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 23, 2012
ARS REMEMBRANCE DAY THIS SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan announced that this Sunday, February 26, all
Prelacy churches will observe Remembrance Day for the Armenian Relief
Society. Requiem service for all deceased members and benefactors will
be offered following the Liturgy. Remembered specifically will be the
founder of the ARS, Agnouni (Khatchadour Maloomian), in remembrance of
the 97th anniversary of his death, and benefactors George and Beatrice
Lazarian, Levon and Sophia Hagopian, Karekin and Virginia Siroonian,
Samuel and Agnes Yeremian, Araxie Proodian, Haiganoush Garabedian,
Doris Norian Lentzi, Alice Norian, Arpkes Kelerchian, Hagop Jacques
Mouradian, Alice Haigazian Berman, Genevieve Yekeshian, Yervant and
Helen Terzian, and Albert Bagian.
Archbishop Oshagan noted, This is a day for us to honor those who
served the Armenian people for many decades in the field of education
and humanitarian and social welfare. It is also an opportunity for us
to express appreciation of the Armenian Relief Societys noble service
for the past century.
PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE IN LITURGY
AT ST. PATRICKS CATHEDRAL
Archbishop Oshagan will participate in the Liturgy this Sunday,
February 26, at St. Patricks Cathedral in New York by the newly
elevated Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop of New York. Following the
services, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a banquet in honor of
Cardinal Dolan.
BISHOP OF ARMENIAN CATHOLICS VISITS PRELACY
Bishop Mikael Mouradian, Exarch of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of
the United States and Canada, visited the Prelacy yesterday, February
22, where he met with Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian. Accompanying Bishop Mikael was Father Andon. The
clergymen discussed areas of mutual concern, and enhanced their
friendship. Bishop Mikael began his service to the Catholic Eparchy
last year.
>From left to right, Bishop Anoushavan, Bishop Mikael, Archbishop
Oshagan, and Father Andon.
PRELATE AT STS. VARTANANTZ COMMEMORATION IN PROVIDENCE
Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the
sermon last Sunday at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode
Island, on the occasion of the churchs name day and in celebration of
Vartanantz. Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor, assisted His
Eminence at the altar. During the Liturgy, Archbishop Oshagan,
ordained Nerses Donoyan as a tbir (acolyte).
Archbishop Oshagan ordains Nerses Donoyan as an acolyte.
Archbishop Oshagan consecrates a picture of Saint Kevork (George).
Archbishop Oshagan and Rev. Father Gomidas Baghsarian photographed
with the deacons and acolytes of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence,
RI.
Archbishop Oshagan pictured with the Homenetmen Boys and Girl Scouts
of Providence, RI.
VICARS 40th ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
TO BE CELEBRATED ON MARCH 25
The 40th anniversary of the ordination of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy, will be celebrated on Sunday,
March 25. His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy Sunday morning
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, where he served as the
parish priest for many years. This will be followed by a celebratory
banquet at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, New York.
For reservations to the banquet ($100 per person), or to donate to the
booklet being prepared for this occasion, contact the Prelacy office
at 212-689-7810.
MUSICAL ARMENIA ON FRIDAY, MARCH 30
The Prelacys 2012 Musical Armenia concertthe 29th in the serieswill
take place Friday March 30, at 8 pm, at Carnegie Halls Weill Recital
Hall. For the first time in the series, the concert is taking place on
Friday evening, rather than the customary Sunday afternoon. Responding
to requests by loyal concertgoers, the program is scheduled for Friday
evening, providing those working in New York the opportunity to attend
the concert before returning home, and an opportunity for
out-of-towners to plan on a weekend visit to New York City, attending
Musical Armenia and then partaking in the many varied cultural events
in the City.
