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:
March 17, 2011
TRAGEDY IN JAPAN
The images of the series of tragedies that have plagued Japan this
past week are hard to forget. Within a short span of time Japan has
endured one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history, the
resulting tsunami that devastated large portions of heavily populated
northern coastal areas, and the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Each alone is a monumental disaster;
Japan is coping with all three.
Archbishop Oshagan has directed all Prelacy churches to offer
prayers for the people of Japan, those who perished and those who
survived, during the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, March 20. His
Eminence also asked all parishes to pass a special offering plate to
help meet the immediate needs of the people in the area.
Individuals wishing to make a donation can send their check
payable to the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, to the Armenian
Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016. Please note Japanese
Relief on the memo portion of your check.
For a touching video on YouTube of Japanese students singing Yerevan
Erebuni click here (
).
LENTEN LECTURES CONTINUE
The second of the six-part Prelacy Lenten program took place yesterday
evening, March 16, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan. The lecturer was His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General,
who spoke on Children in the Life of the Armenian Church and
Community.
Bishop Anoushavan skillfully highlighted children in the
history of the Armenian people, citing examples from ecclesiastical
and secular literature. His Grace stressed that children are an
integral part of family and community life, and in many respects they
were treated like adult members, particularly when it came to
spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Child, as proclaimed
by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, all
of the Lenten lectures this year will focus on children. Next
Wednesday, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral in New York City, will speak on Childrens Armenian Religious
Literature.
The Lenten programs begin with table fellowship at 7:15 pm,
followed by Lenten Service (Husgoom) at 8:00 pm, and lecture and Q/A
from 8:30 pm to 9:15 pm.
The Lenten programs are sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the
Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators Cathedral. For further information
contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or the church office at
212-689-5880.
PRELATE WILL BE IN WHITINSVILLE
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Whitinsville, Massachusetts, where
he will preside over the New England Regional Conference for Board of
Trustee members and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
on Saturday, March 19. The conference will begin at 10 am and conclude
at 4 pm.
On Sunday, March 20, the Prelate will attend and preside over
the Divine Liturgy at St. Asdvatzadzin Church. The Liturgy will be
celebrated by the pastor, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian. Archbishop
Oshagan will deliver the Sermon.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
Because Council members will be in Whitinsville for the Board of
Trustees Conference, the Prelacys Religious and Executive Councils
will convene their regular monthly meeting at Sts. Asdvadzadzin Church
in Whitinsville this weekend.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN WILL TRAVEL TO WORCESTER
Bishop Anoushavan will attend and preside over the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, this Sunday, March
20. The Liturgy will be celebrated by the parish priest, Rev. Fr.
Khatchadour Boghossian. Bishop Anoushavan will deliver the Sermon.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS CONFERENCE
A conference for Prelacy Sunday School teachers and Christian
educators is scheduled for the weekend of March 25-27. Sponsored by
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the conference will
be held at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary in
Bloomfield, Connecticut. The theme of the conference is The Feasts of
the Armenian Church.
The program will integrate biblical, liturgical, doctrinal,
and iconographic elements in its presentations and discussions,
together with pedagogical insights for age-appropriate
applications. The speakers of the conference are: H. G. Bishop
Anoushavan, Prelacy Vicar; Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of
St. Stephens Church (MA); Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of
St. Asdvadzadzin Church (MA) and Chairman of the Prelacys Religious
Council; Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, pastor of St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church (MA); Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC; and
Mary M. Shamshoian-Olson, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, Consolidated
School District 158 (Illinois).
For information and registration, click here (
).
MUSICAL ARMENIA ON MARCH 27
The 2011 Musical Armenia concert, presented by the Eastern Prelacy and
the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will take place on Sunday, March 27, at 2
p.m., at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh
Avenue, New York City.
Featured artists are Karen Hakobyan, piano; and Joao
Kouyoumdjian, Classical Guitar. For tickets contact the Carnegie Box
Office, 212-247-7800; or the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
Distinguished for the musical color, brilliance, and
excitement of his performances, the talented Armenian pianist and
composer Karen Hakobyan has been acclaimed for his individual style
and depth of his interpretations. His performances have been
broadcasted on WQXR, New Yorks classical radio station, and on
Armenian National Radio. Mr. Hakobyan recently completed Professional
Studies Diploma at Mannes College of Music, and is currently pursuing
a PSDF program at Manhattan School of Music.
