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 November 7, 2013
————————————————————
Veteran’s Day
** Veterans Day
————————————————————
Veterans Day first began as a commemoration of the end of World War I
in 1918. `The Great War’ came to a close on the eleventh hour of the
eleventh day of the eleventh month, when an armistice went into effect
between the Allied nations and Germany.
In the ensuing decades, as American soldiers continued to be deployed
overseas, November 11 became a day to pay tribute to American veterans
of all wars for their patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.
This Veterans Day, we offer a prayer known for centuries to those who
have ever found themselves in harm’s way. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to visit our blog, and to read Psalm 91-the `Soldier’s Psalm.’
St. George Church, Hartford, CT
** Hartford Parish to Mark 60th Anniversary
————————————————————
On Sunday, November 10, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
will visit St. George Church of Hartford, CT, as the community
observes the 60th anniversary of the church’s consecration.
Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and bless the
parish’s Junior Choir. He will be assisted by the Rev. Fr. Gomidas
Zohrabian, parish pastor.
Archbishop Barsamian also will lead a veneration prayer for the “Relic
of St. Vartan the Brave”-a piece of stone encrusted with the blood of
Armenia’s 5th-century warrior saint, and encased in a beautiful silver
cross-which the Primate will bring with him from the Diocesan Center
in New York. The relic is a gift of His Holiness Karekin II, the
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presented to the
Eastern Diocese in honor of the 45th anniversary of New York’s
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
A banquet will follow services at the Manchester Country Club in
Manchester, CT. The afternoon will feature student performances,
remarks by clergy and parishioners, and the presentation of awards to
longtime community members.
Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to visit the parish website, or call the church at (860) 956-5647 for
information.
** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————
Is 24:1-12
Eph: 5:15-33
Lk 8:49-57
** Prayer of the Week
————————————————————
O Lord, sanctify those who have greeted in love the beauty of your
house. Glorify us with your divine power and forsake not those who put
their trust in you. Grant peace to the whole world and to all your
people. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————
9 November: Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel
10 November: Ninth Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
World Council of Churches 10th Assembly
His Holiness Karekin II delivers a message of blessing at the opening
ceremony of the WCC Assembly in South Korea.
** His Holiness Karekin II Elected to WCC Presidency
————————————————————
Earlier this week, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, was elected as one of eight presidents of
the World Council of Churches during the ecumenical body’s 10th
Assembly in Busan, South Korea. His Holiness will represent the
Oriental Orthodox family of churches at the WCC.
During the Assembly’s opening ceremony on October 30, His Holiness
Karekin II delivered a message of blessing. Leaders of roughly 360
churches, representing some 150 countries, along with high-ranking
government and diplomatic officials, are taking part in the
conference, which will conclude on November 8. Among them is the
Eastern Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, who
is also a longstanding member of the WCC’s executive board.
The Armenian Church has been a member of the WCC since 1962.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Diocesan Annula Appeal
** Support the Diocese’s 2013 Annual Appeal
————————————————————
The Eastern Diocese has launched its 2013 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 parishes.
Your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
communication technologies.
To our past and prospective donors, we are deeply grateful for your
support of the creative, educational, and inspirational programs that
lift up Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.
Please accept this invitation to strengthen our efforts. Your generous
contribution to the 2013 Annual Appeal will help spread the good work
of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.
Follow this link to donate now
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to the 2013 Annual Appeal.
Patriarch Nurhan Manougian
Archbishop Manougian (left) and Archbishop Barsamian at St. Vartan
Cathedral.
** Patriarch of Jerusalem Visits Boston and New York
————————————————————
The centuries-long Armenian presence in Jerusalem was the focus of
events in Boston and New York last weekend, when His Beatitude
Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem,
made a visit to the Eastern Diocese.
On the evening of Friday, November 1, the New England regional
churches welcomed Patriarch Manougian with a hrashapar service at
St. James Church in Watertown, MA. A reception followed services.
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City hosted a special event
on Sunday, November 3. Patriarch Manougian presided over the Divine
Liturgy and delivered a sermon on the temptations Christians face in
today’s secular culture. He also led a special prayer service for His
Holiness Karekin II on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of his
consecration and enthronement as the 132nd Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians.
