PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web:
Email: [email protected]
TOP STORY April 12, 2012
Easter Sunday at St. Vartan Cathedral
Easter Celebrated at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York
Easter morning was cool and sunny in New York, as some 2,000 people
gathered at the city’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to celebrate the
most important day of the year in the church calendar.
Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrated the Divine
Liturgy and delivered the homily on April 8. [4]Click here to view the
Primate’s sermon.
Links:
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After the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian led a procession to the
cathedral plaza, where 12 doves were released, symbolizing the
dispatching of the 12 apostles. Zaven Dadekian of St. Leon Church of
Fair Lawn, NJ, was the godfather of the “Release of Doves” ceremony.
The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, wearing traditional
Armenian costumes, performed several dances on the plaza following the
doves ceremony. A reception followed in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium, where Archbishop Barsamian officiated over a home-blessing
service.
Concurrent with the Easter observances, a special art exhibit-titled
“Behold, All Things Have Become New: Armenian Artists Celebrate
Easter”-was on display in the cathedral complex.
Click to [5]read more, [6]visit our photo gallery, and to [7]view a
brief video of the day’s highlights.
Links:
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Scripture of the Week
Acts 5:34-6:7
Jas 3:1-12
Jn 1:1-17
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
15 April: Ocatve of Easter (New Sunday)
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Easter Sunday at Holy Etchmiadzin
His Holiness Karekin II with Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan and
First Lady Rita Sargsyan in a procession to the Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin on Easter Sunday.
Christ’s Resurrection Celebrated in Armenia
At Holy Etchmiadzin, a festive parade of young students representing
the various youth centers (Hayortats Tnner) established by the Holy
See
led the faithful to the cathedral on Easter Sunday. Inside, His
Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
Present for the occasion were Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan,
Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, and
other
government officials. A number of Armenians from across the
diaspora
also took part in services at Holy Etchmiadzin. Papken Megerian,
Diocesan Council treasurer, was among those participating from the
Eastern Diocese.
In his homily, His Holiness described the transformative power of
Christ’s resurrection-for world history, for the shape of human
societies, and for individual lives. He stressed that accepting
Christ’s gift of salvation is the key to a renewal of the human spirit
necessary to effect the transformations the world so desperately needs
today: moving it towards greater peace and justice, and away from
poverty, war, and corruption.
`We offer prayers to heaven that the peace, mercy, and saving graces
of
our Risen Lord be dispersed over the world…and grant strength to
build
a life of tranquility and welfare for mankind,’ His Holiness said.
Click to [8]read His Holiness Karekin II’s message and to [9]view a
video of Easter services at Holy Etchmiadzin.
Links:
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Easter Eve in Jerusalem
The Holy Fire ceremony will be held at the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher
in Jerusalem on April 14.
In Jerusalem Pilgrims Await Holy Fire Ceremony
At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, Easter Eve will be
celebrated on Saturday, April 14, with the traditional Holy Fire
ceremony.
Clergy of the Armenian, Greek, Coptic, and Syrian churches, as well as
thousands of pilgrims, will take part in the ancient tradition of
passing the miraculous flame from its source at the tomb of Christ
through the crowds of worshipers in the church.
During the ceremony, Armenian and Greek clergy enter the sepulcher of
Christ to pray and to await the miraculous flame. Once the flame
appears, it is brought out by the clergy and shared among the
faithful,
many of whom stand in the sanctuary holding 33 candles symbolizing
the
33 years of Christ’s life.
This year, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York’s
St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral, is leading a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where
participants will witness the sacred ceremony on April 14. Easter is
celebrated a week later in Jerusalem because its date is calculated
based on the Julian, rather than the more modern Gregorian, calendar.
DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Assembly 2012
Diocesan Assembly to Convene in May
The 110th Diocesan Assembly will be hosted by St. Mark Church of
Springfield, MA, from May 3-5. This year’s Diocesan theme is titled
`Vocations-The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful’-a continuation
of the current theme which revolves around lay ministry in the church.
The Assembly proceedings will be held at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor
Airport Hotel in Windsor, CT, from Thursday, May 3, to Saturday, May 5
(the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mark Church on Sunday,
May 6). The Assembly will be preceded by the annual Clergy Conference,
which will be held at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in
West
Hartford, CT, from Monday, April 30, to Wednesday, May 2.
A banquet will be held at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield,
MA, on Friday, May 4, during which the Diocese will honor this year’s
`Armenian of the Year’: Dr. Gregory Adamian, the longtime president of
Bentley College.
