eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese – 08/23/2012

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 August
23, 2012

St. Leon Cathedral
St. Leon Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Western Diocese.

Primate to Visit Western Diocese

On Sunday, August 26, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
will visit the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, at
the invitation of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese.

Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon
Cathedral in Burbank, CA. Following services, a fellowship hour will be
held in the Diocesan Center.

St. Leon Cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the Western
Diocese. Consecrated in September 2010, the cathedral will mark its
second anniversary this fall.
[4]Click here to visit the Western Diocese’s website.
Links:
4.

Scripture of the Week

Is 9:8-19
2 Cor 1:1-11
Mk 4:35-40

Prayer of the Week

Jesus, Wisdom of the Father, grant me wisdom, that I may, at all times,
think, speak, and do before you that which is good in your sight. And
save me from evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Have mercy upon your
creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

23 August: St. Jeremiah the Prophet

28 August: Holy Prophets Ezekiel, Ezra, and Zechariah, Father of St.
John the Baptist

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Odzun Church
Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church in Odzun, Armenia.

Restoration of 6th-Century Church Underway in Armenia

Restoration work began this month at the historic Sourp Mariam
Asdvadzadzin Church in Armenia’s northern village of Odzun. It follows
last fall’s announcement by Armenia’s Ministry of Culture and the
Hovhannes Imastaser Catholicos Odznetsi charitable foundation to
collaborate on the restoration project.

Established in the 6th century, the church underwent its first major
reconstruction in the 8th century under the leadership of the
Catholicos Hovhannes Imastaser Odznetsi. During the Soviet period, the
church fell into ruin. Plans were made to renovate the structure in the
early 1990s, but the project stalled as the young Armenian nation faced
the challenges of its early years.

The current project will restore the Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church
to its former glory. Fr. Vertanes Baghumyan, parish pastor, said the
community is excited by the effort. Experts estimate that it will take
three years to complete the construction work.

[5]Click here to view a video in Armenian about the restoration
project.
Links:
5.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Diocesan Council meeting
Members of the Diocesan Council met in New York this week.

Diocesan Council Reviews Summer Programming

Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Wednesday, August 22, members of the
Diocesan Council heard a report from Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian on his trip to Romania earlier this month for the celebration
of the 500th anniversary of the Hagigadar Monastery in Suceava.

Archbishop Barsamian accompanied His Holiness Karekin II on his
pontifical visit to Romania. He described to council members the rich
history of the Armenian presence in the country and the inspiring sight
of pilgrims making their way to Hagigadar Monastery on their knees.
[6]Click here to view a video about the celebration in Armenian.
Links:
6.

The council also heard from the Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, about his visits to Diocesan youth programs this summer,
including St. Vartan Camp, Hye Camp, St. Nersess Summer Conferences,
and the Boyajian Young Choir Directors program. Executive director
Michael Guglielmo reviewed programs of the various Diocesan
departments.

Council members discussed feedback received to date regarding the July
24 letter sent by the Primate and Diocesan Council chair Oscar Tatosian
to clergy, Parish Council chairs, and Diocesan delegates about the
“Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of the Armenian Church,’ and made plans
to comprehensively assess all feedback in October.

The Council also discussed plans for the 2013 Diocesan Assembly, to be
hosted by St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL, and the 2014 Diocesan
Assembly, to be held at the Diocesan Center in New York. Council
members also reviewed plans for this year’s Annual Appeal, which will
kick off with a mailing later this month.

The Diocese is preparing for the September pilgrimage to historic
Armenia, which will be led by Archbishop Barsamian from September 5 to
19. Several Diocesan Council members and some 70 people from across the
Diocese will participate in the pilgrimage, which will include the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of
Aghtamar, and prayer services at the recently consecrated St. Giragos
Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
Pilgrims also will visit Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani
and tour Arapkir, Kars, Antep, Sivas, Urfa, Kharpert, and Malatya,
among other cities and villages.

FAR
GTech students learn about programming at the recent computer science
seminar in Armenia.

FAR’s GTech Students Attend Computer Science Talk

Students at the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Gyumri Information
Technology Center (GTech) recently participated in a seminar covering
the basics of computer science organized by the Luys Foundation. The
goal of the seminar was to update the knowledge and skills of
programmers in Gyumri.

The seminar marked the first official collaboration between GTech and
the Armenian-based [7]Luys Foundation, which supports institutions that
foster positive cultural, academic, business, and social change in
Armenia, and makes it possible for talented students in Armenia to
study at leading colleges and universities abroad.
Links:
7.

GTech was established in 2005 by FAR, in partnership with U.S. and
Armenian technology companies, and with strong support from FAR’s Young
Professional alumni community. The goal of the center is to strengthen
the information technology skills of young Armenians and to expand
employment and business opportunities in the region for young
professionals. GTech also helps to bolster development by providing an
incubator space for new start-up IT businesses.
[8]Click here to read more.
Links:
8.

PARISH NEWS

Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan
Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan has been assigned as the new pastor of the Holy
Martyrs Church.

New Pastor in Bayside, NY

The Eastern Diocese is pleased to announce that the Rev. Fr. Abraham
Malkhasyan has been assigned as the new pastor of the Church of the
Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY.

The assignment will go into effect on September 2. Fr. Malkhasyan will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the church on that day.

In his directive announcing the appointment, Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian conveyed good wishes to Fr. Malkhasyan and
his family, and also to all the parishioners of the Holy Martyrs
Church.

May our Lord guide his people as they embark upon this new chapter in
parish life.

Ordination
Archbishop Barsamian ordained Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian and Stan
Sheridan to the diaconate on Sunday.

