PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212–779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web:
** TOP STORY January 2, 2014
————————————————————
Christmas
The altar icon from the St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.
** Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
————————————————————
On Monday, January 6, the Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of
the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In Armenian
tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ,
but also his baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered
through the =80=9CBlessing of Water’ ceremony, which follows the
Divine Liturgy on January 6.
On Sunday, January 5, the Eve of the Feast of Theophany, the Armenian
Church will hold the Jrakalouyts (lamp-lighting) service. At
St. Vartan Cathedral in New York, services will begin at 4 p.m. with
Scripture readings by the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum students. The
Divine Liturgy will follow at 5 p.m., celebrated by the cathedral
dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian. (Please note that because
of the 5 p.m. badarak on January 5, there will be no Sunday morning
badarak at the cathedral on that day.)
On Monday, January 6, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.; it will be preceded
by a morning service beginning at 9:30 a.m. The `Blessing of Water’
will follow the Divine Liturgy. Hratch Nersessian will serve as
“godfather” of the Blessing of Water ceremony.
A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will follow in Haik
and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The Akh’tamar Armenian Dance
Ensemble, under the direction of Sylva Assadourian, will perform
during the reception, which is free and open to the public.
Click here
()
for more information on the cathedral services. For information on
services in your area, contact your local parish
()
to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.
Click on the following links to read the Primate’s Christmas message
()
and to view a brief video
()
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.
** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————
Ti 2:11-15
Mt 1:18-25
** 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
————————————————————
4 January: Holy Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nissa, Sylvester of Rome,
and Ephrem the Syrian
5 January: Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ
6 January: Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ
7 January: Remembrance of the dead
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
His Holiness Karekin II
His Holiness Karekin II.
** New Year Message of His Holiness Karekin II
————————————————————
In his New Year message, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, welcomed 2014 as a
`redemptive year,’ and offered prayers that it would usher in a period
of divine blessings, peace, and hope.
`By God’s will, 2013 was a year of benevolent results,’ said His
Holiness; `but there were also difficult times in the homeland as well
as in the diaspora. We are facing deep-rooted problems such as making
our country prosperous, defending our rights, reinforcing our
statehood, and improving our national and religious life.’
In the face of such concerns, Catholicos Karekin expressed his
profound confidence in the Armenian people, who have `bravely endured
hardship, shown tolerance when in distress, and lived with the
determination to forge a bright future.’ Click here
()
to read the whole message.
In a separate message directed to the Armenians of Syria
()
, His Holiness conveyed his fatherly concern for that beleaguered
community. `On this day, when together with the Christian world all
Armenians are celebrating the New Year, you are present in our
thoughts and prayers,’ he said.
Click here
()
to view His Holiness Karekin II’s video message for the New Year in
Armenian.
Archbishop Datev Karibian
Archbishop Datev Karibian.
** Brazilian Diocese Honors Archbishop Karibian
————————————————————
On December 1, 2013, the long-serving Primate of the Armenian Church’s
Diocese of Brazil, Archbishop Datev Karibian, was honored on the 50th
anniversary of his priestly ordination.
The milestone coincided with the 30th anniversary of his service to
Brazil’s Armenian community. More than 400 people attended the
celebratory banquet organized by the AGBU chapter of Sao Paulo.
In his heartfelt remarks, Archbishop Karibian expressed his joy at
serving the Armenians of Brazil, and thanked God for granting him
wisdom in his leadership. He also thanked his fellow clergy, the
diocesan directors, as well as Armenia’s Consul in Brazil for their
continuing support of his ministry.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Annual Appeal
** Time is Running Out
————————————————————
With a new year now officially upon us, the Eastern Diocese is making
a final, urgent plea for support of the 2013 Annual Appeal. Follow
this link to donate now
()
to the 2013 Annual Appeal-before time runs out.
The Annual Appeal is 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 help us strengthen these efforts. Your generous contribution to
the 2013 Annual Appeal is greatly needed to help spread the good work
of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.
Home Blessing
** Home Blessing in the Christmas Season
————————————————————
Throughout history, Armenian Christians have considered the home to be
a sacred place: the tranquil sanctuary of the family, where habits of
virtue, pious traditions, and life-affirming customs are passed from
one generation to another.
Above all, the home is where one’s faith in God is first kindled, and
where that faith finds some of the most profound occasions for action.
According to the traditions of the Armenian Church, God is asked to
bestow His blessing on homes during the period following the Feast of
the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord. In this season, clergy visit
the homes of parishioners and perform the beautiful `Home Blessing’
service.
Parishioners are encouraged to contact their local pastor and request
a Home Blessing service for their own home. To learn more about this
tradition, and to download the service booklet, click here
()
.
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian (1919-2012).
** Patriarch, Primate-But Above All, Friend
————————————————————
`Most of the time, from afar, he was ‘The Primate’: solemn and
intimidating. But when he entered the young people’s world, he became
their playful and ageless friend.’
So writes Joyce Sulahian in her thoughtful reminiscence of the late
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, recalling the profound influence he had
on an entire generation.
She continues: `Torkom Srpazan continually challenged the young to
surpass the boundaries of mediocrity, while making them think they
were just having fun. Their hungry minds opened for him, allowing the
powerful lessons of a rich heritage to penetrate within, slowly
becoming an indivisible part of their being. And so their mutual bond
grew.’
To read the read the whole essay, click here
()
. And see the “Events” listing below for information on the upcoming
tribute to the life and legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian,
scheduled for Sunday, February 9 at the Diocesan Center in New York.
