PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
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TOP STORY October
27, 2011
Holy Etchmiadzin
_Primate to Attend Supreme Spiritual Council Meetings _
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, traveled to Armenia this
week, where he will participate in meetings of the Supreme Spiritual Council
at Holy Etchmiadzin.’
The Supreme Spiritual Council is the highest executive body of the Armenian
Church, comprised of clergy and lay members. It convenes under the
presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians. During the meetings, the council will extend its
congratulations to His Holiness Karekin II on the 12th anniversary of his
enthronement and his 60th birthday.’
While in Armenia, Archbishop Barsamian also will participate in the
consecration of bishops scheduled for Sunday, November 6. Among those to be
consecrated are two former clergy of the Eastern Diocese-the Very Rev. Fr.
Vahan Hovhanessian, currently Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain, and
the Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian, currently the Pontifical Legate for
Central Europe.
Consecration of St. Giragos Church in Turkey
Some 2,000 people gathered for the re-consecration of St. Giragos Church on
October 22.
_Re-consecration of the Historic St. Giragos Church _
Last week Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, led a group of
Diocesan leaders on a pilgrimage to the city of Diarbekir (Dikranakert), in
Turkey, where they took part in the October 22 re-consecration of the
historic St. Giragos Armenian Church.
The group which included the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, also visited the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople
and toured other historic Armenian churches in Anatolia.
The pilgrims were scheduled to travel to the historic Armenian region of Van
as well, but the earthquake in that region on Sunday caused a cancellation
of those plans. As reported shortly after news of the disaster broke, the
pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese were unaffected by the earthquake.
The pilgrimage concluded on Wednesday, and the pilgrims have returned to the
United States. Click to read about the [4]re-consecration, the group’s
[5]tour of Armenian sites in Istanbul, and to [6]view photos.
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Scripture of the Week
Is 22:15-24
Eph 1:1-14
Lk 8:17-21
Prayer of the Week
With your peace, Christ our Savior, which surpasses all understanding and
speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. Make us equal to your
true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
_29 October:_ St. John Chrysostom
_5 November:_ Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Consecration of crosses of the Armenian cathedral in Moscow
His Holiness Karekin II consecrates a cross for the new Armenian cathedral
in Moscow, Russia.
_Crosses Consecrated for Armenian Cathedral in Moscow _
On Sunday, October 23, the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, His
Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
consecrated three crosses and three bells of the new Armenian cathedral
being built in Moscow, Russia. Assisting him was Bishop Yezras Nersissian,
the Primate of the Armenian Church of New Nakhichevan and Russia.
Following the consecration ceremony, the crosses and bells were raised by
crane and installed on the cathedral. Also present at the consecration
ceremony was Armenian President Serge Sargsyan, as well as other Armenian
government officials, and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church. A
concert featuring local Armenian choral, dance, and instrumental groups
followed services.
`This is a historic day-one that we long awaited,’ said Bishop Nersissian.
`The raising up of the cross-the symbol of victory’ speaks to our faith in
God, and to our dedication to our homeland and to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.’
The new cathedral, which is slated for completion next fall, is said to be
the tallest Armenian Church in the world. It was designed by the Armenian
architect Artak Gulian, who has said that he strove to incorporate elements
of traditional Armenian architecture while also reflecting centuries-old
Russian-Armenian ties.
The adjacent complex-which includes a clergy residence and guest rooms,
administrative offices, an educational center, a museum, and a chapel-is the
largest diocesan center of the Armenian Church outside Armenia.
DIOCESAN NEWS
Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
_Contributing to the Van Earthquake Relief Effort _
Earlier this week, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, issued a
directive asking parishes of the Eastern Diocese to offer prayers for those
who are suffering from the earthquake in Van, and to consider contributing
to the relief effort.
The Diocese and its humanitarian aid organization, the Fund for Armenian
Relief (FAR), will be supporting the effort to assist the earthquake
victims, working through relief agencies on the ground in the region.
Parishes are asked to hold a special collection on Sunday, October 30.
Individuals can also contribute by visiting the [7]`Donate’ section on the
Diocesan website and making a credit-card donation on our secure server.
(Please note: In the lower part of the online information entry form, select
the button `In Memory of,’ and type `Van Earthquake Relief’ in the memo bar
that appears.)
[8]
Click here to read Archbishop Barsamian’s directive in its entirety.
Links:
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Clergy Conference at the Diocesan Center
Clergy and seminarians listen to a presentation during last week’s program
on youth ministry.
_Clergy Meet for Continuing Education Program _
Clergy and seminarians of the Eastern Diocese gathered for a continuing
education program on youth ministry last week. The program was coordinated
by the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, and the Very Rev.
