PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:
** TOP STORY January 9, 2014
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** Christ’s Birth Celebrated at St. Vartan Cathedral
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On Monday, January 6, worshipers gathered at New York’s St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral for the observance of the Feast of the Nativity and
Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy. The Primate spoke about Christmas as a time of renewal, and
emphasized the importance of strengthening our connection with God and
with fellow human beings at the start of the new year.
In Armenian tradition, January 6 commemorates not only the birth of
Christ, but also his baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is
remembered through the “Blessing of Water” service, which followed the
Divine Liturgy on Monday. Hratch Nersessian served as godfather of the
“Blessing of Water” service.
After the service on January 6, at a reception in Haik and Alice
Kavookjian Auditorium, a traditional home-blessing ceremony was led by
Archbishop Barsamian. A colorful dance performance was offered by the
Akh’tamar Armenian Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Sylva
Assadourian.
Click on the following links to read more
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about the Christmas celebration and to view photos
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and video highlights
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.
Armenian Christmas Eve was observed on the evening of Sunday, January
5, with the St. Vartan Cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon
Kiledjian, celebrating the Divine Liturgy. The Christmas Eve service
featured scripture readings by students from the Diocese’s Khrimian
Lyceum and St. Vartan Armenian School. Click here
()
to view Christmas Eve photos.
** Scripture of the Week
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Rom 1:1-7
Lk 2:1-7
** Prayer of the Week
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Look with love, O merciful Father, on the created works of your hand,
and grant the camps of the angels to be guardians of our feeble
persons. Deliver us from temptation, from the wandering demons of
night, that by day and by night, we may give you glory incessantly.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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13 January: Feast of the Naming of Our Lord Jesus Christ
14 January: Feast of the Birth of St. John the Forerunner
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Christmas at Holy Etchmiadzin
Hayk Maghakelyan, godfather of the `Blessing of Water,’ holds up the
cross for worshipers to kiss.
** Christmas at Holy Etchmiadzin
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At Holy Etchmiadzin on Monday, January 6, His Holiness Karekin II, the
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, celebrated the
Divine Liturgy and performed the `Blessing of Water’ service as
worshipers gathered for the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our
Lord Jesus Christ. He was assisted by Bishop Hovnan Hakobian and
Bishop Mushegh Babayan.
Among the dignitaries present were Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan
and Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. Hayk Maghakelyan of Russia served
as the godfather of the `Blessing of Water.’
His Holiness reminded the worshipers that Christ’s presence in our
lives lights the way to a fruitful and meaningful existence. Without
it, `faith and trust in one another, as well as hope and optimism for
the future, all weaken in our lives,’ he said. `We must rely on him,
we must bear his truth in our hearts, so that our lives are
transformed, and filled with unwavering trust and the strength to
overcome difficulties.’
Click here
()
to continue reading the Catholicos’ message.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Annual Appeal
** Time is Running Out
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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.
Malankara Church
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presented Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho with
an Armenian cross.
** Primate Congratulates Malankara Archbishop
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On Saturday, January 4, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
took part in a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Archbishop Mor
Titus Yeldho, who has been serving as the Archbishop of the Malankara
Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America since
2004. The event was held at St. Mary’s Syriac Orthodox Church in
Paramus, NJ.
Archbishop Barsamian conveyed his congratulations and blessings to
Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho. `As fellow members of the Oriental
Orthodox family of churches, we are all privileged to stand very close
to the origins of our faith,’ he said. `And we are truly blessed to
find occasions like this, to affirm our long-standing friendship and
our common ministry in Christ.’
Ararat Center Board meeting
Board members at this week’s meeting, with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
presiding.
** Ararat Center Board Elects New Members
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Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Wednesday, January 8, members of the
Ararat Center Board of Directors held elections and looked forward to
a productive year at the Diocese’s conference and recreation facility
in upstate New York.
The board welcomed Eric Barsamian, a new member, and re-elected the
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Karen Durgarian, and Mark Kazanjian for new
terms. The Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian will continue to serve as the
board’s liaison to the Diocesan Council.
A new executive committee was also elected. It is comprised of chair
Nicholas Durgarian, vice chair Jay Kapur, treasurer Aram Hintlian, and
secretary Jeri Humphries.
The board expressed its appreciation to outgoing member Doug Tashjian
for his dedicated service.
Deacons Guide to the Divine Liturgy
** New Deacons’ Guidebook Available
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Last month the Diocese announced the publication of the
much-anticipated Deacon’s Guide to the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian
Church=80’an updated and revised edition of the classic book by His
Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, of blessed memory, the late
Patriarch of Jerusalem and Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
The original edition of the Deacons’ Guide inspired an entire
generation of altar servers, and represents one of the many beautiful
legacies Patriarch Torkom bequeathed to us.
The revised edition incorporates musical notations, ritual
instructions and visual diagrams, to augment the Armenian text of the
deacons’ parts (in classical and Western versions) with
transliteration and translation in English. It has been designed as a
companion to The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church (the `pew book’
previously published by the Diocese), employing marginal notations
that synchronize the pages of the two volumes.
Additionally, a new audio recording of the deacons’ parts=80’keyed to
the new Deacons’ Guide-is available online for streaming
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and free download
(
7b0ccc0a&e=3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=51aa73f1c4-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-51aa73f1c4-159688434)
. The audio is also available on the Diocese’s Vemkar app for iPad,
iPhone
()
, and Android
()
.
The Deacons Guide to the Divine Liturgy is currently on sale in the
St. Vartan Bookstore
()
.
FAR
Doctors at the ultrasound machine donated to Stepanakert by US-based
radiologist Dr. Levon Nazarian and AAHPO board member Dr. Raffi
Hovanessian.