Extraordinary guitarist Joao Kouyoumdjian has presented solo
and collaborative concerts in the United States, Brazil, and El
Salvador. He was a recipient of several Juilliard Fellowships to
present interactive concerts and teach in Manhattan public schools and
health care facilities. In his home country, Brazil, he has appeared
in traditional festivals and major concert series. Mr. Kouyoumdjian
holds a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a
Bachelor of Music from the University of Sao Paulo.
Click here (
) for more information.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.
The Program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information and registration, contact the AREC
office by telephone at 212-689-7810, by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or click
here (
).
SPECIAL CHILDRENS PROGRAM AT ST. ILLUMINATORS CATHEDRAL
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Child, the Sunday School of
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, invited Gakavig Childrens
Magazine founder and editor Juliette Tavitian to present a workshop
for children on Sunday, March 13. The event featured a sampling of the
magazines activities, an arts and crafts project, and a puppet show in
Armenian based on a story by Hovhanes Toumanian. Over 40 children and
their parents filled the hall for the event. For more information
about the magazine go to (
).
Sunday School students enjoy the workshop.
The children listen intently to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian.
ST. SARKIS CONTINUES WORSHIP, EDUCATION AND TRADITION SERIES
For the Lenten season, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, began
a series of Friday evening presentations under the general title of
Worship, Education and Tradition. Tomorrow, March 18, a special
reflection will be offered by Marilyn Martone, Ph.D., a theologian and
associate professor of health-care ethics at St. Johns University in
New York. She brings her unique perspective as a mother of a young
woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury into dialogue with her
professional work. In her newly published book, Over the Waterfall,
she reveals a mothers spiritual journey, which begins with facing the
possibility that her child may die and continues into the world of
disability. Professor Martones reflection will touch on some of the
theological themes in her book. All are invited. Vespers 6:30 pm;
Lecture 7:30 pm, followed by Q Fellowship hosted by Young Adults
Group.
ST. ILLUMINATORS SCHOOL PRESENTS VARTANANTZ PROGRAM
Students of St. Illuminators Day School, Woodside, New York,
celebrated Vartanantz with a special program of songs, recitations,
and a play. Mrs. Z. Markarian directed the students in grades 1 to 6,
and Miss Susan Savzyan directed pupils in Nursery-Kindergarten.
Board chairman, Dr. Herand Markarian, welcomed the
attendees. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, praised
the children for their performance, and Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der
Kaloustian conveyed his fatherly blessings and encouraging words.
Students of St. Illuminators Day School honor the heroes of
Vartanantz.
OUR OWN MARCH MADNESS
Seven NY-NJ Metropolitan area Armenian Churches are part of a
basketball league with various levels in four divisions (Mens; Girls;
Sr. Boys; Jr. Boys). There are a total of 22 teams with 250
participants. Playoff games took place two weeks ago, and last weekend
championship games were played with the following results:
Mens Division: Holy Martyrs 58, Sts. Vartanantz 56.
Girls Division: Sts. Vartanantz 45, St. Thomas 32.
Junior Boys Division: Sts. Vartanantz #1, 48, Sts. Vartanantz #2, 42.
Senior Boys Division: St. Leons 68, Sts. Vartanantz 45.
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, March 20, Third Sunday of Lent, Sunday of
the Prodigal Son, are: Isaiah 54:11-55; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1; Luke
15:1-32.
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to
listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and
saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.
So he told them this parable: Which one of you, having a
hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine
in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?
When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And
when he comes home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying
to them, Rejoice with m e, for I have found my sheep that was
lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.
Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of
them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully
until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her
friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the
coin that I had lost. Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the
presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Then Jesus said, There was a man who had two sons. The younger
of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me. So he divided his property between them. A few
days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him
to his fields to feed the pigs. He would have gladly filled himself
with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him
anything. But when he came to himself he said, How many of my fathers
hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of
hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him,
Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer
worthy to be called you4r son!