A luncheon followed at the Diocesan Center, during which young people
spoke about their summer pilgrimage to the Holy Land and described the
powerful emotions they had experienced there. Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, and Ambassador Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s
Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke about the
importance of safeguarding the Armenian presence in Jerusalem.
Patriarch Manougian discussed the challenges facing the Armenians in
Jerusalem, and encouraged community members to play an active role in
the Patriarchate’s future. `We are asking people of all professions to
come and help us with their knowledge, experience, and financial
support,’ he said. `The Patriarchate is a treasure of the Armenian
Church, and it is our duty to protect and preserve it.’
Click on the following links to read more
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
and to view photos from Boston
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
and New York
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
.
FAR
** FAR Board of Directors Meet
————————————————————
On Tuesday, October 29, the Fund for Armenian Relief Board of
Directors met at the Diocesan Center in New York to discuss new
projects and to review existing FAR programs in Armenia.
Among FAR’s latest initiatives is the September opening of the newly
built Octet Music School in Gyumri. Thanks to the support of the
Mardigian Family Foundation, young musicians now have a
state-of-the-art facility for study and performances.
Another project is the recent visit to Armenia made by a group of US
doctors, headed by Dr. Ed Seferian of Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los
Angeles, to conduct a major training program in Pediatric Intensive
Care for medical professionals in Armenia. The project was funded by
the Sapah-Gulian Foundation.
Board members received a report and approved the progress made in the
implementation of the Child Malnutrition program, initiated in 2013
and funded by the Ajemian Foundation. They also began work on
redefining the strategy for FAR’s GTech program. Turning to
scholarship programs, board members expressed their appreciation to
the Gulamerian Foundation, which sponsors vocational training for
orphans in Armenia.
The highlight of the meeting was the evaluation of the progress made
in FAR’s newest program, Breaking the Cycle of Poverty. The program
was launched in Armenia’s Tavush region in 2013 with funding from the
Mardigian Family Foundation. Board members established an oversight
committee to closely monitor Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and to
provide assistance to management staff.
To learn more about FAR programs, visit
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian (1919-2012).
** The Legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
————————————————————
The Eastern Diocese will host a celebration of the remarkable life and
enduring legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Primate of
the Eastern Diocese and 96th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, on
Sunday, February 9, 2014.
The day will begin at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral with
the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, followed by a requiem
service. A memorial luncheon and program will be held in the
afternoon.
Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer. Additional program details and information on
reservations will be forthcoming.
** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
A Prayer at Cheltenham City Hall
Fr. Gevorgyan delivers the invocation at City Hall in Philadelphia.
** An Armenian Prayer at City Hall in Philadelphia
————————————————————
On Thursday, October 24, the Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, pastor of the
Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, was invited to deliver the
invocation at the weekly meeting of the Philadelphia City Council.
The invitation came from Hadji Maloumian, who serves as the
legislative counsel for Bill Green, a councilman-at-large for the
city. Mr. Maloumian’s grandfather, the late Minas Maloumian, served
the Holy Trinity parish as a deacon for decades; this gesture was a
way to honor him.
After the invocation, Councilman Green introduced Fr. Gevorgyan to the
representatives, and Mr. Maloumian gave him a tour of the council’s
meeting rooms located in the majestic City Hall, which is the largest
municipal building in the United States and one of the largest in the
world.
Deacons Training in Elberon, NJ
Altar servers at St. Stepanos Church during last weekend’s Deacons’
Training workshop.
** Deacons’ Training Workshop Held in Elberon
————————————————————
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the Eastern Diocese co-sponsored a
Deacons’ Training “Double Workshop” at St. Stepanos Church in Elberon,
NJ, on November 1-3. Twelve altar servers participated from parishes
in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.
The Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, pastor of St. Stepanos Church, and the
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, director of the Diocese’s Krikor and
Clara Zohrab Information Center and director of the St. Nersess
Seminary Deacons’ Training Program, conducted workshops on censing for
the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Water ceremony.
By the end of the weekend, even those with little or no previous
experience in using the censer (poorvar) mastered the
skill. Meanwhile, the students learning the chants and rituals of the
Blessing of Water service are now prepared to assist in the service
when it is next conducted on Theophany, January 6.
Workshop participants served on the altar during the Divine Liturgy on
Sunday. A luncheon followed services, with the proceeds donated to
St. Nersess to support future Deacons’ Training Workshops.
