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 June 6, 2013
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Archbishop Nurhan Manougian
The throne of St. James, the first bishop of Jerusalem, at the
Sts. James Armenian Cathedral in Jerusalem. (photo by Fr. Alekyan)
** Enthronement of the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem
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Pilgrims, clergy, and guests gathered at Sts. James Armenian Cathedral
in Jerusalem on Tuesday, June 4, for the enthronement of Archbishop
Nourhan Manougian, the 97th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Kneeling at the altar, Archbishop Manougian recited an oath, pledging
his faithfulness to the Lord and commitment to safeguarding the
Armenian presence in the Holy Land. In an ancient ceremony, seven
archbishops-including Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s
Ecumenical Director-placed their right hands on Archbishop Manougian,
bestowing him with the authority to lead the Armenian see of
Jerusalem.
“Today, as I take up the pastoral staff of the Armenian
Patriarchate=80’as I take my first, humble step into a legacy that
spans the centuries-I am moved by the conviction that the greatest
achievement of my own people is not the dead kingdoms we once held,
but the vital ideas that sustained our spirit,” Archbishop Manougian
said. He went on to speak about the importance of establishing harmony
and friendship among the many peoples who call Jerusalem home.
Letters from His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos
of the Great House of Cilicia, were read by representatives of the two
spiritual leaders.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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** Scripture of the Week
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Is 1:1-15
Rom 6:12-23
Mt 12:1-8
** Prayer of the Week
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My soul is always in Your hands and I place my hope in Your Holy
Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of Your saints intercede on
my behalf. You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who
trusts in You, but keep me in peace with Your precious and Holy
Cross. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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8 June: Catholicos St. Nersess the Great
11 June: Sts. Constantine the Emperor and His Mother Helen
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Children’s Day at Holy Etchmiadzin
Children at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.
** Children Receive Blessings at Holy Etchmiadzin
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On Saturday, June 1, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over a special ceremony at
Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of Children’s Day. His Holiness
blessed children who had traveled to the spiritual center with their
teachers from provinces across Armenia.
“We learn from the Gospels how Christ loved and cared for children,’
His Holiness said. `He blessed them because he saw in their souls
innocence and purity.’ His Holiness also spoke about the importance of
passing down Christian values to new generations of Armenians.
As part of the celebration, children performed traditional Armenian
dances on the grounds of Holy Etchmiadzin.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Appeal of Conscience
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (left) and Rabbi Arthur Schneier
(center) stand in prayer during the benediction delivered by
Archbishop Barsamian. (photo courtesy of the Appeal of Conscience
Foundation)
** Appeal of Conscience Foundation Awards Dinner
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On Thursday, May 30, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
attended the annual awards evening of the Appeal of Conscience
Foundation in New York City.
Each year the Appeal of Conscience Foundation recognizes individuals
who have helped support programs and initiatives that promote
religious freedom and human rights. The honoree at Thursday’s event
were Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and United
Technologies CEO Louis Chenevert.
Archbishop Barsamian, who is a long-serving vice president of the
Appeal of Conscience Foundation, delivered the benediction at the
conclusion of the program.
The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a coalition of civic and
religious leaders established in 1965 by Rabbi Arthur Schneier,
promotes peace, tolerance, and ethnic conflict resolution. The Eastern
Diocese has been a strong supporter of the Appeal of Conscience
Foundation since its inception, and both Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
and Archbishop Barsamian have been deeply involved with the
foundation’s activities.
Diocesan Center
** Diocese Seeks Youth Coordinator
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The Eastern Diocese has launched a formal search for a Coordinator for
the new Youth and Young Adults Ministry Department. The Coordinator
will report to the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director, Jennifer
Morris, providing administrative and office support and coordinating
youth and young adult programs throughout the Diocese.
Click here
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for a complete job description and list of qualifications. Qualified
applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected].)
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Aram Khachaturian Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral
Karine Poghosyan performs at St. Vartan Cathedral.