Fr. Daniel Findikyan, seminary dean, and held at the Diocesan Center and at
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.
The sessions were designed for the younger clergy of the Diocese, including
those who have come from Armenia to serve in the Eastern Diocese in recent
years. Participants heard from experienced Diocesan clergy, members of the
Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education, the Diocese’s executive
director, the ACYOA Central Council, as well as the Communications
Department and Zohrab Center staff.
They also had an opportunity to come together for worship in St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral and in the seminary chapel.
Click to [9]read more and to [10]view photos.
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Women’s Guild Symposium
_Women’s Guild Fall Symposium to be Held Saturday_
The Women’s Guild Central Council will hold its fall symposium, titled
“God’s Call, Your Response: Lay Leadership Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,”
on Saturday, October 29, at the Diocesan Center in New York.
Building on this year’s Diocesan exploration of lay ministry, the WGCC
symposium will look at the ways women are advancing the Armenian Church’s
mission today, and will brainstorm about new trails to be blazed for the
21st century.
The program will include a tour of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and
presentations by Dr. Roberta Ervine, Dr. Rachel Goshgarian, Dr. Lynn Cetin,
Dr. Nicole E. Vartanian, Carol Aslanian, and Arda Haratunian. In addition,
an art exhibition will be on view during the day on Saturday (see article
below).
[11]
Click here to view a flyer. For more information, contact Rita Oscherician
at [12][email protected].
Links:
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12. mailto:[email protected]
FAR Chicago meeting
FAR staff met with Chicago’s Armenian community last week.
_FAR Hosts First `Fireplace Chat’ in Chicago _
The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) met with members of the Armenian
community in Chicago last week, marking the first of a series of `Fireplace
Chats’-intimate gatherings to discuss Armenia’s needs and the critical work
that FAR implements in the homeland.
FAR staff introduced the Chicago community to many of the organization’s
initiatives in Armenia and described the economic and social needs of the
country. A lively discussion ensued, covering topics as diverse as
Armenia’s IT sector and its social services and child protection programs.
The evening was hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Heratch and Sona Doumanian, who
graciously welcomed the guests to their beautiful home. Local members of the
Diocesan Council-including the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, Oscar Tatosian,
Lisa Esayian, and Paul Mardoian-were instrumental in helping to organize
what became a successful event.
The Fireplace Chats are intended to provide Armenian communities with the
opportunity to dig beyond the surface of what’s necessary and possible in
Armenia. Chicago set a great precedent for similar gatherings planned across
the East Coast and the Midwest.
[13]Click here to read more on FAR’s blog.
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PARISH NEWS
Holy Ascension Church in Trumbull, CT celebrates 80 years
(From left) Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, Fr. Karekin
Kasparian, and altar servers in prayer during Sunday’s service.
_Trumbull, CT, Parish Marks 80th Anniversary _
On Sunday, October 23, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian visited the Holy
Ascension Church of Trumbull, CT, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
ordained longtime altar server Garo Kalfayan to the sub-diaconate.
Archbishop Gizirian was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, the
longtime pastor of Holy Ascension Church, and the Rev. Fr. Karekin
Kasparian, pastor of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains,
N.Y.
Services were followed by a banquet where community members spoke about the
history of Holy Ascension Church and recognized a number of parishioners for
their dedication to strengthening parish life. The gathering was the
culmination of a yearlong celebration of the church’s 80th anniversary of
consecration.
Click to [14]read more and to [15]view photos.
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St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL
Fr. Nareg Berberian with the Women’s Guild members of St. David Church.
_Boca Raton, FL, Parish Builds on Lay Ministry Initiatives_
On Saturday, October 22, the Women’s Guild of St. David Church of Boca
Raton, FL, held a meeting to discuss upcoming events, including the Annual
Food Festival, Variety Show, monthly dinners, the Women’s Guild Christmas
Party, and other activities.
The meeting was chaired by Carol Norigian. The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg
Berberian, parish pastor, delivered a special lecture on the importance of
the main vessels on the altar.
Also during the meeting, Fr. Berberian recommended the parish host a retreat
during Lent to strengthen its spiritual life, and the Women’s Guild agreed
to help organize the gathering and to invite other Florida Women’s Guild
chapters to take part. Fr. Berberian thanked the parishioners for their
dedication and stressed the importance of lay ministry in the life of the
church.
Armenian Church in Baton Rouge, LA
Fr. Tateos Abdalian blesses salt in preparation for last Sunday’s _madagh_
in Baton Rouge, LA.
_Hadjin Massacres Commemorated in Baton Rouge, LA_
The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese’s director of Mission Parishes,
visited St. Garabed Armenian Church of Baton Rouge, LA, last weekend, as the
community gathered for its annual commemoration of the heroic defenders of
Hadjin. Many of the local parishioners are descendants of survivors of the
Hadjin massacres, perpetrated in the 19th and early 20th centuries while the
city was part of the Ottoman Empire.
