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 October 11, 2012
————————————————————
Holy Translators
A detail of a tapestry by Krikor Khandjian depicting Mesrob Mashdots and his disciples.
** Feast of the Holy Translators
————————————————————
On Saturday, October 13, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of
the Holy Translators, which commemorates the disciples of Mesrob
Mashdots who worked alongside the creator of the Armenian alphabet to
translate the Bible and other ecclesiastical works into the Armenian
language. They also opened schools to teach the newly discovered
alphabet and traveled across Armenia preaching the Word of God.
Their work is especially compelling in this year of the 500th
anniversary of Armenian printing: Had it not been for the vision of
Mesrob Mashdots and his group of scholars, Armenian printing would
have been inconceivable, in the 17th or any century.
At Holy Etchmiadzin on Friday, October 12-the eve of the Feast of the
Holy Translators-the relics of St. Gregory of Narek will be venerated
during the vespers service-the first time in recent history that this
ceremony is being observed. (Gregory of Narek is one of several later
literary figures who are also honored on the Feast of the Holy
Translators.)
At the Diocesan Center in New York, a celebration will be organized on
Sunday, October 14, by the Armenian Studies section of the Department
of Youth and Education. The day will include the participation of the
following parish Armenian schools: St. Vartan Armenian School of New
York, NY; Holy Martyrs Language School of Bayside, NY; St. Greogy
Mission Parish Armenian School of Brooklyn, NY; Kirikian Armenian
School of Teanfly, NJ; St. Leon Armenian School of Fair Lawn, NJ; and
the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum. The event is open to the public. Click
here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, RI
** Primate to Ordain Altar Servers in Providence, RI
————————————————————
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit Sts. Sahag
and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, this weekend, where he will
ordain altar servers and preside over the church’s name day
celebration.
On Saturday, October 13, Archbishop Barsamian will ordain 10 young men
to the rank of acolyte. The ten are Timothy Aznavourian, Garen
Megrdichian, Adam Parnagian, Antranig Daoud, Michael Papazian, Luke
Alexander, David Alexander, Aren Daoud, Zachary Semerjian, and Zander
Semerjian. A reception and musical presentation will follow the
service.
On Sunday, October 14, Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and ordain Samuel DeBlois, Timothy Aznavourian, and Haroutiun
Ohanesian to the sub-diaconate. Later in the afternoon, the parish
will gather for its annual name day banquet, during which several
parishioners will be honored.
Call the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church at (401) 272-7712 for further
information.
** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————
Is 19:1-11
Gal 2:1-10
Mk 12:35-44
** 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; for
to the most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now
and always. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————
13 October: Holy Translators Mesrob, Yeghishe, Moses the Poet, David
the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, and Nersess the Graceful
14 October: Fifth Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Homecoming Trailer ()
** Get Ready for a “Homecoming”
————————————————————
In anticipation of a forthcoming video about the Diocese’s September
2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, the Diocese’s Communications
Department has released a one-minute clip highlighting some of the
historic monuments visited on the pilgrimage.
Titled `Homecoming,’ the full video will explore the pilgrims’
emotional return to their ancestral land, and showcase footage of
Zeytoun, Kayseri, and Sepastia, among other cities and villages. It
will also take viewers on a journey to iconic Armenian churches,
including the jewels of Ani and Aghtamar.
Click here () to view the `Homecoming’
trailer.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Concelebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Church, NJ
Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Church gives Holy Communion during
Saturday’s service.
** Oriental Orthodox Concelebration of the Divine Liturgy
————————————————————
On Saturday, October 6, the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox
Churches sponsored the annual Oriental Orthodox Concelebration of the
Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Church of Fair Lawn, NJ.
Clergy, altar servers, and choir members of the Armenian, Coptic,
Ethiopian, Malankara, and Syrian Orthodox Churches took part in the
service. Celebrants included Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Eastern Diocese; Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Ecumenical Director
of the Eastern Diocese; Archbishop Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian
Church; Archbishop Abune Zekarias of the Ethiopian Church; and Bishop
David of the Coptic Church.
Click here
(!i=2139181186&k=sZ8Kwdb)
to view the day’s photos.
Hirant Gulian receives Nersess Shnorahali Medal
Archbishop Barsamian presents Hirant Gulian with the `St. Nersess
Shnorhali Medal.’ (Photo by Diran Jebejian)
** A Tribute to a Lifelong Community Leader
————————————————————
On Friday evening, October 5, more than 400 friends of longtime
community activist Hirant Gulian paid tribute to him during a
celebratory banquet sponsored by the Eastern Diocese. Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided over the occasion.