** Aram Khachaturian Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral
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A concert dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the birth of the great
Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian was held at New York’s St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral on Wednesday, June 5.
Karine Poghosyan, an award-winning pianist, performed a program she
created to present the richness and diversity of Khachaturian’s
style. More than 300 people attended the evening concert, including
more than 40 United Nations ambassadors and dignitaries.
Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian welcomed the audience and spoke of
Khachaturian’s lasting legacy on human culture. Ambassador Garen
Nazarian, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the
United Nations, delivered remarks, noting the power of music to move
people and to remind `us of our common humanity and common
responsibility to work together to spread the message of solidarity
and peace around the world.’ Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian closed the
evening with a benediction.
Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, was
instrumental in organizing the June 5 concert. Additional concerts are
planned for the 2013-14 season, beginning with a program of Bach and
Liszt scheduled for Wednesday, September 25. Click on the following
links to read more
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and to view photos
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The June 5 concert is available on Vemkar, the Diocese’s free mobile
phone and iPad application. To learn more about Vemkar, click here
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Louisiana State Senate Recognizes Independence of Karabagh
** Louisiana Resolution Recognizes Nagorno-Karabagh
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The Louisiana State Senate passed a resolution on Thursday, May 30, in
support of Nagorno-Karabagh’s continuing efforts to develop as a free
and independent nation. The resolution also urges the U.S. President
and Congress to support the self-determination and democratic
independence of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic and its constructive
involvement with the international community’s efforts to reach a just
and lasting solution to security issues in the region.
The Louisiana State Senate is the fourth state legislative body to
recognize the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic; the others include
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine.
Click here
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to read the full text of the Louisiana resolution.
FAR
Journalists at the child protection seminar in Armenia.
** FAR Helps Educate Armenia’s Media on Child Protection
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Last month, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) participated in a
three-day seminar for journalists about reporting on child protection
issues, with a special focus on juvenile justice. The seminar, held in
Aghveran, Armenia, included presentations by representatives of FAR
and other nonprofit and governmental organizations.
FAR Children’s Center director Dr. Mira Antonyan spoke about the
challenges of child protection and gave an overview of global efforts
in the field. FAR communications officer Dr. Grigor Ghazaryan also
made a presentation.
Click here
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to visit FAR’s blog and to read more.
** PARISH NEWS
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Armenian School Graduations
** Students Graduate from Parish Schools
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As summer approaches, Sunday and Armenian schools across the Eastern
Diocese are holding graduation exercises for students who are
completing their course of study this year. St. Vartan Armenian School
of New York, NY; the St. John Church School of Southfield, MI; and the
Holy Trinity Church School of Cheltenham, PA, are among the latest to
host year-end programs.
In New York, the St. Vartan Armenian School held a hantes on Sunday,
May 19. A program of recitations, songs, and dances was presented by
students from kindergarten to seventh grade. The theme of the program
was `Dikran the Great, the King of Kings.’
Three seventh-grade students graduated from the school this year:
Valentina Asatryan, Jano Tokatlyan, and Lilit Tokatlyan. A graduation
ceremony was also held for six kindergarteners advancing to first
grade: Alessandra Agopian, Briel Felice, Nane Heboyan, Lily Mantorio,
Sona Parnagian, and Stepan Shirinian. The graduates received diplomas
and gifts from the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kilejian, dean of St. Vartan
Cathedral, assisted by the Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian.
School principal Shakeh Kadehjian thanked the teachers, students,
parents, and friends for their contributions to a successful year and
stressed the importance of supporting Armenian schools in the
diaspora. A reception followed.
In Southfield, MI, 10 students graduated from the St. John Church
School on Sunday, May 19. Students received diplomas from the
Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, parish pastor, at the conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy.