; treat me like one of your hired hands. So he set off and went to
his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was
filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed
him. Then the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven
and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the
father said to his slaves, Quickly, bring out a robethe best oneand
put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And
get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for
this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
found! And they began to celebrate.
Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and
approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the
slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, Your brother has come,
and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him
back safe and sound. Then he became angry and refused to go in. His
father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his
father, Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave
for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never
given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my
friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your
property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him! Then
the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is
mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this
brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has
been found. (Luke 15:1-32)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
).
ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
This Saturday, March 19, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Cyril
(315-386) of Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a
pleasant and conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when
bishops were embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to
condemn any attempts at compromises, even calling such attempts as
treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were
spent in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the
possessions of the church to raise money for the poor starving
people. He was condemned for selling church property and was
banished. His best-known work that has survived, The Catechetical
Lectures is believed to be one of the earliest systematic accounts of
Christian theology. The lectures consist of an introductory lecture,
followed by eighteen lectures on the Christian faith that were used
during Lent for those preparing to be baptized on Easter, and five
lectures on the sacraments to be used after !
Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages,
including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation
of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance
between correct belief and holy action.
SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 20, is
the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son is
intended to show Gods fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who
repent. (See Bible reading above).
Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the
wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the
cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.
Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept
your house, purified the world from sins and having found your image
in it you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.
With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father,
we have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins;
come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us
from our sins.
Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the
heavenly Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirits
wisdom, pray that we may be given a fountain of tears for the
cleansing of our sins.
>From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third
Sunday of Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son.
RITUALS COMMITTEE OF ARMENIAN CHURCH MEETS IN ANTELIAS
The Rituals Committee of the Armenian Church convened its second
meeting on March 7 at the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.
The committee members include Bishop Michael Achabahian, Bishop
Arshak Khatchadurian, and Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhannessian,
representing the Holy See of Etchmiadzin; and Archbishop Komitas
Ohanian, Archbishop Kegham Khatchaerian, and Very Rev. Fr. Krikor
Chiftjian, representing the Holy See of Cilicia. The members continued
the work on the Mystery of Baptism. They continued studying current
texts on Baptism used in the churches, comparing them to the original
sources. The goal is to produce a common text to be used in all
Armenian churches.
This Week from the Prelacy Bookstore
THE REPATRIATE: Love, Basketball, and the KGB
By Tom Mooradian
Tom Mooradian, a retired journalist, has written a fascinating memoir
about his repatriation to Soviet Armenia when he was 18 years old, and
his subsequent struggle to return to the United States, which he
finally managed to accomplish thirteen years later. And yes, love,
basketball, and the KGB all played a part in this incredible journey.
Softcover, 460 pp, $24.95 plus shipping & handling
To order this book, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or by
telephone at 212-689-7810.
WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME
Spring arrives officially this Sunday, March 20, at 7:21 pm. Praise
the Lord.
REMEMBERING REV. FR. VARTAN KASSABIAN
March 12th was the second anniversary of the sudden and untimely death
of Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor of St. Gregory Church in North
Andover, Massachusetts. He is missed by many. His reflections and
meditations were a regular part of Crossroads. Shortly before his
death he offered the following Lenten meditation:
The Gospel reading for the Eve of Great Lent reminds us that
although we celebrate the Sunday of Good Living (Poun Paregentan)
prior to beginning our Lenten journey, it is also the Sunday of
forgiveness as evidenced in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ who
told us to forgive others as God has forgiven us, for if we cannot
forgive others their transgressions God will not forgive our sins.
True forgiveness is first manifested in our being able to
forgive one another; Gods mercy is revealed by the way we treat one
another. Great Lent is a gift from God. We have forty days to look
into ourselves and seek forgiveness and repentance. When we bring
back God into our hearts we find the goodness in ourselves which makes
it so much easier to find goodness in others.
This period of examination helps us in our struggle to be more
forgiving of others, and to realize that when we forgive others we
lift a heavy burden from our own shoulders. As always the choice is
ours. A blessed and peaceful journey through Great Lent.
