PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
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Email: [email protected]
TOP STORY May 5, 2011
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian hands a dove to Aso Tavitian during the =80=9CRelease
of Doves’ ceremony on the cathedral plaza.
_Hundreds Gather for Easter Celebration _
Easter morning in New York was marked by abundant sunshine and a warm
breeze, as hundreds gathered at the city’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to
celebrate the most important day of the year in the church calendar.
More than 2,000 people participated in services-one of the largest crowds in
recent years-with some 5,500 candles lit throughout the day. When seats had
become scarce, many stood at the back or spilled onto the plaza, where audio
speakers broadcast the _badarak_ going on inside the cathedral.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily
on April 24.
“As Christians, we must never forget that the victory of Easter came at a
price. To reach the resurrection, Christ had to pass through death,”
Archbishop Barsamian said. “But with his passage of suffering awaiting him,
Christ promised his disciples that death would not be the end. And today,
nearly 2,000 years later, we still remember and celebrate Christ’s victory
over death.”
After the Divine Liturgy, the Primate led a procession to the cathedral
plaza, where 12 doves were released, symbolizing the dispatching of the 12
apostles.
Aso Tavitian was the godfather of the “Release of Doves” ceremony. Also
taking part in the ceremony was Ambassador Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s
Permanent Representative to the UN, and his family.
The AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble, wearing traditional Armenian costumes,
performed several dances on the plaza following the doves ceremony.
Click to [4]read more, and to [5]view photos and a [6]brief video
highlighting the day’s celebration.
Links:
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Pausing before the Sepastia memorial tree on Second Avenue, Fr. Simeon
Odabashian pronounces a blessing as Archbishop Barsamian and Adrienne
Alexanian look on.
_Armenian Martyrs Day Marked at St. Vartan Cathedral_
On a busy weekday morning, on Monday, April 25, about 200 worshipers had
come to St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to take part in the annual Armenian
Martyrs Day liturgy, commemorating the 1.5 million souls eradicated in the
1915 Genocide of the Armenians.
Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presided over the events of the
day, including the liturgy and requiem service, the blessing ceremony on the
plaza, and the concluding “hokejash.” The Very Rev. Fr. Vartan Navasardyan,
director of the Department of Christian Education at Holy Etchmiadzin,
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon.
Following the requiem service in front of the cathedral’s Martyrs Chapel,
Archbishop Barsamian led a procession of priests, deacons, and worshipers
down to the tree-lined memorial on Second Avenue, planted 35 years ago (on
Martyrs Day 1976) to commemorate the provinces of Historic Armenia which
were lost in the aftermath of the Genocide: Bitlis, Van, Evereg-Feness
(dedicated separately in 1981), Sepastia, Kharpert, and Garin.
The memorial had been beautifully refurbished and restored through the
generosity of Adrienne Alexanian, in memory of her parents Edward and Grace
Alexanian. Ms. Alexanian orchestrated the restoration project, designing the
wrought-iron guards and landscaping for each of the six tree plots
constituting the memorial.
Click to [7]read more and to [8]view images.
Links:
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Scripture of the Week
Acts 9:23-31
1 Pt 2:1-10
Jn 2:23-3:12
Prayer of the week
You created the visible light, separated the day and night, shed forth on
us, O Lord, by night the rays of spiritual light. Give us at all times the
shadow of your protecting hand, that by day and by night we may give you
glory incessantly. Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
_8 May:_ Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday)
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
_Prayers for Victims of Tornado Damage Across South_
As our fellow citizens in the southern regions of the United States face
destruction and dislocation as a result of tornadoes and flood waters, the
Eastern Diocese asks all its parishioners to join in prayer, asking our Lord
to remember those who died; to ease the suffering of those who lost loved
ones, homes, and livelihoods; and to speed the effort to restore and rebuild
in the wake of this disaster.
Many trustworthy charitable organizations are performing compassionate
outreach to the stricken regions, and we encourage our readers to contribute
in any way they can.
At the Diocesan Assembly last week, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate, led delegates in prayer for the victims of the disaster.
St. Anna Church will be erected next to the existing Soorp Asdvadzadzin
Church (pictured above) in Yerevan.
_Cornerstones Blessed for New Church in Yerevan_
On Saturday, April 30, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over a cornerstone blessing ceremony
in Yerevan, Armenia, for a new church that will be built this year.