In addition, a special award for 12 years of perfect attendance was
presented to Matthew Tarpinian. Fr. Kochakian presented Matthew’s
parents, Craig and Lisa Tarpinian, with an Armenian icon depicting the
Presentation of Christ to the Temple in appreciation of their support.
At the Holy Trinity Church School in Cheltenham, PA, a celebration was
held on Sunday, June 2. The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor,
performed a blessing ceremony following the Divine Liturgy. Nancy
Basmajian presented graduates Sophia Carnevale and Taline King with
diplomas and gifts.
During a hantes later that afternoon, students ages 4 to 13 sang songs
and recited poems in Armenian. Older students performed a play
celebrating the conversion of Armenia to Christianity.
Click here
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to view photos from the three schools.
Lansing Mission Parish
Fr. Abdalian with parishioners in Lansing, MI.
** Lansing Community Welcomes Fr. Abdalian
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Last weekend, the Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the Diocese’s
Department of Mission Parishes, visited the community of Lansing,
MI. In recent months, Fr. Abdalian has been working with community
leaders to renew efforts at organizing Armenian families in the area,
most of whom immigrated to America in the early 1990s from Azerbaijan
and Nagorno-Karabagh.
Over the weekend, Fr. Abdalian met with families and visited the
elderly in nursing homes. On Sunday, June 2, he celebrated the Divine
Liturgy at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Lansing, with some 50
people taking part. Onnig Boyajian and David Aprahamian, two deacons
from St. John Church of Southfield, MI, assisted on the altar.
In his sermon, Fr. Abdalian spoke about the importance of the
community coming together for worship and to receive Holy
Communion. He encouraged community members to remain strong in their
faith, and to take the time to learn about the teachings and
traditions of the Armenian Church, so that the Armenian heritage can
be preserved for future generations.
At the fellowship dinner which followed, six individuals volunteered
to serve as parish council members and expressed their commitment to
re-establishing parish activities in Lansing.
Click here
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to view photos.
Cooking Class at Holy Cross Church
A child learns how to prepare baklava at Holy Cross Church.
** Baklava Baking at Manhattan’s Holy Cross Church
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Some 20 people gathered at Manhattan’s Holy Cross Church on Sunday,
June 2, for a baklava-baking workshop led by parish council member
Lusnar Gozubuyukian and organized by Jon Simonian, Sr.
The day began with the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by the
Rev. Fr. Arten Ashjian. Following services, the group gathered in the
church hall for a hands-on workshop that gave participants an
opportunity to bake the traditional pastry.
Sunday’s workshop was the last in a series of cooking sessions held at
Holy Cross Church this winter and spring. Click here
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to view photos.
Konstantine Petrossian
President Serge Sargsyan presents Konstantine Petrossian with the
=80=9CMovses Khorenatsi Medal.’
** Providence Composer Honored in Armenia
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During the celebration of First Republic Day in Armenia on Tuesday,
May 28, Maestro Konstantine Petrossian of Providence, RI, was awarded
the =80=9CMovses Khorenatsi Medal’ by Armenian President Serge
Sargsyan. The medal is the country’s highest cultural award.
Maestro Petrossian was recognized for his musical contributions in
Armenia and the diaspora. Following the presentation, he gave a
performance at the Presidential Palace. Guests included His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and
Prince Charles, who was visiting Armenia last month.
Composer Petrossian is the musical director of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church of Providence, RI; director of the Armenian chorales of Rhode
Island and Greater Worcester; and director of the Erevan Chorale and
Orchestra.
Shushi
Shushi dancers perform at St. Leon Church.
** Shushi Dance Ensemble Hosts Family Night
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The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral held a
family night celebration at St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, on
Saturday, May 18.
Shushi junior and senior groups performed traditional Armenian
dances. Guests enjoyed Armenian music and dancing.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will host its
annual picnic on Sunday, June 9, from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live Armenian
dance music; homemade Armenian mezzes and pastries; luleh, shish, and
chicken kebab; a raffle, and more. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information, or call (914) 428-2595.