Two Ordained to the Diaconate in Racine, WI

On Sunday, August 19, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, where
he ordained parishioners Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian and Stan Sheridan to
the diaconate.

Both are active members of the Racine parish, who have been working
hard to prepare for Sunday’s ordination. Mr. Gabrielian has served as a
Parish Council chair for six years; Mr. Sheridan, who studied at St.
Nersess Seminary, is the longtime advisor of the ACYOA Juniors.

A luncheon and program followed services. Diocesan Council chair Oscar
Tatosian was among the day’s speakers. He congratulated the newly
ordained and spoke about the importance of lay ministry. Parish Council
chair Steve Gengozian served as the master of ceremonies. Violinist
Lillian Proctor performed musical selections.

Click to [9]read more and to [10]view photos.
Links:
9.
10.

Blessing of Grapes in Springfield
Fr. Simeon Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mark Church
on Sunday.

Diocesan Vicar Visits Parish in Springfield, MA

On Sunday, August 19, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, visited St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, where he celebrated
the Divine Liturgy and conducted the Blessing of Grapes service.

Following services, he joined the community for fellowship hour and met
briefly with the Parish Council.

On his way back to the Diocesan Center in New York, Fr. Odabashian made
a stop in New Britain, CT, where he surprised the parishioners of Holy
Resurrection Church during their Armenian festival.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Parish Events

Armenian Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe will host an Armenian food festival
on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. The event will be preceded by
services at 11 a.m.

Enjoy live Armenian music by the Jason Naroian Ensemble, Armenian food,
cash prizes, and more. The picnic will be held at the American Legion
Farm (1314 Main St., Haverhill, MA). [11]Click here to view a flyer for
information.
Links:
11.

St. James Church | Evanston, IL
St. James Church of Evanston, IL, will host its annual “Taste of
Armenia” festival on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 6:30 p.m. The event
will take place on Clark Street, between Benson and Sherman avenues in
downtown Evanston.

The festival offers a leisurely afternoon of delicious Armenian
cooking, music, and great company. For more information, [12]click
here.
Links:
12.

Church of the Holy Translators | Framingham, MA
The Church of the Holy Translators of Framingham, MA, will host its
annual `Armenian Food Festival’ on Saturday, September 8, from 12 to 5
p.m. The event will be held at the New England Laborers Training Center
(37 East Street in Hopkinton, MA).

Enjoy live Armenian music, Armenian food and homemade baked goods,
raffles, vendors, and more. There will be entertainment for children
from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. For information, contact the
church at (508) 875-0868.

Church of the Holy Martyrs | Bayside, NY
The Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY, will host its annual
Oceania Street Festival on Saturday, September 8, from 12 to 8 p.m. The
event will be held on Oceania Street in Bayside.

Enjoy Armenian food, street vendors, raffles, and
performances-including appearances by Robert Chilingirian, the Aradzani
and Hye Bar dance groups, the Antranig Dance Ensemble, and others.
[13]Click here to view a flyer.
Links:
13.

On Sunday, September 9, the church will host a Music Fest featuring
live performances by Kill the Alarm and 12X. [14]Click here to view a
flyer.
Links:
14.

Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host the `Trinity Family
Festival’ on Sunday, September 9, from 12 to 5 p.m. The festival will
take place on church grounds (145 Brattle Street in Cambridge).

Enjoy an afternoon of delicious Armenian food-including shish, losh,
chicken, and doener kebab-Armenian music by the Greg Krikorian
Ensemble, games and activities for children (beginning at 1:30 p.m.), a
raffle, and more. A blessing of madagh will be held at 4 p.m. [15]Click
here to view a flyer.
Links:
15.

St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, announces `St. Peter Wednesday
Café’-a series of Wednesday evening classes followed by coffee hour and
light snacks. All classes begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise specified.

Youth Bible Study: beginning on September 5, and continuing on the
first Wednesday of each month (ages 13-17 meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.;
ages 18-39 meet from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.)

St. Gregory of Narek Prayer Group: beginning on September 12, and
continuing on the second Wednesday of each month

Bible and Badarak Study: beginning on September 19, and continuing on
the third Wednesday of each month

Book of the Month Club: beginning on September 26, and continuing on
the fourth Wednesday of each month

YOUTH NEWS

Jerusalem Students with Fr. Mardiros Chevian
Fr. Mardiros Chevian with Tania Nassar and Hagop Kasparian at St.
Nersess Seminary.

Jerusalem Students Attend St. Nersess Conference

Two students from Jerusalem’s Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School took
part in the High School B Conference at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
earlier this summer.

In addition to studying at St. Nersess Seminary, the young people=80’Tania
Nassar and Hagop Kasparian-visited St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, and
received a tour of New York City.

The students traveled to New York as part of a program launched by the
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian seven years ago to give talented Armenian
youth in Jerusalem an opportunity to learn and interact with peers in
the Eastern Diocese.

http://www.armenianchurch.org/
http://www.armenianchurchwd.com?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-xa2Ipx-mQ&feature=share&list=UUm03-iV0O8sSMpOyQK3Qjcg&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KKSIrLlxbM&feature=share&list=UUm03-iV0O8sSMpOyQK3Qjcg&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://luys.am?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://blog.farusa.org/2012/08/20/gtech-seminar-commences-partnership-between-gtech-and-the-luys-foundation?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://bit.ly/Ob3ivD?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Ordination-to-Diaconate-St/24942462_jKRbPt?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email#%21i43279356&k=VfWX5BG
http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/HyePointeFoodFest2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://www.tasteofarmenia.org/home?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/HolyMartyrsFest2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/music_fest.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email
http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/CambridgePicnic2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=9c530d5c11-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email