In the course of the evening Mr. Gulian received three extraordinary
honors: an encyclical and medal sent from His Holiness Karekin II, the
Catholicos of All Armenians; a medal from the Republic of Armenia’s
Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian; and an award from the Republic of
Nagorno-Karabagh’s President Bako Sahakian. A special proclamation
from New York Senator Charles Schumer was also presented to the
honoree.
Mr. Gulian is a deacon of the Armenian Church and a devoted servant of
his heritage. He has organized the Times Square Martyrs Day gatherings
for 30 years, and his leadership has helped strengthen a number of
Armenian organizations in the United States. He has also been an
active supporter of efforts to build up Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh.
Speakers at Friday’s celebration, which was held at St. Leon Church of
Fair Lawn, NJ, reflected on these contributions and expressed their
gratitude to Mr. Gulian and his wife Ruby for their dedication and
leadership.
Click on the following links to read more () and
to view photos () .
Sirvart Hovnanian
U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone presents Mrs. Sirvart Hovnanian with
the Congressional citation issued in her honor. (Photo by Vartan Abdo)
** Mrs. Sirvart Hovnanian Honored at St. Stepanos Church
————————————————————
On Sunday, October 7, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
visited St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, as the parish marked the
church’s 25th anniversary and honored Mrs. Sirvart Hovnanian, who with
her late husband Mr. Kevork Hovnanian built the church in memory of
Mr. Hovnanian’s parents.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the assistance
of the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, parish pastor. A requiem
service followed on the occasion of the third anniversary of
Mr. Kevork Hovnanian’s passing. A world-class business leader,
philanthropist, and founding chair of the Fund for Armenian Relief,
Mr. Hovnanian is the godfather of St. Stepanos Church.
On Sunday evening, a gala was held at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red
Bank, NJ, to honor Mrs. Sirvart Hovnanian. Mrs. Hovnanian received a
Congressional citation presented by U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone and
a New Jersey State Senate resolution presented by Mrs. Susan
Doctorian-Kyrillos, wife of New Jersey State Senator and U.S. Senate
candidate Joe Kyrillos.
Click on the following links to read more () and
to view photos
(!i=2141355702&k=XmqHK7z)
.
Sisli Mayor visits the Diocesan Center
(from left) Å=9EiÅ=9Fli Mayor Sarıgül, Archbishop Barsamian, and
Deputy Mayor Barinian.
** Primate Receives Mayor of Å=9EiÅ=9Fli
————————————————————
At the Diocesan Center today, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate, welcomed the mayor of Istanbul’s Å=9EiÅ=9Fli district,
Mustafa Sarigül, and the deputy mayor Vasken Barinian, who are
currently visiting New York.
The Primate met Mr. Sarigül last year following the consecration of
the St. Giragos Armenian Church in Dikranagert, when the mayor hosted
a delegation of Armenians visiting Å=9EiÅ=9Fli, a district which is
home to a large number of Armenian families.
At today’s meeting in the tahlij (formal reception room) of the
Diocesan Center, Archbishop Barsamian spoke of Istanbul’s historic
cosmopolitan spirit, commending the mayor for his outreach to the many
minority communities residing in Å=9EiÅ=9Fli. Mr. Sarigül has been
especially supportive of Armenian churches and institutions in
Istanbul. The Primate also expressed his gratitude to deputy mayor
Barinian, an Armenian community member himself, for helping to
strengthen relations with the Armenian Patriarchate.
GTech FAR
Students at GTech in Armenia.
** FAR to Host Evening in Celebration of GTech
————————————————————
On Thursday, October 18, the Fund for Armenian Relief will host an
evening in celebration of its Gyumri Information Technology Center at
SoHo House in New York City. Click here () for
more information.
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.
Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese’s 2012 Annual Appeal
————————————————————
The Eastern Diocese has launched its 2012 Annual Appeal-the only
Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese
undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources that enrich
life in our local parishes.
The strong response to last year’s Appeal was a heartwarming
endorsement of the Diocese’s efforts to manage our budget while
providing creative, inspirational outreach programs to our
parishes. The 2011 Annual Appeal not only met its target goal, but
established an endowment to fund Diocesan ministries-in the name of
our Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, on the 40th anniversary of
his priestly ordination.
With that kind of success behind us, we have set a target of $825,000
for the 2012 Annual Appeal. Funds raised beyond that target will help
to support one of the great institutions of our community: the
Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA).
