July 30, 2009
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PRESIDE OVER LITURGY
AT CAMP
HAIASTAN
This Sunday, August
2, the Prelate will travel to Massachusetts
where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy at Camp Haiastan
in the covered Pavilion at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, will officiate and Archbishop
Oshagan will deliver the sermon. The Blessing of Madagh will take place
immediately following the Liturgy and this will be followed by Sts. Vartanantz’s
annual picnic.
SAVE THE DATE FOR REOPENING OF ST.
ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, which has been undergoing a major
renovation, is preparing for a blessed re-opening on the weekend of September
19 and 20. On Saturday, September 19, His Eminence will re-consecrate the
Cathedral’s altar, and on Sunday, September 20, he will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon.
The Cathedral’s infrastructure was in serious disrepair. As the
renovation progressed the overall condition of the Cathedral was found to be
worse than originally believed. The renovation has included renewal of all
utilities, and major renovation of the sanctuary, offices, hall, and rest
rooms.
MORE DATEVATSI IMPRESSIONS
Here are a few more impressions
from students who attended Datev Summer Institute this year.
"At first, I was a little nervous about coming to Datev. I got here and
the environment is amazing. I didn’t know my roommate at all and now we’re best
friends even though we live in different states. We were roommates again this
year. The classes are really interesting and fun and really help open your eyes
to God. You do everything with your friends, including meals and church, and it
helps bring you closer to God, your Armenian culture, and your friends. I look
forward to it all year long and it is definitely an experience I will never
forget."
Alysha Phillips (2nd year student)
"This is my 3rd year at Datev and, wow, has it been great thus
far! It’s not only because I’m learning and having a blast with my friends, but
because of the loving environment that is shared here with my brothers and
sisters in Christ. Aside from the great classes, I have learned that when we
come to events like this with open hearts and minds, we will be blessed beyond
belief. As Christians, we believe that one of our main purposes is to be a
light onto the darkness and Datev is just the place to prepare you to do so."
Mesrop Borekjian (3rd year student)
"Throughout our years at Datev, we have learned many things about Armenian
language, religion, and culture. It has made a big impact in our lives. Datev
is amazing, we have so much fun and make life long friends. We look forward to
returning as post graduates."
Sareen Streeter and Shoghag Aktavoukian (4th year students)
To the press release and photographs of the 2009 Datev Institute click
here ( 82/goto: l ).
2009 PRELACY LINKED iN WEEKEND
The 2009 Prelacy LINKED iN weekend for young adults will take place
September 25-27, at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts,
as part of the ongoing Year of the Youth activities.
Under the general theme of "Know Your Church," presentations will be
made
by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Archpriest Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, Professor
Michael Papazian, and Yeretzgin Margaret Stepanian. The weekend gathering will
also feature prayer services, meditations, bible studies, and panel discussion.
For more information click here ( 82/goto: htm ).
ARMENIAN AMERICAN
NIGHT IN NEW YORK
Enjoy a free concert under the stars on August 16, 7 pm, at Armenian
American Night at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. Music by Onnik
Dinkjian, Ara Dinkjian, Dick Barsamian, Chuck Yegian, Jaq Hagopoian and Vicken
Makoushian and his Band. Also featuring Antranig Dance Group. For information:
516-761-0042.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for
today, Thursday, July 30, are: Genesis 4:1-50:26; Numbers 20:23-30; Deuteronomy
34:5-12; Joshua 24:29-33; 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Hebrews 11:1-31; Luke 20:34-40.
Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died
there in the land of Moab, as the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the
land of Moab, opposite Bethpeor, but no one
knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when
he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. The Israelites
wept for Moses in the plains of Moab
thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended.
Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of
wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him,
doing as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Never since has there arisen a prophet in
Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequaled for all
the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the
mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in
the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:5-12)
For listing of the coming week’s Bible
readings click here ().
S ONS AND GRANDSONS OF ST. GREGORY
This Saturday,
August 1, the Armenian Church remembers the sons and grandsons of St. Gregory
the Illuminator, namely, Sts. Aristakes, Vrtanes, Housik, Grigoris, and Daniel
(who was not related, but was a distinguished and favorite student of St.
Gregory). All of them continued the work of St. Gregory, preaching the word of
Christ to pagans, at great personal peril.