Holy Cross Church | New York, NY
The Zvartnots String Quartet will give a concert of classical Armenian
and Argentinian music at Manhattan’s Holy Cross Church on Sunday, June
9. The concert will take place in the church sanctuary following
services. Admission is free; voluntary donations are greatly
appreciated. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
St. James Church of Watertown, MA
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, will host its annual picnic on
Sunday, June 9, from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy delicious Armenian food and
live music featuring Jay Baronian, Leon Janikian, Ken Kalajian, and
Bob Raphalian. The day will also include children’s activities, a
raffle, Armenian vendors, and more. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information, or call the church office at (617)
923-8860.
St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will host its annual Armenian
Festival on Saturday, June 8, from 12 to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, June
9, from 12 to 5 p.m. Enjoy live music by the John Berberian Ensemble,
traditional Armenian food, tours of the church, a tavloo tournament,
cooking demonstrations, activities for children, and more. Click on
the following links to view a flyer
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, view the menu
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, and to read more
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Holy Translators Church | Framingham, MA
The Church of the Holy Translators of Framingham, MA, will host its
13th annual golf tournament on Monday, June 10. The tournament will be
held at the Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland, MA. Registration
begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by tee off at 10 a.m. Click here
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for information.
** EVENTS
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St. Nersess Seminary
** St. Nersess Seminary Summer Picnic
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The Akhtamar Dance Ensemble of the Armenian American Support and
Educational Center (Hye Doon) of New Jersey will perform during the
5th annual summer picnic at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary on Saturday,
June 15.
The family-festive day will be filled with delicious food, live
Armenian music by the John Berberian Ensemble, children’s activities
(including a magician), tavloo tournaments, and more. Admission and
parking are free.
Click on the following links for more information about the picnic
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and sponsorship opportunities
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. To donate, or for information, contact Michelle at the seminary
office at (914) 636-2003, or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Love Lure
Kevork Kalayjian’s Love Lure.
** An Evening of Poetry at the Diocese
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On Thursday, June 20, the Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab
Information Center and the Armenian Studies section will co-sponsor an
evening of poetry, featuring the work of Kevork Kalayjian. The evening
will begin at 7 in Guild Hall of the Diocesan Complex.
The program will include a poetry reading by Kalayjian, a presentation
by illustrator Aramazt Kalayjian, and piano performances by Ani
Jilozian.
The event is free and open to the public. Kevork Kalayjian’s
collection of poetry, Love Lure, will be available for purchase (25
percent of the proceeds will benefit Diocesan programs).
Lili Chookasian
Lili Chookasian was a star of the Metropolitan Opera.
** A Tribute to Lili Chookasian
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The Lili Chookasian Fund for Young Singers will host a memorial
concert in her honor at Clinton Town Hall in Clinton, CT, on Saturday,
June 15, beginning at 7 p.m. Friends, colleagues, and former students
will pay tribute to the late world-renowned contralto and star of the
Metropolitan Opera in performance, anecdotes, and video.
Tickets are $25. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Metropolitan
Opera National Council Auditions in the Connecticut District.
Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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Holy Land
The entry door of Sts. James Cathedral in Jerusalem.
** Young Pilgrims Arrive in the Holy Land
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A group of 27 youth leaders from parishes throughout the Eastern
Diocese are taking part in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this month.
Led by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the young
pilgrims have visited the Church of the Nativity of Christ in
Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, and the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem, where they witnessed the enthronement of Archbishop Nourhan
Manougian, the 97th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.
In the coming days, they will continue tracing the footsteps of Jesus
Christ through the Holy Land, experiencing the great sites of biblical
history, learning about the Armenian presence there, and exploring
ways to strengthen their leadership roles at the parish and Diocesan
levels. The trip will run thru June 13.
A daily account of the group’s experiences, with photos, is appearing
in the blog spot on the homepage of the Diocesan website. Click here
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to read the latest blog post.