For more information about the Diocesan Assembly, and to download
registration forms, visit the St. Mark Church website at
[10]
Links:
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Women’s Guild Assembly and Luncheon
The Women’s Guild will host its 26th annual assembly concurrent with
the Diocesan Assembly in Windsor, CT, from May 3-5. On Saturday, May
5,
the Women’s Guild Central Council will sponsor the third annual
`Woman
of Wonder (WOW) Luncheon’ at the Marriott in Windsor.
This year’s WOW honoree is Julie Ashekian of St. George Church of
Hartford, CT. Mrs. Ashekian will be recognized for her dedication to
the Armenian Church and for her work in helping the children of
Armenia
through the CASP and Mer Doon programs.
Reservations for the luncheon must be made by April 20. The event is
being organized by WGCC chair Charlotte Sevazlian, vice chair Zita
Butler, and advisor Meline Grigorian.
[11]Click here for information on the event and to learn about
sponsorship opportunities. The WGCC will make a donation to Mer Doon
in
Mrs. Ashekian’s honor.
Links:
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Lili Chookasian
Lili Chookasian (1921-2012).
In Memoriam: Lili Chookasian (1921-2012)
The Eastern Diocese mourns the passing of Lili Chookasian:
internationally renowned contralto, star of the Metropolitan Opera,
and
a longtime friend and supporter of St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral. She
passed away in her home in Branford, CT, on Tuesday, April 10, at
the
age of 90.
A native of Chicago, Lili Chookasian sang in the local Armenian Church
in her youth. She began her career in the 1940s as a featured soloist
on the `Hymns of All Churches’ radio program, and went on to perform
with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Arkansas State Opera, New
York
Philharmonic, and the Met-where she was a beloved and admired
performer
for 25 years. Starting in the mid-1980s, Ms. Chookasian began
teaching
at Yale University’s School of Music, and in 2002 she was awarded
the
university’s prestigious Samuel Simon Sanford Medal.
In her personal life, Ms. Chookasian courageously battled breast
cancer
and became an inspiration to other women suffering from the disease
at
a time when it was considered a taboo subject in the prevailing
culture. She always stayed close to her Armenian heritage, and was
always willing to lend her gifts and warm enthusiasm to enrich the
cultural life of New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. In 2008, on
the occasion of the cathedral’s 40th anniversary, Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presented Ms. Chookasian with the `St.
Sahag and St. Mesrob Medal’ for her dedication to the Armenian Church
and her artistic achievements.
Ms. Chookasian was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, George
Gavejian; she is survived by their three children, Valerie Klutch,
John
Gavejian, and Paul Gavejian, 11 grandchildren and 8
great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at St. Vartan Cathedral (630 Second
Avenue, New York City) on Friday, April 13, at 11 a.m.
[12]
Click here to read about Ms. Chookasian’s extraordinary career in
`Opera News.’
Links:
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Armen Avanessians
Armen A. Avanessians recently joined the FAR Board of Directors.
FAR Welcomes New Board Member
The Fund for Armenian Relief is pleased to announce that Mr. Armen A.
Avanessians, a partner at Goldman Sachs & Co. and a member of Columbia
University’s Board of Trustees, has joined the organization as the
newest member of its Board of Directors.
`Mr. Avanessians has been one of the visionary supporters of FAR, for
years sponsoring one of our most effective programs in Armenia-ANSEF,’
said FAR chair Randy Sapah-Gulian. `We are excited about him joining
the FAR Board of Directors, and look forward to working with him and
using his experience and talents to advance FAR’s strategic priorities
in promoting education and innovation in Armenia.’
“Armenia still needs the encouragement of the diaspora to know that
people out here care about their future,” Mr. Avanessians said. “I am
honored to join the FAR board and look forward to working with my
colleagues in serving the people of Armenia.”
[13]
Click here to read more.
Links:
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Hirant Gulian
Hirant Gulian served as the godfather of the “Blessing of Water”
service at St. Vartan Cathedral on Armenian Christmas last year.
Hirant Gulian to be Honored in October
The Eastern Diocese has announced an evening in honor of longtime
community leader Hirant Gulian, to be held on Friday, October 5.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will preside. Mr. and
Mrs. Harry and Suzanne Toufayan are serving as the honorary chairs.
Additional details will be forthcoming.
Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
The Eastern Diocese is sponsoring a pilgrimage to historic Armenia,
from September 5 to 19.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar,
and in prayer services at the recently consecrated St. Giragos
Armenian
Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
The pilgrimage also includes visits to Armenia’s magnificent former
capital of Ani and tours of other parts of historic Armenia- Arapkir,
Kars, Antep, and Malatya, among other cities and villages. The journey
will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian
Patriarchate.
[14]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
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PARISH NEWS
Washing of Feet service at St. Sarkis Church
Archbishop Aykazian performs the `Washing of the Feet’ ceremony at St.
Sarkis Church.
Holy Week and Easter Observed in Dallas, TX
Parishioners at St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, welcomed Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, for Holy Week and
Easter services.
A midday service was held on April 5, Great and Holy Thursday,
followed
by a potluck luncheon. Later that evening, Archbishop Aykazian
performed the `Washing of the Feet’ ceremony. This was followed by a
Khavaroom or Vigil Service.
The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Order of the Entombment
of the Lord (or Taghoom Service) were commemorated at St. Sarkis
Church
on Great and Holy Friday, April 6.
On Easter Eve, Saturday, April 7, the day began with Holy Communion
for
young parishioners in the morning, followed by Scripture readings
by 10
young people. The Easter Eve Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the
evening.
After the Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday, April 8, the `Blessing of
the Four Corners of the World’ (Antasdan Service) was conducted. An
Easter luncheon was prepared by the Women’s Guild.
Armenian Mission Parish of Atlanta
Choir members of the Atlanta mission parish sing the hymns of the
badarak on Easter Sunday.
Atlanta Parish Welcomes Diocesan Vicar on Easter
Diocesan Vicar the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian visited the
Armenian
Church of Atlanta mission parish in Roswell, GA, during Holy Week
and
Easter Sunday.
On Holy Friday, April 6, a group of altar servers, choir members, and
parishioners heard Fr. Odabashian explain the symbolism of services
conducted during Holy Week, and participated in a special vespers
service in remembrance of Jesus’ burial.
On Easter Eve, a choir rehearsal took place, focusing on the singing
of
Easter hymns. Fr. Odabashian then led a brief Easter Eve service.
On Easter Sunday, Fr. Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon. The `Blessing of the Four Corners of the World’
(Antasdan Service) was conducted after the Divine Liturgy.
A luncheon and Easter egg hunt for children concluded the celebration.
[15]Click here to view photos.
Links:
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Palm Sunday at Holy Trinity Church
ACYOA executive secretary Nancy Basmajian, parish pastor
Rev. Fr. Hakob
Gevorgyan, and Archbishop Aykazian with ACYOA members at Holy
Trinity
Church.
ACYOA of Cheltenham, PA, Hosts Palm Sunday Program
The ACYOA chapter of Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, hosted a
Palm Sunday banquet on April 1. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the
Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, presided over the gathering, which
followed the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the Turun-patzek
(Door-Opening) Service.
Nadia Silk, mistress of ceremonies and co-chair of the ACYOA Seniors,
welcomed guests and described local programs offered by the ACYOA.
“With new events such as a monthly Young Adult Bible Study, `Cooking
with Yeretzgin,’ and participation in our region’s Oriental Orthodox
youth conferences, our group has been able to gather, worship, and
learn in meaningful ways,” she said.
Archbishop Aykazian gave the keynote address, in which he encouraged
the continued support of the ACYOA.
The banquet was co-sponsored by the Nicole DerHagopian endowment fund.
More than 160 people attended.
St. James Church celebrates 65 years of ACYOA chapter
Current ACYOA members with chapter founders at St. James Church.
ACYOA of Evanston, IL, Marks 65 Years
On Palm Sunday, April 1, the ACYOA chapter of St. James Church of
Evanston, IL, celebrated its 65th anniversary and honored the original
members who established the chapter in 1947. Current ACYOA members
hosted a luncheon and presented the founders with special plaques.
`We want them to know that their work in starting a vibrant youth
group
proved to hold strong for 65 years and will continue to do so,’ the
young ACYOA members said. `Our chapter is lucky to have the support of
such a great community.’
St. Mary Church
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ignatius with their son David at St. Mary Church.
Paul Ignatius Gives Book Talk at Washington, DC, Parish
On Thursday, March 29, St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C., along with
the Knights of Vartan-Ani Lodge and the National Association for
Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), hosted a talk by Paul R.
Ignatius, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Assistant Secretary of
Defense, whose memoir, Now I Know in Part, was recently issued in a
new
edition by NAASR’s Armenian Heritage Press.