Follow these links to donate now () , and to learn
more () about the 2012 Annual Appeal.
** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Choir Workshop in Milwaukee
Dn. Rubik Mailian led a choir workshop at St. John the Baptist Church
last Saturday.
** Wisconsin Parishes Gather for Choir Workshop
————————————————————
On Saturday, October 6, some 20 choir members and altar servers of
three Wisconsin churches gathered at St. John the Baptist Church of
Greenfield, WI, for a choir workshop led by Dn. Rubik Mailian, chair
of the Diocese’s Sacred Music Council.
The workshop introduced various voice exercises and other methods of
mental and spiritual preparation for singing the hymns of the Divine
Liturgy. Dn. Mailian emphasized ensemble skills and encouraged choir
members to spend time reviewing the meaning of the text of the Divine
Liturgy.
In addition to St. John Church, parishioners of Holy Resurrection
Church of South Milwaukee, WI, and St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI,
took part in the workshop.
Austin mission parish
Parishioner Jesse Parker reads the Sunday lectionary during Badarak.
** Austin, TX, Mission Parish Prepares for Picnic
————————————————————
Last weekend, the Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese’s director of
Mission Parishes, visited the mission parish of Austin, TX, where he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and joined the community for fellowship.
The mission parish is mobilizing efforts to help a local community
member who is experiencing illness and personal hardship. Fr. Abdalian
and Parish Council member Tigran Parsamian updated the parishioners on
the situation and offered advice on how to proceed.
They also extended their appreciation to Anna Hakobyan of the San
Antonio mission parish for playing the organ on Sunday, and reviewed
plans for the parish’s annual picnic, which is scheduled for Sunday,
October 14.
Diocesan Clergy
Fr. Apgar Hovakimyan (center) with clergy in Chicago, IL.
** Priest from Bulgaria Visits Parishes in the Midwest
————————————————————
Earlier this week, parishes in the Midwest welcomed the Very
Rev. Fr. Apgar Hovakimyan, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of Bulgaria, who is visiting the Eastern Diocese this month.
Fr. Hovakimyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Sahag Church of
St. Paul, MN, on Sunday, and later visited St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL, and St. James Church of Evanston, IL.
The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, organized an afternoon of brotherly fellowship in
Fr. Hovakimyan’s honor, which allowed local clergy to meet with the
visiting priest and to learn about the activities of the Bulgarian
Diocese.
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian was ordained to the holy priesthood in
1947. Click here
()
to view a video about his ministry.
** Wynnewood, PA, Parish Honors Archbishop Gizirian
————————————————————
On Sunday, September 23, St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
PA, hosted a banquet honoring the 65th anniversary of Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian’s ordination into the holy priesthood.
The day began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop
Gizirian, followed by the banquet and program. Keynote speaker Anita
Fayda Brattina shared warm memories of attending ACYOA events at
St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church during Archbishop Gizirian’s tenure
there, from 1968 to 1973.
The Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, the present pastor of St. Sahag
and St. Mesrob Church, announced the creation of a scholarship fund at
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in Archbishop Gizirian’s honor. Seminary
dean the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan spoke of Archbishop Gizirian’s
love for and service to the Armenian Church, and thanked the parish
for its support of the seminary.
Click here
() to read more.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will host the
Sassoun Dance Ensemble of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto,
Canada, on Saturday, October 13, at 7 p.m. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
St. James Church | Watertown, MA
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, will host its annual bazaar on
October 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The bazaar will feature
Armenian food, vendor booths, raffles, activities for children, and
more. The event will be held in Keljik Hall of the church’s Charles
Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center (465 Mt. Auburn St. in Watertown).
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. For
information, contact co-chairs Nancy Kassabian at (781) 322-0029, or
Sandy Raphalian at (781) 762-6465, or email [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
St. John the Baptist Church | Greenfield, WI
St. John the Baptist Church of Greenfield, WI, will host a `mini
retreat’ for middle and high school students of the Armenian and
Coptic churches on Saturday, October 13, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. The
retreat will focus on unity and appreciation of each other’s
traditions. For information, call St. John the Baptist Church at (414)
282-1670.
Holy Resurrection Church | New Britain, CT
Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, will welcome Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian in Sunday, October 14. Archbishop Gizirian will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the day’s sermon. Later that
afternoon, he will preside over the church’s anniversary dinner, which
will feature a presentation by Elizabeth Mouradjian on the summer 2012
Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. For information, call the
church at (860) 223-7875.
