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:
February 4, 2010
CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX
THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE CONCLUDES
The seventh meeting of the International Joint Commission for
Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental
Orthodox Churches took place at the Catholicate of the Holy See of
Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon from January 27 to 31. The meeting was
hosted by His Holiness Aram I. It was chaired jointly by His Eminence
Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for
Promoting Christian Unity, and
His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, General Secretary of
the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Holy See of Cilicia
was represented by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and His
Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian.
Joining delegates from the Catholic Church were
representatives of the following Oriental Orthodox Churches: the
Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Armenian
Apostolic Church (Catholicate of All Armenians), the Armenian
Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), the Ethiopian Orthodox
Tewahido Church, and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. No
representative of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church was able to
attend.
The studies prepared for this session focused on two topics:
the ways in which the churches expressed their communion with one
another in the first five centuries and the reception of
councils. During the meeting the members carefully examined the papers
presented and reached a number of conclusions. It was noted that until
the middle of the fifth century, the churches did not exist in
isolation, but were in communion with one another. Signs of this
communion included the exchange of synodical letters and letters of
enthronement, the veneration of common saints, the exchange of visits
and, above all, sharing in the sacraments, especially the Holy
Eucharist. This communion was based on an understanding that the
churches shared the same faith, and willingness to defend it together
against heresies and other threats. They also saw themselves as
engaged in the same mission of evangelizing the nations.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram received the members of the Joint
Commission on January 28. In his remarks, the Catholicos offered his
views on the present state of ecumenism, and said that he has come to
a renewed appreciation of the work of the bilateral dialogues. He
emphasized that in the dialogues the members must never lose sight of
the many things we have in common, and not focus exclusively on our
differences.
On Sunday, January 31, the members of the Joint Commission
attended the Holy Eucharist in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the
Illuminator presided over by His Holiness Aram I. Cardinal Kasper
preached the homily.
The eighth meeting of the International Commission will take
place in January 2011 in Rome at the invitation of the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
ANNUAL GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING IN INDIAN ORCHARD
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Massachusetts
to preside over the annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Conference, which will
take place next week, February 8 to 10 at St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
The Feast of Ghevontiantz is celebrated each year preceding
the Vartanantz Feast. The collective name is in honor of brave
clergymen who preached and fought against tyranny before, during and
after the war of Vartanantz. It is named after Ghevont Yerets
(Leondius the Cleric), who was in the front lines with Vartan at the
Battle of Avarayr. The Feast has now become a time of renewal,
reflection and fellowship for the clergy.
According to the historians Yeghishe and Ghazar Parpetsi, the
clergy who are collectively known as the Ghevontian Saints include:
Catholicos Hovsep Hoghotsmetsi (also known as Vayorstzoretsi), Bishop
Sahak Rushtouni, Bishop Tank of Aghbak, the priests Ghevont, Arshen,
Manuel, Abraham, Khoren, and Deacons Kachach and Abraham.
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR PRIESTS WHO SERVED THE PRELACY
In conjunction with the upcoming Ghevontiantz commemoration, all
Prelacy churches will observe a special requiem service this Sunday,
February 7, in memory of all the deceased clergy who served within the
Prelacy.
Remembered with gratitude and honor are: His Holiness
Catholicos Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, Archbishop
Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, V. Rev. Fr. Vaghinag
Sisagian, V. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Martougesian, V. Rev. Fr. Nishan
Papazian, V. Rev. Fr. Barour Ekmekjian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Amrigian, Rev.
Fr. Arsen Varjabedian, Rev. Fr. Mateos Mannigian, Rev. Fr. Bedros
Mampreian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovanesian,
Rev. Fr. Houssig Naghnikian, Rev. Fr. Adom Melikian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe
Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Khosrovian, Rev. Fr. Bedros Kasarjian,
Rev. Fr. Sahag Balian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Papazian, Rev. Fr. Papken
Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Yeghiayan, Rev. Fr. Nerses Shahinian,
Rev. Fr. Bsag Sarkisian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Mkitarian, Rev. Fr. Souren
Papakhian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simeoniantz, Rev. Fr. Movses Der Stepanian,
Rev. Fr. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragossian, Rev. Fr.
Yervant Yeretzian, Rev. Fr. Go!
midas Der Torosian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shrikian, Rev. Fr. Dickran Khoyan,
Rev. Fr. Smpad Der Mekhsian, Rev. Fr. Vahan Ghazarian, Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kochian, Rev. Fr. Arshavir Sevdalian, Rev. Fr. Kourken Yaralian,
Rev. Fr. Arsen Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Antreasian, Rev. Fr. Sahag
Andekian, Rev. Fr. Hmayag Minoyan, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kiledjian,
Rev. Fr. Varant Bedrosian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Vertanessian,
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, Rev. Fr. Torkom Hagopian.