The house of worship, called St. Anna Church, will be erected next to the
existing 17th-century church of Soorp Asdvadzadzin in central Yerevan. The
project is supported largely by Mr. and Mrs. Hirair and Anna Hovnanian of
New Jersey.
Present at last month’s ceremony were members of the Brotherhood of Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan, as well as other government
officials.
St. Kevork Church of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
_Pontifical Visit to South America Begins this Week_
His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, has departed Holy Etchmiadzin for a month-long Pontifical Visit
to South America.
From May 6-10, His Holiness will visit the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Brazil, which is based in Sao Paulo. A _Hrashapar_ service will be held on
Saturday, May 7, beginning at 10 a.m. local time, at the city’s St. Kevork
Church. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Sunday, May 8, beginning at
10 a.m. Live broadcasts of both services will be available at
[9]
Links:
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From May 10-12, His Holiness will visit the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of Uruguay, followed by visits to Argentina from May 12-21, and Chile and
Venezuela from May 21-25.
Accompanying the Catholicos are Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America; Bishop Artak Tigranian,
Assistant Grand Sacristan of Holy Etchmiadzin; James Kalustian, a member of
the Supreme Spiritual Council and a member of the Eastern Diocese’s Council;
and other clergy.
DIOCESAN NEWS
FAR will honor the beloved artist and humanitarian Charles Aznavour in New
York on May 20.
_FAR’s Tribute to Charles Aznavour on May 20 _
_Armenia’s Foreign Minister Mr. Edward Nalbandyan
will be the Guest of Honor _
Armenia’s Foreign Minister Mr. Edward Nalbandyan will be the guest of honor
at the upcoming Tribute to Charles Aznavour, to take place on May 20 at the
elegant Cipriani Wall Street restaurant in New York City. Mr. Nalbandyan
will also address guests at the gala.
The gala evening sponsored by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) will
recognize Mr. Aznavour’s lifetime of humanitarian efforts=80’especially through
his _Aznavour Pour l’Armenie_ Foundation-and benefit projects in Armenia
dear to his heart.
Four major American religious figures have graciously lent their names to
the Honorary Committee for the upcoming Tribute: _Archbishop Demetrios_,
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America; _Archbishop Timothy Dolan_,
Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York; _Bishop Mark
Sisk_, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York; and _Rabbi Arthur
Schneier,_ President and Founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation. All
four have a history of solidarity and common effort with the Armenian Church
and the Eastern Diocese.
The names will be added to a stellar roster of international dignitaries
representing public service, the arts, government and diplomacy, and the
academic fields. Among the other names on the Aznavour Tribute Honorary
Committee are New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Senator Charles
Schumer.
Entertainers on the Honorary Committee include Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett,
Celine Dion, Placido Domingo, and Sir Elton John. Ms. Minnelli will be
attending the tribute in person, to present Mr. Aznavour as he receives his
honor.
From the diplomatic arena, the Honorary Committee includes the names of His
Excellency Gerard Araud (Permanent Representative of the French Republic to
the U.N.), H. E. Francois Delattre (Ambassador of the French Republic to the
U.S.A.), H. E. Tatoul Markarian (Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to
the U.S.A.), H. E. Garen Nazarian (Permanent Representative of the Republic
of Armenia to U.N.), and Ambassador Edward Djerejian (former U.S. Ambassador
to Syria and Israel).
The Honorary Committee also includes such distinguished luminaries as Dr.
Vartan Gregorian (President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York),
Reynold Levy (President of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts), Mr.
Joseph Polisi (President of the Juilliard School), and Clive Gillinson
(Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall).
Tickets to the Tribute Gala are still available, and can be purchased online
at FAR’s website: [10]
Links:
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A detail of Gorky’s “Anti-Medusa.” [11]Click here to view the full painting.
Links:
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_Diocese’s Gorky Painting to be Shown in New York_
Arshile Gorky’s `Anti-Medusa’-a 1947 painting that is part of the Diocese’s
collection-will be on display this month as part of a Gorky exhibition at
the Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue in New York.
The exhibition, which opens on Friday, May 6, centers on Gorky’s work during
the year 1947, the last year of his life. Among its highlights is a recently
discovered painting-`Untitled (Pastoral)’=80’that has never before been
exhibited.
The Diocese’s Gorky collection is currently on deposit at the Gulbenkian
Museum in Lisbon, Portugal.