St. Gregory had two
sons, Aristakes and Vrtanes. Aristakes, the younger son, succeeded Gregory as
Catholicos and was martyred around 333 A.D. Aristakes represented the Armenian
Church at the first ecumenical council at Nicaea
in 325. It was at this council that the Nicene Creed, recited to this day
during the Divine Liturgy, was written and adopted. Vrtanes–at this time over
70 years old–was called upon to become catholicos and served for eight years
until his death. Vrtanes had two sons, Grigoris and Housig. Grigoris preached
in the northern provinces of Armenia
(present day Georgia)
where he was martyred in 347. Daniel, who as noted above was not related by
blood to Gregory, is included with the sons and grandsons. He was chosen to
succeed Housig as catholicos, but never actually served as he too was martyred
one year later in 348.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August
2–Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Annual Picnic and Blessing of
Madagh and Grapes at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, 12 noon to 6 pm,
rain or shine. Music by John Berberian and Ensemble.
August
2–St. Paul Church
(Waukegan, Illinois), annual Blessing of the Grapes and
Family Shish Kebab Picnic and Bake Sale, 12 noon to 4 pm, rain or shine. Call
ahead to place orders, 847-244-4573.
August
8–National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) religious seminary hosted by the Ladies
Guild of St. Gregory Churchy of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
For information: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
August
9–St.
Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, annual picnic and blessing of
madagh and grapes at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. Starts at 12 noon,
rain or shine. Live music.
August
9–Holy Trinity
Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
annual picnic and blessing of the grapes.
August
9–Annual
Blessing of the Grapes picnic by Holy Cross Armenian Church, 101 Spring Avenue,
Troy, New
York, noon to 4 pm, on the church grounds. Full
course kebab dinner, Armenian pastries and lehmajune will be available.
August
16–Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, annual picnic and
Blessing of the Grapes.
August
16–St.
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, picnic and
Blessing of the Grapes.
August
16–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Grape Blessing picnic. For information:
215-482-9200.
August
16–St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City,
Illinois, annual Blessing of the Grapes picnic, following Divine Liturgy and
Blessing of the Grapes, 12:30-3:30 pm, at St. Gregory Community Center.
Delicious shish, losh and chicken kebab dinners, Armenian pastries, and
specialty foods; raffle, games and activities for kids. Rain or shine.
September
13–Holy
Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 75th
anniversary Holy Mass and banquet, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
September
13–St.
Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North
Andover, Massachusetts,
annual picnic on newly renovated church grounds, 158 Main St., North Andover.
Enjoy food, music. Fellowship. For details go to church’s web site ( ( 82/goto: ))
or call 978-685-5038.
September
12–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening of Haigazian Armenian School.
September
13–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia;
opening of Sunday School.
September
13–Annual
picnic of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church of New Britain and Hartford at the
Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New Britain, Connecticut, beginning at
noon, rain or shine. Live music. Armenian food. Free admission.
September
19-20–Re-consecration
of the altar and the newly renovated St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City on Saturday.
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and Madagh on Sunday.
September
20–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Lobster Fest. For information: 215-482-9200.
September
20–St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, New York), annual picnic
on the church grounds, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, beginning at
1 pm immediately following church services and the blessing of the basil.
Delicious Armenian kebabs, sweets, etc., along with games, music, dancing,
tavloo, basketball, volleyball, vendors and returning by popular
demand–"Kid-Z-One," with a host of activities for children. For information
718-224-2275.
September
21–St.
Steph en’s (Watertown, MA) Armenian School/ACEC 14th
annual Golf Outing at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf, lunch,
dinner, and contests. For information contact Astor at 781-326-5764.
September
25-26-27–Prelacy
Linked In, gathering of the youth. For details click
here ( 82/goto: htm ).
September
28–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Golf Outing at
Talamore Country Club, Ambler, Pennsylvania.
For information: 215-482-9200.
September
28–Holy Trinity
Church (Worcester,
Massachusetts), 6th annual Golf
Outing, Sterling National Country Club, Sterling,
MA. Golf, breakfast, dinner, and
prizes, $130 per person. For information send email to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]),
or telephone 508-872-9629.
October
1–Sts.
Vartanantz Church (New Jersey), presents 7th
annual Golf Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. $175 includes lunch, dinner,
golf and contests. Come out and enjoy a great day and support the church. For
information contact Mark, 201-483-3200.
October
17–National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) annual conference at the Prelacy offices in
New York City.
Details will follow.
October
18–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Intercommunal
Cultural Celebration at Holy Trinity Church,
Cheltenham, PA.
November
1–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Sunday School Halloween Party.
November
6-7–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Food Festival.
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.
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.
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])