office, 718-224-2275.
July 14 to August 1-St. Illuminator’s Day School Summer Program, July 14
through August 1, for children ages 3 to 10, Monday through Friday, 9 am to
2 pm. Armenian language, history, Bible readings, arts and crafts, sports
and much more. For information and registration contact the school office
718-478-4073 or the Cathedral office 212-689-5880.
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 5-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 9th annual
golf outing at Blackstone National Golf Club, Summon, Massachusetts.
Information: 508-234-3261.
August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, picnic and
blessing of the grapes, officiated by Archbishop Oshagan and New England
area clergy. On church grounds, beginning at 12 noon. For information:
508-234-3677 or
August 17-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother of God and Blessing of the Grapes, and picnic, at the Armenian
Center, Woodside, NY. For information 212-689-5880.
September 7-Annual picnic Festival of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, at American Legion Grounds, Haverhill, Massachusetts,
beginning at 12 noon.
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 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual church
picnic and blessing of the grapes at Dunkerhook Park, Pavilion D, Paramus,
NJ. For information 201-943-2950.
September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.
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 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.
October 21, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.
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.
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] 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]