For more information about the Gagosian Gallery exhibition, [12]click here.
Delegates at last week’s Diocesan Assembly focused on this year’s theme,
`Vocations-The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful.’
Links:
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_109th Diocesan Assembly Held in Boston _
Clergy and lay delegates from across the Diocese gathered in Boston, MA,
last week for the 109th Diocesan Assembly. Themed `Vocations=80’The Call to
Serve: Ministry of the Faithful,’ the Assembly was hosted by Holy Trinity
Church of Cambridge, MA. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
presided over the proceedings.
In addition to reviewing organizational reports, delegates had the
opportunity to focus on the theme of lay ministry, and to explore ways to
strengthen the participation of lay people in the life of their parishes.
At this year’s Assembly, delegates also honored Mr. Sarkis Bedevian as the
`Armenian Church Member of the Year’ and Massachusetts Governor Deval
Patrick as the `Friend of the Armenians.’ Recognition was also extended to
board members of the Armenian Heritage Foundation, which is working to build
the Armenian Heritage Park in Boston.
In the days prior to the 109th Diocesan Assembly, 45 clergy gathered to
discuss Diocesan programs, share advice on ministries, and prepare for the
Diocese’s focus on lay ministries during the annual Clergy Conference, held
this year in Dover, MA.
Also last week, the Women’s Guild hosted its annual assembly concurrent with
the Diocesan Assembly in Boston. On April 30, the Women’s Guild held its
second annual `Woman of Wonder Luncheon’ honoring Helene Dorian of Holy
Trinity Church of Cambridge.
Check [13] in the coming days for articles, photos,
and a video about the Clergy Conference, Diocesan Assembly, and the Women’s
Guild Assembly. [14]Click here to view a video of 2010 highlights of
programs and activities of the Eastern Diocese.
Links:
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Aghtamar Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on an island in
Lake Van.
_FAR Young Professionals Trip to Tour Historic Armenia_
For the first time, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s `Hayastani Kidak
Society’ Young Professionals Trip will include a tour of historic Armenian
lands in eastern Turkey as part of its itinerary. The year 2011 marks the
16th summer that FAR has held the two-week trip, which also includes an
extensive and enriching tour around Armenia.
This year, participants will be able to visit incredible historic sites like
Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani, the holy island of Aghtamar, as
well as Kars and Van. The trip provides an ideal opportunity for young
professionals between the ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group,
learn about the country and culture firsthand, and become acquainted with
FAR’s projects.
[15]Click here to learn more about the trip, on the FAR blog.
Links:
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_Diocesan Scholarship Applications Due June 3_
Each year the Diocese awards scholarships to several promising youth
throughout the Diocese who are headed to college.
The Diocese seeks students who are active in their local parishes and have
assumed leadership roles in their local communities. To be eligible,
applicants must be undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges. Preference
will be given to those who are active in the life of the Eastern Diocese and
are U.S. citizens.
The application deadline for the 2011-12 academic year is June 3, 2011.
[16]Click here to download an application. For more information, contact
William Casey, director of Finance and Administration, at (212) 686-0710.
Links:
16.
PARISH NEWS
Fr. Simeon Odabashian with young parishioners on Holy Tuesday in Cleveland
([17]click here for the full image).
Links:
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_Vicar Visits St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland_
The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, spent Holy Week and
Easter with parishioners at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland,
OH.
During his visit, Fr. Odabashian conducted services, including the Palm
Sunday _Turun-patzek_ or “Door-Opening” Service and procession with the
parish children, a vespers service in remembrance of the Ten Virgins on Holy
Tuesday, the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony on Holy Thursday, and services
commemorating the crucifixion, death, and entombment of Christ on Holy
Friday. Fr. Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Holy Saturday and
Easter Sunday.
He also met with the parish’s young professionals group to discuss the
Easter eve Scripture readings, and spoke to children at the parish’s program
for toddlers. In addition, Fr. Odabashian had the opportunity to meet with
parishioners throughout his time in Cleveland.
Fr. Tateos Abdalian conducts a Home Blessing service in Baton Rouge, LA.
_Holy Week and Easter in Baton Rouge, LA_
The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the Diocese’s Department of
Mission Parishes, visited St. Garabed Church of Baton Rouge, LA, for Holy
Week and Easter. Yn. Margaret Abdalian accompanied Fr. Abdalian, and
assisted the parish choir during services.