To read a remembrance of Der Vartan by Greg Minasian click here (
).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 6 through LentSt. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic
Church, Granite City, Illinois, Lenten Bible Study Series 2011. Begins
Sunday, March 6, immediately following Divine Liturgy; continues every
Friday evening during Great Lent, from 6-7 pm. (Vigil service to
follow). Topic: Understanding the Divine Liturgy (Because lets face
it, you dont!). A detailed look at the origins, structure, theology
and historical development of the Soorp Badarak.
March 9 to April 13Prelacy Lenten Lectures, every Wednesday during
Lent, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York
City. Fellowship at 7:15 pm; Lenten service at 8 pm; Lecture at 8:30
pm. For details click here (
).
March 18St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series. Over the Waterfall, a lecture on
Suffering by Professor Marilyn Martone, Ph.D., St. Johns
University. Fellowship by Young Adults Group. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture
7:30 pm; Q: 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15 pm.
March 19New England Regional Conference, hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin
Church, 315 Church Street, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, for clergy,
board of trustees members, and delegate. Members of the Religious and
Executive Councils will be present. Conference will begin at 10
a.m. and continue to 4 p.m.
March 20Educational Committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York, presents The Harvest Years? featuring legal and financial issues
facing seniors, at 1:30 pm. Presentations by: Ann Margaret Carozza,
JD, Attorney at Law, Elder Law, Asset Protection & Qualifying for
Medicaid.; Lori Shibilo and Mary Ann Kuntz, The Medical Application
Process,; Dickran Kabarajian, CLU, LUTCF, Long Term Care
Insurance. For information: 718-786-3842 (Dr. Arthur Kubikian); or
718-224-2275 (church office).
March 25St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series. Lecture by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Ph.D., Vicar General of Prelacy. Fellowship by the
Choir. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.
March 25-27Conference for Sunday School teachers and Christian
educators sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC), at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield,
Connecticut. Theme of the conference: The Feasts of the Armenian
Church. For information and registration click here (
).
March 27Musical Armenia Concert. Sponsored by Eastern Prelacy, Weill
Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City. For information click
here (
).
March 27Traditional Lenten Luncheon featuring Topig and an array of
Lenten dishes, hosted by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, immediately following church services. Adults
$20; children (5-12) $10.
March 27Lenten Luncheon, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
following Church services. Traditional home-cooked Lenten
meals. Reservations suggested. Church office: 718-224-2275.
April 1St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, A Conversation with the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate of Eastern Prelacy. Fellowship by the
Saturday School PTA. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm;
Fellowship 8:15 pm.
April 8St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, Biblical Meditation on the Year of the
Armenian Child, by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminators Cathedral. Fellowship hour by the Yeraz Dance
Ensemble. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.
April 9Evening service at 7 pm, followed by a reception for the
Pillars of the Prelacy in New England area, at St. Stephens Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.
April 10St. Illuminators Cathedral, Pashalian Hall, New York,
Traditional Lenten Luncheon and Program, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Cathedrals Ladies Guild; adults $25, children $10. For
information/reservations: 212-689-5880.
April 15St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education and Tradition series, For Christ our Passover lamb, has been
sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7)a Reflection on the Death of Christ, by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacys Armenian Religious
Education Council. Fellowship hour by the Senior Citizens
Group. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.
May 2Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers Day Luncheon, New York City. Lucy
Ishkanian will be honored as the Woman of the Year.
May 4St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Mothers Day Luncheon,
honoring all mothers, sponsored by St. Sarkis Senior Citizens Group,
12 noon. Live Armenian and Middle Eastern music featuring Jacque
Hagopian. Limited seating. Reservations by April 25. Donation $25
advance; $35 at door. Reservations: 516-587-0727 or 718-224-2275.
May 11-14National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted
by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
May 22Celebration of the 95th anniversary of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, will take place at the Terrace on the Park,
Flushing Meadow Park, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Cocktails 5 pm; Dinner 6 pm.
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])
From: A. Papazian