O Christ, Son of God, forbearing and compassionate, through your love
as creator, have mercy upon the souls of your departed
servants. . . Be mindful of them on the great day of the coming of
your kingdom. Make them worthy of your mercy and of remission and
forgiveness of their sins, glorify and number them among the saints of
your right hand.
From the Repose of Souls (Hogehangist) service in the Armenian
Church.
LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 17
The Prelacys Lenten lectures series will focus on the Year of the
Armenian Woman theme. The first lecture will take place on Wednesday,
February 17 and will continue for the next five Wednesdays of Great
Lent. The lectures, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, will
take place at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York
City.
The evening schedule will be as follows: Lenten service at
7:30 pm; lecture and discussion at 8 pm, followed by fellowship at
8:45 pm. The Lenten program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the
St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild.
For information about the topics and presenters click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010lentenprogram.pdf
).
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 26th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 21,
at 2 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and
Seventh Avenue, New York City.
Featured artists are Tanya Gabrielian, piano; and Natalie
Aroyan, soprano. For tickets ($30) contact the Carnegie box office at
212-247-7800 or the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
WERFELS 40 DAYS PRESENTED TO HOLOCAUST CENTER
Marge Kyrkiostas, Executive Director of the Anthropology Museum of the
People of New York, and the Armenian Cultural Educational Resource
Center Gallery at Queens College, presented a copy of Franz Werfels
The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, to Dr. Arthur Flug, Director of the
Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives at Queensborough
Community College on Monday, February 1. Attending the presentation
were Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Raymond Tellalian, Edward Jamie,
Hratch Zadoian, and Ayala Tamir.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO LECTURE
Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director of the Prelacy, will
present a lecture on the Battle of Avarayr on Sunday, February 14,
1:30 pm, at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New
York. The lecture is organized and hosted by the parishs Cultural
Committee. For information: 718-224-2275.
BOOK PRESENTATION
A presentation of the book Kir Gyanki (Epistle of Life) by Archpriest
Fr. Khoren Habeshian will take place Thursday, February 11, at 8:05 pm
in the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,Woodside, New York. Under
the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, the event is organized by St.
Illuminators Cathedral and the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
Cultural Society of New York.
Der Hayrs book will be presented by Vartan Matiossian.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, February 4, are: Proverbs 24:1-12;
Jeremiah 30:18-22; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Matthew 5:1-12.
Thus says the Lord:
I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob, and have
compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound,
and the citadel set on its rightful site.
Out of them shall come thanksgiving, and the sound of
merrymakers.
I will make them many, and they shall not be few;
I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained.
Their children shall be as of old, their congregation shall be
established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them.
Their prince shall be one of their own, their ruler shall come
from their midst; I will bring him near, and he shall approach me, for
who would otherwise dare to approach me? says the Lord.
And you shall be my people, and I will be your God. (Jeremiah
30:18-22)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010dbr-2.pdf
).
THE HOLY VOSKIAN PRIESTS
Today, Thursday, February 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Voskian priestsfive men who were sent to Rome as ambassadors by the
Armenian king Sanadrook. On the road to Rome they met the Apostle
Thaddeus who converted and baptized them. The leader of the five was
named Voski, hence the name Voskian Priests. They lived in the
mountains as hermits for forty years, after which they preached to the
Royal Court. They were martyred in 107 AD.
ST. SAHAK BARTEV
This Saturday, February 6, the Armenian Church remembers Catholicos
Sahag (Isaac) Bartev. He was the son of St. Nerses the Great and a
descendant of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He was instrumental in the
invention of the Armenian alphabet with Mesrob Mashtots. He
spearheaded the translation work that followed the invention of the
alphabet that ushered in
Armenias golden age of literature. He was an ardent believer in
education and ecclesiastical discipline and canon law. His illustrious
life ended at age 89 (some sources say 110), and with his death the
line of St. Gregory the Illuminator came to an end.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Woman, we continue to
feature books by or about Armenian women. All are available for
purchase at the Prelacy Bookstore.
Victorias Secret: A Conspiracy of Silence
By Vickie Smith Foston
Imagine not knowing what an Armenian is and to discover that your
grandmother and her entire family were Armenian. This is that story
told by an inquiring granddaughter who was determined to find the
reason for her grandmothers suicide, which led her to discover much
more. It is a good read.
198 pages, soft cover, $15.00 plus shipping and handling
Skylark Farm
By Antonia Arslan
A touching story about a family struggling to survive during and after
the 1915 Genocide. One familys story becomes the story of many. Kirkus
Reviews called this An Armenian Schindlers List.