Fr. Abdalian conducted services beginning on Holy Thursday and culminating
on Easter Sunday, April 24. On Monday, April 25, a requiem service was held
in observance of Armenian Martyrs Day.
The sanctuary was filled to capacity as parishioners gathered to worship
together. Fr. Abdalian provided participants with an outline of each
service, explaining its significance.
Click to [18]read more and to [19]view photos.
Links:
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An Armenian Genocide exhibit was on view at Florida Atlantic University in
Boca Raton, FL, last month.
_Armenians in South Florida Commemorate Genocide _
The Armenian Community in south Florida commemorated the 96th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide through a series of events last month.
On Sunday, April 3, the community gathered for the opening of an Armenian
Genocide exhibit at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. The
exhibit, on loan from the Florida Holocaust Museum, traced the history of
the Armenian Genocide through photographs, quotes from witnesses, and other
information featured on 21 large panels.
On Tuesday, April 12, a lecture program and panel discussion were organized
featuring Professor Peter Balakian and other speakers. Mrs. Marta Batmasian,
a member of the Florida Department of Education Commissioner’s Task Force on
Holocaust Education, gave an account of her childhood experiences in
Istanbul and the mentoring she received from her beloved grandmother.
On Monday, April 25, a lecture was given by Mary Johnson, the curator of the
Armenian Genocide exhibit. A requiem service was held later that evening.
The service was conducted by the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, pastor of
St. David Church of Boca Raton, and the Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, pastor of
St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL.
[20]Click here to read the community’s article about last month’s
commemoration.
Links:
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Vreij Kolandjian (left) welcomes Professor Andrew Demirdjian.
_Houston, TX, Parish Hosts Professor Demirdjian_
On Sunday, April 24, St Kevork Church of Houston, TX, hosted Professor
Andrew Demirdjian, who spoke about the role physics, social sciences,
politics, and other disciplines play in daily life. Some 250 people attended
the program, which was followed by a book-signing.
Parish Council chair Mr. Vreij Kolandjian spoke about the significance of
Armenian Martyrs Day and Easter falling on the same day in 2011, and
stressed the message of resurrection.
He also summarized the outcome of last November’s USC Armenian Diaspora
congress in Los Angeles, where more than 600 Armenians from around the world
gathered to discuss the future of the Armenian nation and the importance of
Diasporan leadership.
Adults learn new dances with instructor Varty Apanosian.
_Adult Dance Classes from the Shushi Dance Ensemble_
For the past two years, Shushi Dance Ensemble parents and friends have been
participating in adult dance classes taught by Shushi committee member Varty
Apanosian. In addition to Armenian dances, the classes incorporate Greek,
Latin, and Arabic dances.
The next session of classes will begin in mid-September. Classes are held
every other Friday, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Church of Atonement in New
Jersey (97 Highwood Avenue, Tenafly).
The Shushi Dance Ensemble is the official dance group of St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral. For more information about the fall classes, call Ms. Apanosian
at (201) 424-7272 or e-mail [21][email protected].
Links:
21. mailto:[email protected]
_St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, to Host Spring Dance_
St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, will host the “Karoon Barr Dance” on
Saturday May 7, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Entertainment will be provided by the John Vartan Ensemble. Proceeds will
benefit the Children of Armenia Service Program (CASP).
The evening will be held in the church’s Toufayan Hall (200 West Mt.
Pleasant Avenue in Livingston).
[22]Click here to view a flyer for more information, or contact Ruby
Morchian at (973) 685-7010, or Matt Dalakian at [23][email protected].
Links:
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23. mailto:[email protected]
YOUTH NEWS
_ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Philly _
This year’s ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend will be hosted by Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, from May 26-30.
The Le Meridian Hotel, in the heart of Philadelphia, will be the center of
all activity with athletic and social events also taking place in the
city. Major venues have been secured to give guests a weekend they are sure
to remember, including an evening at the Visitor’s Center featuring
Philadelphia’s own Artsakh Band.
Committee members are hard at work on their ad booklet and want to ensure
that the entire community has the opportunity to be a part of their
enthusiasm and success. Please consider supporting the weekend by placing an
ad ([24]click here for more information).
Links:
24.
For additional details on the Memorial Weekend gathering, visit
[25]
From: A. Papazian