The featured artists this year are cellist Marta Bagratuni and pianist
Hayk Arsenyan. Ms. Bagratuni is currently a masters degree student at
the College of Music at Michigan State University, with a
distinguished list of accomplishments. Mr. Arsenyan holds a doctor of
musical arts degree from the University of Iowa, and is currently a
faculty member at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Tickets for the concert ($25) are available at the Carnegie Hall box
office or through the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810, or by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
BECOME A FRIEND OF MUSICAL ARMENIA
The Musical Armenia series began in 1982 and as noted above the 29th
concert in the series will take place Friday evening, March 30. The
series is dedicated to promoting young Armenian artists and to the
performance of music by Armenian composers. Over the past 30 years,
many of the performers have established solid professional
careers. Supporters have played a major role in the growth of the
Musical Armenia series.
If you would like to join in supporting this important endeavor,
please consider becoming a sponsor at any of the following levels:
$1,000 diamond; $500 platinum; $300 gold; or $200 gold. Please contact
the Prelacy by email at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or by telephone at 212-689-7810.
PRELACY LENTEN PROGRAM BEGAN YESTERDAY
The Prelacys Lenten program began yesterday, February 22, the first in
a series of six consecutive Wednesday evening programs at St.
Illuminators Armenian Cathedral in New York City, with the overall
theme of The Book, the Bible (Asdvadzashoonch). His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, the Prelate, gave the keynote lecture entitled
Armenian Bible translations yesterday and today.
Archbishop Oshagan, a seasoned Bible translator, together with
Archbishop Zareh of blessed memory have translated the entire New
Testament and the Book of Psalms into western Armenian, which was
published by the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in conjunction with
the Bible Society of Lebanon (1993), a translation used in public
readings in our churches, as well as in private devotion.
His Eminence first spoke about the ancient translations of the Bible,
starting with the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek,
known as the Septuagint (sometime after 300BC), from which the
Armenian translation of the Old Testament was made. After the
invention of the Armenian alphabet, translating the Bible into
Armenian was the very first thing our Church Fathers did, first from
Syriac and then from Greek, he said. The Bible has been translated
into over 2000 languages. The Armenian version is one of the earliest
translations after the Syriac, Latin and Coptic. The Armenian
translation is recognized as the Queen of translations.
His Eminence then turned his attention to modern Armenian
translations, in both eastern and western Armenian dialects,
translations made by Armenians and non-Armenians. He spoke about
different schools of translation, their advantages and disadvantages,
giving ample examples. The purpose of translating the Bible, then as
now, is to make the Word of God available and understandable for the
faithful, said Srpazan Hayr. A lively discussion ensued after Srpazans
informative presentation.
The evening program also included Lenten Service and table
fellowship. Next Wednesday, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar
General, will speak on The Bible in our worship services. For details
about the upcoming programs, please click here (
).
Archbishop Oshagan leads the vespers service with Bishop Anoushavan,
Rev. Father Mesrob Lakissian and Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian.
Archbishop Oshagan explains bible translations.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 26, Second Sunday of Lent, Sunday
of the Expulsion are: Isaiah 33:2-22; Romans 12:1-13:10; Matthew
5:17-48.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I
have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until
heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a
letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore,
whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches
others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven;
but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds
that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of
heaven.
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall
not murder; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment; and if
you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and
if you say, You fool, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when
you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your
brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift before
the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and
then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser
while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand
you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be
thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you
have paid the last penny.
You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I
say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already
committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you
to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose
one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into
hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw
it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for
your whole body to go into hell.
It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a
certificate of divorce. But I say to you that anyone who divorces his
wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit
adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You
shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the
Lord. But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it
is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by
Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by
your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word
be Yes,Yes or No, No; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone
strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone
wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if
anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to
everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to
borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven;
for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain
on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who
love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do
the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more
are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be
perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew
5:17-48)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
).
SUNDAY OF THE EXPULSION
As of Monday we entered the period of Great Lent (Medz Bahk) and the
Church has taken on a somber, mournful and penitential
manifestation. Beginning last Sunday (Poon Paregentan) the altar is
closed with a dark curtain, symbolic of the expulsion of Adam and Eve
from the Garden of Eden. Holy Communion is not offered during the
Liturgy. It is a period of repentance and reflection on our spiritual
journey toward Easter.