On Saturday, Fr. Abdalian spoke with the parish children about the history
of the Hadjin massacres. On Sunday, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
performed a requiem service for deceased community members, as well as the
defenders of Hadjin. A _madagh_ blessing followed in the church hall.
Guest speaker Dr. Dikran Sarafian from California stressed the importance of
understanding the history of the Armenian people from various parts of the
diaspora.
[16]Click here to view photos.
Links:
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_Upcoming Parish Events _
_St. Mary Church | Hollywood, FL_
St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, will host a children’s costume parade
(ages 2-16) in the church hall on Sunday, October 30. Games, activities, and
a lunch for children will follow.
_Holy Trinity Church | Cheltenham, PA_
Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, will hold its annual Harvest Bazaar
on October 29 and 30. Browse the Attic Treasures, Country Store, and vendor
booths while enjoying homemade Armenian food and sweets.
The event also will feature a Chinese Auction and children’s activities,
including a Halloween Costume Parade on Sunday. For more information, e-mail
[17][email protected], or call (215) 663-1600.
Links:
17. mailto:[email protected]
_Holy Cross Church | Union City, NJ_
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, will host its annual bazaar and food
festival on Saturday, October 29.
A children’s Halloween Party will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Dinner will begin
at 6 p.m., and feature khavourma, keshkeg soup, kufteh, luleh kebob, cheese
boreg, yalanchi, and pastries. The evening will also feature raffles and
international music by DJ Berj, and a special guest performance by Robert
Chilingirian.
[18]Click here to view a flyer; for more information call the church office
at
(201) 864-2480.
Links:
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_Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI_
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its 81st annual
`Food Fair and Bazaar’ from November 4 to 6.
Enjoy Armenian food and pastries, an Armenian store, live music, raffles, a
silent auction, activities for children, and more. For more information,
call (401) 272-7712 or visit the parish website:
[19]
Links:
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_Sacred Music Council Workshops in the Midwest_
The Sacred Music Council of the Eastern Diocese will host a series of
workshops for choir members of Midwest churches on Friday, November 11, and
Saturday, November 12. Topics will include basic singing technique, music of
the Divine Liturgy, and the special music of Armenian Christmas.
For more information, visit the Diocese’s [20]`Events Calendar’ page.
Links:
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EVENTS
`Madonna and Child Crimson’ by Sarkis Hamalbashyan.
_Crosses + Icons: An Art Exhibition at the Diocese_
The Women’s Guild Central Council will present “Crosses + Icons: Celebrating
Spirituality,” a group art exhibition, on Saturday, October 29 at the
Gulbenkian Hall of the Diocesan Center in New York City. The opening
reception will run from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Works by four established artists based in Yerevan- Sarkis Hamalbashyan,
Hamlet Hovsepyan, Mariam Khachatryan (Moko), and Ararat Sarkissian-will
address an extensive and rich range of representations of the concept of
spirituality through religious, collective, and individual symbols, icons,
and approaches.
The exhibition is curated by Vicki Hovanessian, collector and director of VH
Contemporary Art, with the collaboration of Raphy Sarkissian, a faculty
member at the School of the Visual Arts, New York. Free and open to the
public, it is organized as part of the Women’s Guild Central Council fall
sympoisum.
Click to [21]read more and to [22]view images representing some of the
artwork that will be on display on October 29.
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Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble
_Shushi Dance Ensemble to Celebrate 20th Season_
On Sunday, October 30, the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral will kick off its 20th season with a spectacular program
dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the independence of Armenia and
Karabagh.
The program will feature 150 performers with vocalists and musicians from
Armenia, California, and New York. The performance will take place at
Felician College in New Jersey (262 South Main Street, Lodi, NJ), beginning
at 5 p.m.
The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble is under the leadership of artistic
director and choreographer Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian.
For more information, visit [23] or [24]click here to
view a flyer.
Links:
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YOUTH NEWS
Zohrab Center Conference
_Zohrab Center to Host Youth Scholars Conference _
The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center plans to host an
Armenian Youth Scholars Conference in January 2012. The event will bring
together undergraduate students and recent graduates with established
scholars and academics for a daylong discussion on topics relating to
Armenian Studies.
The Zohrab Center is currently accepting proposals for presentations on
Armenian history, literature, economics, art, and religion.
To be considered, e-mail a presentation proposal and an abstract to Taleen
Babayan at [25][email protected]. The deadline for submitting materials
is December 15.
[26]
Click here to read more on the Zohrab Center’s blog.
Links:
25. mailto:[email protected]
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