Interfaith Breakfast
Outgoing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the annual Interfaith
Breakfast on December 31.
** Diocesan Vicar Attends NYC Interfaith Breakfast
————————————————————
The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, attended an
interfaith breakfast sponsored by New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg
on December 31. It was Mayor Bloomberg’s final day in office after his
12-year term as the city’s leader.
Representatives of every religious group in New York City took part in
the event, which began and ended with songs offered by a children’s
choir and prayers from clergy of various faiths.
Mayor Bloomberg thanked the religious leaders for their support during
his years in office, and expressed his confidence in the city’s
future.
Holding an annual interfaith breakfast on the last day of the year is
a tradition Mayor Bloomberg began shortly after taking office, in the
months following the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Oshavank, Historic Armenia
Oshvank monastery near Erzurum.
** 2014 Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
————————————————————
The Eastern Diocese will sponsor a pilgrimage to historic Armenia,
from September 3 to 15, 2014.
Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate the Divine Liturgy
at Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar, and to take part in
prayer services at St. Giragos Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the
St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
The pilgrimage also includes visits to other cities of historic
Armenia=80’Kharpert, Malatya, and Sepastia, among other locales. The
journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian Patriarchate.
Click here
()
to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
about the Diocese’s 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
()
.
** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Christmas Spectacular in Springfield
Performers at the St. Mark Church’s “Christmas Spectacular.”
** Springfield Holds its Annual Christmas Concert
————————————————————
The St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, hosted its 4th annual
=80=9CChristmas Spectacular’ on December 22, with more than 150 people
filling the church’s T. Nishan Omartian Hall for dinner and a concert.
The September Girls-a close-harmony vocal ensemble which includes two
St. Mark parishioners, Brenda Jermakian and Jane Garabedian, as well
as Karen Drumheller, Ellen Harris, and Janet Parslow-entertained the
guests.
The concert also featured tenor Philip DerMargosian and saxophonist
David Jermakian.
Christmas Caroling in Racine
Members of the St. Mesrob Church ACYOA.
** Christmas Caroling in Racine
————————————————————
In Racine, WI, about 50 young people from the ACYOA Juniors and
Seniors went forth during the Christmas holiday to visit the sick,
elderly, and bereaved of the community. The Christmas visitations have
become an annual tradition for Racine’s St. Mesrob Church-and a
service opportunity eagerly anticipated by the parish youth.
`It’s probably their most loved activity,’ says St. Mesrob pastor the
Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian. `The young people learn so much, and are
able to minister to the needs of our elderly through their singing of
Christmas carols and their friendly presence.’
Donations collected from this year’s excursion were sent to the Fund
for Armenian Relief-the Eastern Diocese’s humanitarian relief and
development organization in Armenia-to benefit its Children’s Center
in Yerevan.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida | Naples, FL
The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, will
celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany on Sunday, January
12, at 1:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (3901 Davis Blvd.) in
Naples, FL. An Armenian Christmas dinner (reservations required) will
be held in Trinity Hall afterwards.
For information or to make reservations, contact Carole Meghreblian at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
** EVENTS
————————————————————
Tatevik
Datevik Hovanesian will perform at the Diocesan Center on January 17.
** Jazz Concert at the Diocesan Center
————————————————————
St. Vartan Cathedral will host an evening of American, Armenian, and
Brazilian jazz featuring vocalist Datevik Hovanesian on Friday,
January 17, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The concert will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of
the Diocesan Complex (630 Second Avenue, New York City).
Click here
()
to view a flyer for ticket information.
Abp. Torkom Manoogian
A tribute to the legacy of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian will be held at
the Diocesan Center on February 9.
** 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.
Reservations are now being taken for the memorial, with a deadline of
January 24. Click here
()
to view a flyer with reservation information. Additional program
details will be forthcoming.
** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
Khrimian Students
Students of the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum.
** Looking Back on a Year of Armenian Culture
————————————————————
As the young students of the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum look ahead to
2014, they will be building on the lessons learned during their past
year of study at the Diocesan Center in New York.
A slate of special guest lecturers-including academics, artists, and
alumni of the Khrimian Lyceum-addressed the students throughout 2013
on topics ranging from sacred music to folk dancing, from ancient
Armenian artifacts to the modern use of the Armenian
language. Teachers Hovannes Khosdeghian, Krikor Markarian, and Lori
Cinar gave presentations on a host of Armenian themes, eliciting
enthusiastic questions from the inquisitive students.
An offering of the Diocesan Armenian Studies program, the Khrimian
Lyceum has been educating Armenian teenagers for more than 25
years. Currently a four-year program melding a faith-based Armenian
heritage curriculum with traditional Armenian creative arts, the
Lyceum meets at least once a month, with its students required to
serve at their local parishes. Through classroom lectures, hands-on
projects, dramatic productions, music instruction, and field trips,
the students receive a well-rounded perspective on their
heritage. Each year’s activities are highlighted in the students’
self-produced yearbook, and put on display in an annual performance of
musical, dancing, artistic and speaking skills.
Diocesan parishes in Watertown and Detroit have adapted the Khrimian
Lyceum format in the past, and currently the Houston and Evanston
parishes are actively implementing this identity-reinforcing program.
To view a photo gallery of the past year’s activities, click here
()
. And contact Gilda Kupelian of the Armenian Studies program, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , to
find out how the Diocese can help your local parish build a program of
its own.
From: A. Papazian