Divine Liturgy at the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
Fr. Demerjian celebrates the Divine Liturgy in Naples, FL.
** Southwest Florida Parish Begins Fall-Winter Season
————————————————————
On Saturday, November 2, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
mission parish welcomed the Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of
St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL. Fr. Demerjian celebrated the
Divine Liturgy. He was accompanied by Dn. Allan Tossoonian and
organist Pierre Abadjian. Fellowship hour followed the service.
Sunday’s service marked the beginning of the parish’s fall and winter
season. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated during the months of
January, February, and March (see the dates below). All services are
held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (3901 Davis Blvd., in Naples,
FL). For information, contact Carole Meghreblian, Parish Council
chair, at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
January 12, 2014, Christmas dinner to follow services
February 11, 2014, Ladies and Men’s Luncheon to follow services
February 16, 2014, Bake sale to follow services
March 9, 2014, Lenten luncheon to follow services
March 18, 2014, Church picnic to follow services
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs
Guests at the Holy Martyrs Sunday School Reunion.
** A Sunday School Reunion in Bayside
————————————————————
On Saturday, November 3, the Sunday School of Holy Martyrs Church of
Bayside, NY, hosted a reunion to mark the school’s 58th year.
More than 200 alumni and faculty gathered for the occasion. They
viewed photographs and memorabilia from the school’s six decades, and
remembered classmates and educators who have passed away. The reunion
committee felt especially blessed to have three yeretzgins in
attendance: Yn. Yefkin Megherian, the Sunday School’s first
superintendent; Yn. Patricia Buttero; and Yn. Karine Malkhasyan.
Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view photos.
Men’s Club at the Armenian Church in Niagara Falls
Dn. Anthony Sciolino and Dn. Albert Amato at the Men’s Fellowship
Luncheon last month.
** Rochester Men’s Club Marks Milestone
————————————————————
The mission parish of Rochester, NY, is marking the tenth year of its
Men’s Fellowship Luncheons. The most recent luncheon was held on
Saturday, October 19, with a presentation by Dr. Larry Nazarian titled
`From Amsterdam to Budapest: Touring Central Europe Despite Mother
Nature.’
The fellowship luncheons, which are held at local restaurants several
times a year, were inaugurated in October 2003. Past gatherings have
featured talks on topics such as Civil War medicine, `Gilbert and
Sullivan’s Earl of Mountararat,’ and the Armenian community of Iran.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————
Holy Ascension Church | Trumbull, CT
Armenia’s vocalists Yeva Yeghanyan and Margar Yeghiazarian will
headline the Hayasa Folk Ensemble performance on Saturday, November 9,
at the Church of the Holy Ascension in Trumbull, CT. This cultural
event will include endearing folk melodies, arshogh (troubadour
songs), the works of Komitas, and more.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. A reception will follow
in the church hall. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for ticket information, or e-mail [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected])
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
The Cultural Committee of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will
screen the film `Lost and Found in Armenia’ on Sunday, November 10,
beginning at 1:30 p.m. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host an evening with author and
journalist Hasan Cemal on Friday, November 8, beginning at 8
p.m. Cemal is the grandson of Jemal Pasha, who has written a book
titled 1915: Armenian Genocide. At the November 8 event, the author
will discuss his book and sign copies. A reception will follow. Click
here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or call (201) 791-2862.
Hye Pointe Church | Haverhill, MA
The Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA, will host Autumnfest 2013
on Friday November 8 (12 to 8 p.m.), and Saturday November 9 (12 to 7
p.m.).
Enjoy traditional Armenian cuisine, a pastry table and country store,
raffles, and other activities. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or call the church at (978) 372-9227.
Holy Cross Church | New York, NY
Holy Cross Church in uptown Manhattan will host a monti (Armenian meat
dumplings) cooking class on Sunday, November 10, beginning at 1:30
p.m. The class is free and open to the public. It will be preceded by
the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. and a light
luncheon.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its 83rd
annual “Food Fair & Bazaar” on Saturday, November 9 (11:30 a.m. to 10
p.m.), and Sunday, November 10 (12 to 6 p.m.).
Enjoy traditional Armenian food, raffles, a silent auction, games for
kids, and other activities. A football game viewing room will be open
during the bazaar. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
for information, or call the church at (401) 272-7712.
Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a Food Fest and
Bazaar on Saturday, November 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy Armenian
food, music, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY
The Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains, NY, will hold a fall food sale on Sunday, November 17, from 12
to 4 p.m. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
for an order form with complete information.
Holy Martyrs Church | Bayside, NY
The Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY, will host its annual
food fair on Saturday, November 16 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday,
November 17 (12 to 5 p.m.). Enjoy Armenian food-including, chicken and
lule kebab-and a variety of baked goods. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
Sunday’s entertainment will include the screening of parts of the
Aradzani Dance Group instructional DVD. The DVD, titled `A Trip
Through Historic Armenia Through Dance II,’ features footage of
historic Armenia, instructions for various historic Armenian dances,
and more. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.
Holy Resurrection Church | New Britain, CT
The Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT, will host a
“Godparents’ & Godchildren’s Day,” on Sunday, November 17. A special
prayer service will be offered at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy for
the continuing bond between godparents and godchildren.
The Women’s Guild of the Church of the Holy Resurrection will host its
annual holiday fair on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to
3p.m. The fair will feature Armenian pastries and foods; lunch will be
available at the `Kitchen Kafe.’ Vendors will be on-site for holiday
shopping. Santa will be making a special appearance between 11
a.m. and 1 p.m. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or contact the church office at (860)
223-7875.
** EVENTS
————————————————————
Bishop Vahan Hovannesian
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian.
** Primate of Great Britain to Visit St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great
Britain, and a former longtime pastor in the Eastern Diocese, will
visit New York City this month. He will celebrate the Divine Liturgy
at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, November 10. A fellowship
hour will follow services.
King Gagik-Abas of Kars, his wife Queen Goranduxt, and their daughter
Princess Mariam
A medieval manuscript depiction of Bagratuni rulers, King Gagik-Abas
of Kars, his wife Queen Goranduxt, and their daughter Princess Mariam.
** Zohrab Center Lecture on Rare Armenian Manuscript
————————————————————
The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will host a
lecture by artist and scholar Hazel Antaramian Hofman on Tuesday,
November 12, beginning at 7 p.m.
Ms. Antaramian Hofman’s talk-titled `Dressing the Part: Textile Wealth
in an Eleventh-Century Armenian Miniature and its Interpretive
Meaning’-will walk participants through the symbolism and significance
of a medieval manuscript depiction of Bagratuni rulers, King
Gagik-Abas of Kars, his wife Queen Goranduxt, and their daughter
Princess Mariam. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to read more on the Zohrab Center’s blog.
The lecture will take place at the Zohrab Center in the Diocesan
Complex (630 Second Avenue, New York City). It is free and open to the
public. A reception will follow.
Nune Melikian
Violinist Nune Melikian.
** A Violin Recital at St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————
New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will host a solo violin
recital by Nune Melikian on Wednesday, November 20, beginning at 7:30
p.m. The evening is part of the `Concerts @ Saint Vartan’ series.
The program will include selections by Khachaturian, Spendiarov,
Saint-Saens, Kreisler, Brahms, and Ravel. A reception will follow the
concert. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer with ticket information.
Roberta Ervine
Roberta Ervine, professor of Armenian Studies at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary, will give a lecture in New York City in December.
** Medieval Armenians Consider the Image of God
————————————————————
On Monday, December 2, Roberta Ervine, professor of Armenian Studies
at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, will give a lecture titled `Medieval
Armenians Consider the Image of God.’ The lecture is scheduled to
begin at 7 p.m. at General Theological Seminary in New York City.
The evening will include a panel discussion with faculty of the
General Theological Seminary. A wine and cheese reception will follow.
The program is part of the Fall Lecture Series at St. Nersess
Seminary. Click here
(
–
880af3f6-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-97880af3f6-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or call (914) 636-2003.
** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA retreat
** ACYOA Leadership Conference Begins Friday
————————————————————
This year’s ACYOA Leadership Conference will convene from Friday,
November 8, through Sunday, November 10, at the Don Bosco Retreat
Center in Stony Point, NY.
The retreat will focus on the Diocesan theme, `Living the Gospel of
Christ,’ and explore ways in which communication helps enhance
leadership. Young adults 18 and over are invited to attend; conference
costs (with the exception of travel) are being covered by the ACYOA
Central Council.
From: Baghdasarian