Mr. Ignatius spoke about childhood memories and shared episodes from
his professional experiences. A book signing and reception followed
his
presentation. Also in attendance was Mr. Ignatius’s son, =80=9CThe
Washington Post’ columnist David Ignatius.
Now I Know in Part explores Ignatius’s family history, his childhood
in
Glendale, CA, his military service during World War II, and the
journey
he made to historic Armenia in 2006.
Greg Aftandilian served as master of ceremonies at the March 29 event.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director,
delivered the invocation.
St. James Church ACYOA
ACYOA Juniors and Sunday School students of St. James Church sort toys
at the Cradles to Crayons organization in Boston.
Youth in Watertown, MA, Volunteer at Local Charity
On Saturday, March 24, a group of ACYOA Juniors and Sunday School
families from St. James Church of Watertown, MA, visited the Cradles
to
Crayons Giving Factory as part of the parish’s ongoing focus on
service.
Cradles to Crayons is a Boston-based organization that provides school
supplies, clothes, and other items to low-income children. The St.
James group, accompanied by youth minister Maria Derderian,
volunteered
time sorting, cleaning, and repairing toys donated to the
organization.
In all, the group prepared toys for more than 60 children.
[16]Click here to view photos.
Links:
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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Parish Events
St. George Church | Hartford, CT
The Women’s Guild of St. George Church of Hartford, CT, will host the
16th annual Spring Fling Dance on Saturday, April 14, from 8 p.m. to
12
a.m. The dance will be held at the West Hartford Meeting and
Conference
Center (50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT).
Enjoy Armenian music by the Johnny Berberian Ensemble and a special
dance performance by the parish children. [17]Click here to view a
flyer for more information.
Links:
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Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will commemorate the
97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on Saturday, April 21, with
a
memorial service and concert. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. in
the
church sanctuary.
The Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island, under the direction of Maestro
Konstantin Petrossian, will perform a selection of Armenian songs.
[18]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
18. `b76966bf-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
St. Mary Church | Hollywood, FL
St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, will host a “Food & Music Fest” on
Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22. The event will feature
Armenian food and music, arts and crafts vendors, and activities for
children. [19]Click here to view a flyer.
Links:
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EVENTS
Memorial Day
Armenian Martyrs Day Commemoration in New York
This year Armenian Martyrs Day will be observed in New York through
events on Sunday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 24.
On April 22, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a requiem
service and the blessing of madagh. The annual Genocide Commemoration
sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan will be
held in Times Square beginning at 2 p.m.
On April 24, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a requiem service
and a memorial meal. The cathedral will remain open throughout the day
for prayer and remembrance.
[20]Click here to view a flyer for more information. Check with
[21]your parish on programs planned in your area.
Links:
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YOUTH NEWS
St. James Armenian Church, Evanston, IL
Spring Retreat to be Held in Evanston, IL, on Saturday
The ACYOA Central Council will sponsor a Spring Retreat on Saturday,
April 14, at St. James Church in Evanston, IL, for young people and
adults in the Midwest region.
The day will focus on understanding lay ministry, and participants
will
have the opportunity to explore this topic through Bible study,
discussion, and reflection.
The retreat sessions will be led by the Rev. Fr. Hovhan
Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Church; Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian,
pastor of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI; Danny Mantis, ACYOA Central
Council chair; and Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive secretary.
Adults are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact
[22][email protected].
Links:
22. mailto:[email protected]
ACYOA Assembly and Sports Weekend
Register for ACYOA Assembly/Sports Weekend Online
For the first time, registration for the ACYOA General Assembly and
Sports Weekend will be conducted online.
To register, visit [23]
Links:
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The Assembly and Sports Weekend will be hosted by the ACYOA Seniors of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, from May 24-28.
Participants will stay in Chicago, and enjoy a variety of spiritual,
social, and athletic activities.
Palm Sunday at St. James Armenian Church, Watertown, MA
ACYOA Central Council member Adrienne Ashbahian gave a presentation in
Watertown, MA.
ACYOA Day Observed Across Diocese
Parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese observed ACYOA Day as part of
their traditional Palm Sunday celebrations on April 1.
In addition to the observances noted in the preceding articles,
members
of the ACYOA Central Council visited local communities across the
Diocese, where they gave presentations about the organization’s recent
projects and met with youth leaders.
Click to [24]read more and to [25]view photos of the day’s
celebrations.
Links:
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