Each of the Sundays during Lent has a theme. This Sunday, February 26,
is the Sunday of the Expulsion (Artaksman Kiraki). The message is a
continuation of last Sundays Paregentan theme, namely, Adam and Eves
fall and banishment from Paradise because of their disobedience. Of
the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat of it you shall die, (Genesis 2:17). With
Adam and Eves expulsion from Paradise, humankind was thus condemned to
experience death, pain, and sorrow. The hymns sung on the first two
Sundays of Lent remind us of the expulsion, and give sinners the good
tidings that they may render themselves worthy through repentance.
O Lord, you first gave the holy observance of the law in paradise. But
the first creatures disobeyed you by eating the forbidden fruit and
thus tasted the bitterness of sin and death. Therefore, enable us to
taste the sweetness of your commandments.
(From the hymn sung on the Sunday of the Expulsion)
THE SUNRISE (AREVAKAL) SERVICE
During Lent the Armenian Sunrise Service (Arevakal) takes a prominent
place. Traditionally, this service takes place on Wednesday and
Friday mornings during Lent. Here in the United States and elsewhere,
it is performed on Sundays immediately after the closed-altar Liturgy.
Although the Church takes on a mournful appearance during Lent, the
Sunrise Service is joyous with its main theme being light, which is
Christ our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any other
word throughout the service, whereas the word darkness (khavar) is
used just once. The upbeat music of the hymns and the positive lyrics
make this one of the most pleasant and uplifting services in the
Armenian Church. Sung properly, it inspires you to sing with joy unto
the Lord.
ST. THEODORE THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, February 25, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of Theodore the Warrior, a captain in the Roman army during the reign
of emperor Licinius. Theodore was born into a Christian family and was
educated in the teaching of Christianity. He was noted for his
bravery, and was noted for killing a serpent that was terrorizing
people and animals. Theodore armed himself with a sword, and with a
prayer to the Lord vanquished the serpent and became a heroic
figure. He was appointed commander of Heraclea where he combined his
military duties with the preaching of the Gospel. Soon nearly all of
Heraclea had accepted Christianity. Emperor Licinius began a campaign
against the Christians. Theodore was a main target. He was arrested
and given an opportunity to renounce his Christian religion, which he
refused to do. He was martyred in 319 A.D. in Heraclea, Thrace.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
Armenians under the Ottoman Empire and the
American Missions Influence on their
Intellectual and Social Renaissance
By Archpriest Dr. Gorun Shrikian
This long-awaited and valuable study of the American Missions work
recounts the influence it had in many different realms for the
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. Based on Der Goruns doctoral
dissertation this is a readable and illuminating history of an era
that has not been sufficiently studied.
Hardcover, 355 pages, with photographs and map
$25.00 plus shipping & handling
To order this book contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email,
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or by
telephone, 212-689-7810.
ON OUR WEB PAGE
For Tom Vartabedians coverage of the renovations at St. Gregory
Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, described in last weeks
Crossroads, as well as photos of the event click here (
).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 24-March 23St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, NY, presents
Liturgy, Education & Tradition Series, every Friday evening during
Lent. Pray the great vespers of the Armenian Church, learn more about
the tenets of our faith and savor traditional Lenten homemade
foods. Vespers: 6:30pm, Lecture: 7:30pm, Q&A: 8:00pm, Fellowship:
8:15pm. For additional information: 718-224-2275.
February 26St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, presents a
lecture by Dr. Arthur Martirosyan on Child Protection System and
Problems in Armenia, at 1 pm. Refreshments will follow. For
information: 212-689-5880.
March 1Avak lenten luncheon hosted by St. Gregory Armenian Church,
North Andover, MA at 12pm. Richard Mullen, a nationally known
hypnotherapist and humorist will present Laugh Yourself Silly, a
presentation based opn humor and laughter as a stress reducer and
health optimizer. This event is open to the public.