278 pages, hard cover, $23.95, plus shipping and handling
My Odyssey
By Antonina Mahari
The author Antonina Povilaityte met the noted Armenian writer, Gurgen
Mahari when both were in exile for life in Siberia during the Soviet
era. Following the death of Stalin, they were released and they
settled in Yerevan where they faced new challenges. This exceptional
memoir provides insight into two lives as well as an era.
216 pages, soft cover, $20.00, plus shipping and handling
AGAPI: Inspirational Short Stories
By Yn. Joanna Baghsarian
The 28 stories that comprise this book are all true. They are stories
of people who have one way or another touched the life of
Yn. Joanna. They include inspiring and amazing encounters. Each story
has a message that can and should be further explored.
116 pages, soft cover, $15.00, 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 212-689-7810.
A REMEMBRANCE
As mentioned above, on the occasion of the Ghevontianz Feast, this
Sunday all of our Prelacy churches will conduct requiem services for
the deceased clergy who served the Prelacy. As I was preparing this
weeks Crossroads my thoughts went to Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian who
died unexpectedly last year.
From the very first issue of Crossroads in 2004, Der Vartan
was an ardent supporter of the Prelacys electronic newsletter. His
thoughtful mini-sermons appeared regularly as the final thought of the
week.
We end this weeks Crossroads with his mini sermon that
appeared one year ago on February 5, 2009.
Remember that Christianity is not just a belief. It is much
more than that. It is the way that we live out what we claim to
believe. At best many of us are nominal Christians. We want all of the
benefits without any effort. We want God, but only when we need Him
when we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis. Christianity has
become a mere convenience, but in reality Christianity and convenience
cannot coexist; they contradict one another precisely because our
faith as orthodox Christians calls us to make a stand when the world
tells us to do otherwise. If we do not comprehend this reality, then
perhaps we should look back in Armenian history to see just how many
times those who came before us took a stand in defense of their
faith. As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Sts. Vartanantz , we
should realize that our faith is one of example and action and not
just proclamations. There is no better time to look into ourselves and
ask, Have I been faithful !
to what God has given to me or do I simply take it for granted? Do I
live out my faith by my actions, or do I just talk about it and expect
others to do what I myself should be doing? These are questions that
only we ourselves can answer.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian
December 17, 1957March 12, 2009
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 6St. Stephens (Watertown, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild, Mardi
Gras celebration, 7 pm at church hallo. Costumes optional; masks a
must. For information: Mary Derderian, [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
February 6Valentines Party, featuring the Artsakh Band & DJ
Ash. Limited reserved seating. For reservations:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Seta
Megherian 516-410-8146; Christine Bedrossian 718-614-6884.
February 8-10Annual Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, hosted by
St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
February 11Presentation of Kir Gyanki, by Rev. Fr. Khoren Habeshian,
organized by St. Illuminators Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York,
under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, at the Armenian Center
in Woodside, New York, 8:05 pm. Vartan Matiosian will present the
recently published book.
February 11Vartanantz Day Divine Liturgy and celebration at
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, New
Jersey. Celebrant, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Luncheon (adults $20;
children $10) and special cultural program following church services.
February 14Lecture on the Battle of Avarayr, presented by Vazken
Ghougassian, PhD, Executive Director of Prelacy, organized by cultural
committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1:30 t 2:30 pm.
February 17First Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. General introduction by
Archbishop Oshagan. Women Witnesses of Christ in the Armenian Church,
presented by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral.
February 24Second Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Guardians of
Armenian Family Values, presented by Mrs. Iris Papazian.
February 28 and March 7General Membership meetings of Soorp
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 3Third Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Mothers and Wives,
presented by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
Church (NJ).
March 7Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Blvd., Ridgefield, New Jersey.
March 7Annual Membership Meeting, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis Ave.,
Waukegan, Illinois.
March 10Fourth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. St. Mary, Paradigm of Discipleship and
Holiness, presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church (NY).
March 13International Food Festival and Auction hosted by the Armenian
Relief Society at Hovnanian School, New Milford, New Jersey, at 5
pm. Food booths of various nations. Silent auction and Tricky
Tray. For information Lucy Keomurjian, 201-567-3318 or
[email protected]
(mailto:lucine [email protected]).
March 14Ladies Guild annual Lenten Luncheon following church services,
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 17Fifth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Church, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Charity Workers, presented by
Mrs. Valentine Berberian.
March 21Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie Aroyan,
soprano. Tickets $30. Carnegie box office 212-247-7800 or Prelacy
office 212-689-7810.
March 24Sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Christian
Educators Today, by Yeretzgin Joanna Baghsarian.
April 11ARS 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 17St. 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 18ARS 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).
May 10Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys 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])