St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will hold its annual `Gourmet Food
Festival’ from October 12 to 14. Enjoy the most popular delicacies in
the Armenian cuisine, including shish, chicken, and luleh kebab;
kufteh; cheese boereg; yalanchi; eech; and a variety of
desserts. Activities include a performance by the Antranig Dance Group
on October 13, raffles, and games for children. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
On Friday, October 19, St. Leon Church will host a lecture by
Professor Taner Akçam titled `Assimilation: A Structural Element of
the Armenian Genocide.’ The talk will begin at 7:45 p.m. A book
signing and reception will follow. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will celebrate its 113th
anniversary with a dinner and auction on Friday, October 19, beginning
at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Michael’s Banquet House (1019 New
Loudon Road, Rt. 9, Cohoes). Reservations must be made by Friday,
October 12.
Click here
()
to view a flyer or visit the parish website () for
information.
St. George Church | Hartford, CT
St. George Church of Hartford, CT, will host its annual “Armenian Food
Fest” on Friday, October 19 (5 to 8 p.m.), and Saturday, October 20
(11 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Enjoy lamb, chicken, and luleh kebab; vegetarian platters; and
Armenian breads and pastries. The fest also features an iPad raffle
and a country store offering jams and other delicacies, an Armenian
cookbook, and souvenirs from Armenia. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Holy Cross Church | Union City, NJ
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, will host its annual bazaar and
food festival on Saturday, October 27, beginning at 6 p.m.
Enjoy a dinner of khavourma, keshkeg soup, kufteh, luleh kebob, cheese
boreg, yalanchi,and pastries. Entertainment includes music by DJ Berj,
raffles, and more. A children’s Halloween party will be held from 5 to
6 p.m. Click here
()
to view a flyer for more information.
** EVENTS
————————————————————
Taner Akcam
Professor Akçam is an international authority on the Armenian
Genocide, and one of the first Turkish academics to acknowledge and
openly discuss it.
** Taner Açkam to Speak at Diocesan Center
————————————————————
On Thursday, October 18, the Eastern Diocese will host a lecture by
Professor Taner Akçam titled `The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity:
Ethnic Cleansing and the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.’
Professor Akçam-an international authority on the Armenian Genocide,
and one of the first Turkish academics to acknowledge and openly
discuss it-will be introduced by Professor Peter Balakian, the leading
public voice of Armenian Genocide advocacy.
The lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium of the Diocesan Center (630 Second Avenue, New York
City). It is being organized with the participation of AGBU Ararat,
the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Tekeyan Cultural Association,
C.A.R.S., Tibrevank Alumni, Hye Doon, and Eseyan-Getronagan Alumni.
Click here
()
to view a flyer.
Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral
** Classical Concert to be Held at Diocesan Center
————————————————————
On Saturday, November 3, a classical concert will be held at the
Diocesan Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Sopranos Anoosh Barclay, Hasmik Meikhanedjian, Narine Ojakhyan, and
Anahit Zakaryan-accompanied by pianist Garen Hagopian-will perform the
works of Pergolesi, Donizetti, Verdi, Rossini, Bizet, Dvorak, Komitas,
Tigranian, Melikian, and Abrahamian.
The concert will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of
the Diocesan Center (630 Second Avenue, New York City). Click here
()
to view a flyer for information, or call the Diocese at (212)
686-0710.
** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA Sports Weekend
ACYOA Juniors members during a chess tournament at the Fall Sports
Weekend in Providence, RI.
** ACYOA Juniors Enjoy a Weekend of Worship and Sports
————————————————————
Some 170 young people from 14 parishes across the Diocese took part in
the ACYOA Juniors Fall Sports Weekend, held October 5 to 8 at
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.
Themed `Catch the Hye Seas,’ the program included worship, sports
tournaments, dances, and a live Armenian band performance. As part of
a service project, the ACYOA Juniors also prepared gift bags and made
get-well cards for the young patients of Hasbro Hospital in
Providence.
On Sunday, participants took part in the Divine Liturgy, which was
celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, parish pastor. Later that
day, they heard a message from Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s Youth
Outreach coordinator, and enjoyed a meal prepared by the parish.
Under the direction of its youth director Steve Megrdichian, the
Providence parish worked hard to plan the weekend’s activities and to
host the participants in their homes. Click here
(!i=2143673628&k½qs2Zd)
to view the Fall Sports Weekend photos.
For more information on the ACYOA Juniors, contact Jennifer Morris at
(248) 648-0702, or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: () () ()