March 3Mid-Atlantic Regional Seminar for Sunday School teachers, 10 am
to 3 pm, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
March 3Hovnanian Schools 35th Anniversary Gala at Westmount Country
Club, Woodland Park, New Jersey. Honorees are Dr. John Apovian and
Mr. Hratch Kaprielian. Cocktail hour 6 pm; dinner and dancing 7:30
pm. Art Exhibition during cocktail hour. Entertainment by Kevork
Artinian and his band; Ara Dinkjian; and Yuri Yunakov. $175 per
person. For reservations, information or sponsorship contact at:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or
201-967-5940.
March 4Book reading and signing by childrens author, Talene Dadian
White, at 1 pm, in Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York City. Proceeds will benefit the Cathedrals Armenian Day and
Sunday Schools. For information: 212-689-5880.
March 9Annual Mark Kyrkostas Remember Me With Music concert of music
and dance will feature Ivy Adrian on the piano and the original
musicians of the Mark Kyrkostas Jazz Quintet, bass, Cosmo Steve
Mallard and flute, Anne Pollack. Joining them will be saxophonist
Arnold Lee and percussionist Lamy Istrifi. At the Armenian Society
Center, 39-03 Little Neck Parkway, New York, at 7 pm. Ample parking
and accessible by Long Island Railroad. For information: 718-428-5650.
March 10Lenten luncheon hosted by the ARS Shakeh Chapter at 1:30pm in
Sts. Vartanantz Church hall. Traditional Armenian lenten dishes will
be served and entertainment will be provided by the Huyser Music
Ensemble. Donations are $30. For tickets: (201) 969-8797.
March 11St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City, Illinois,
Annual Membership meeting, on Sunday of the Steward, 12:30 pm.
March 17Mid-West Regional Seminar for Sunday School teachers, 10 am to
3 pm, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) at
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
March 18Armenian Relief Society, NY Erebouni Chapter presents, Yeraz
Dance Ensemble, Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main Street, Suite 1,
Port Washington, New York, at 3 pm. For tickets ($25 & $35): Nairy,
631-922-3414; Loucine, 516-352-1069.
March 24New England Regional Seminar for Sunday school teachers, 10 am
to 3 pm, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
at St. Stephens Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
March 25Celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielians ordination to the priesthood. Save the date.
March 30Musical Armenia 2012 (29th concert of the series), sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild, 8 pm, Weill Recital
Hall, at Carnegie Hall, New York City. Featured artists: Marta
Bagratuni, cello (with Zhao Zhao Yank, piano); Hayk Arsenyan,
piano. Please note that this year Musical Armenia is on Friday
evening.
April 29Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, will present the New Jersey premier of The Hye LegionThe
Gamavor, a musical true story performed by the actors and singers of
The Way We Were Ensemble. Light lunch and program following church
services. Adults, $20; Children, $10.
May 9-12National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. Clergy conference on
May 9; full delegation May 10 to 12. Accommodations at Crowne Plaza
Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Details will be forthcoming to parishes
and delegates.
May 11-12National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 30th
anniversary celebration and annual conference in conjunction with the
National Representative Assembly, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. For information: Mary Derderian 781-762-4253.
May 4 thru May 24Sixteen performances in May (including matinee
performances on Saturdays and Sundays) of Herand M. Markarians new
play commissioned by the New York State Theater Institute,
Silence. With award-winning actress Lorraine Serabian. This story of
love, loss, and relentless search by a women for her son after the
Armenian genocide of 1915, is directed by Kevin Thomson. Performances
at the Shell Theater in the Times Square Arts Building, 300 West 43rd
Street, New York City. Reserve tickets now ($18): SmartTix.com or
212-868-4444. For information: [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]).
June 24St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, annual Madagh Picnic at
Jonsons Park, Racine.
July 14Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild and ARS Ani Chapter,
Providence, Rhode Island, A Hye Summer Night VI dance, featuring
Hachig Kazarian, Richard Hagopian, Kenneth Kalajian, Jason Naroian, 8
pm to 1 am; $35 adults; $15 children 16 and under. At the Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, Rhode
Island. Mezza will be served. Limited seating. For tickets and
information: 401-434-4467 (Joyce Bagdasarian); 401-354-8770 (Joyce
Yeremian).
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])