** FAR Hosts Cardiology Conference in Nagorno-Karabagh
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As part of its effort to advance Armenia’s public health system, the
Fund for Armenian Relief’s Continuing Medical Education (CME)
()
program recently held a two-day conference on cardiology at
Stepanakert Republic Hospital in Nagorno-Karabagh.
Dr. Liana Khachatryan and Dr. Lusine Mkhitaryan, both experts from
Erebuni Medical Center in Yerevan, collaborated with FAR’s medical
programs staff to lead the event in Stepanakert, which was attended by
general physicians, cardiologists, and Intensive Care Unit specialists
from institutions throughout Nagorno-Karabagh.
The conference allowed participants to learn about the latest
approaches to cardiology, as well as ways to properly use equipment
for monitoring and treating heart conditions. Click here
()
to visit FAR’s blog and to read more about the conference.
Cardiovascular disease is considered a serious public health threat in
Nagorno-Karabagh and Armenia. FAR’s healthcare programs target this
issue in collaboration with the Armenian American Health
Professionals’ Organization (AAHPO
()
), which supports the CME program.
Oshavank, Historic Armenia
Oshvank monastery near Erzurum.
** 2014 Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
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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
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** Christmas Across the Parishes
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The Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, held its annual Christmas
pageant on Sunday, January 5, following the Divine Liturgy. Church
school students under the direction of Mrs. Sabina Khachatrian and the
vocal direction of Mrs. Karinne’ Andonian recited and sang in Armenian
and English the story of the birth of Jesus. Following the pageant,
the Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor, performed a home-blessing
ceremony in the church hall.
In Watertown, MA, a Christmas Eve candlelight service was held at
St. James Church on December 24. The evening began with gospel
readings by the Sunday School students, followed by a program of
Christmas carols and musical selections. A reception followed in the
church hall.
On Sunday, January 5, the morning service was followed by a special
presentation by the St. James Sunday School. Titled `Christmas Around
the World,’ the presentation featured booths highlighting Christmas
traditions from various parts of the globe. Later that evening,
students from the parish’s St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Saturday School
read passages from the gospels. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish
pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
On Monday, January 6, the church was filled to capacity for the Divine
Liturgy and `Blessing of the Water’ service. The community welcomed
Rev. Laura Everett, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of
Churches, on this joyous occasion.
Click here
()
to view photos from Cheltenham and Watertown. We invite other parishes
to submit photos from local Christmas observances for publication in
the January 16 edition of the Diocesan newsletter.
St. Sahag Church
A deacon holds up the gospel adorned in its new cover. Behind
Fr. Barseghyan is the church’s new altar cross.
** A New Altar Cross in St. Paul
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Parishioners at the St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN, donated an altar
cross and a gospel cover in time for this year’s Christmas
celebration.
On Christmas Eve, January 5, the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, parish
pastor, blessed the new altar accoutrements prior to the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy. Later that evening, the Sunday School presented
a Christmas pageant.
Among the donors were Lucy Rorke Adams, George Andeweg, Harriet
Balian, Fr. Barseghyan, Nairy Digris, Viken Djerdjian, Mary Kazarian,
Jim Lippert, Azad Mesroubian, Thomas and Caroline Pohler, Chacke
Scallen, and Avo Toghramadjian.
St. John Church, Detroit, MI
** In Case of Emergency…
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In the deepest spiritual sense, the church is our true sanctuary: a
place of refuge and safety from the world.
But physically, a church can be as vulnerable as any other building to
the threat of fire and natural disaster. A parish in our Diocese has
been taking steps to prepare for such emergency situations-and its
experience provides a model for other communities to follow.
The St. John Church in Southfield, MI, has launched a project to
develop plans for fire evacuation, tornado shelter, and lock-down
situations. On two Sundays last fall, practice fire drills were held
for the congregation and church school students. The drills were held
at the conclusion of the badarak; but prior to that, ushers, choir
members, parish council members, teachers, and other personnel
underwent special training in how to react in a real
emergency. Parishioners and students were also informed of the proper
steps to a safe evacuation.
Through the drills, the entire church complex was safely cleared
within a few minutes. Most importantly, St. John now has trained
leaders who can assist and direct others in case of emergency.
The effort is being led by the St. John parish council, which plans to
hold practice fire drills every year, and is also developing plans for
tornado and lock-down emergencies. Other parishes in the Diocese have
held training sessions for CPR and medical emergencies. Local first
aid squads can helpfully advise parishes on such precautionary
measures.
Christmas Across Mission Parishes
Nareg Moutafyan served as godfather of the “Blessing of Water” in
Baton Rouge.
** Southern-Style Christmas
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The Diocese’s mission parishes were busy during the Christmas season,
with communities in Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana receiving visits
from the director of the Mission Parish program, the Rev. Fr. Tateos
Abdalian.
In Jacksonville, FL, Fr. Abdalian led parish children in a religious
education session on the badarak, and followed that with a Bible study
geared towards adult members. The entire community came together on a
Sunday to witness the baptismal service for Edward Khalafyan, which
was incorporated into the Divine Liturgy in the manner of Christian
practice in ages past.
For his visit to Atlanta, GA, Fr. Abdalian brought with him Armen
Hareyan, a musician and sub-deacon from Charlotte, NC, who spent time
with the local choir members to deepen their knowledge of the
sharagans. Parishioners were impressed by the improved sound of the
choir during the badarak that week, and are eager for future visits by
Mr. Hareyan to train the choir and acolytes.
Armenian Christmas Eve on January 5 found Fr. Abdalian in Baton Rouge,
LA, where he celebrated the `lamp-lighting’ badarak and the `Blessing
of Water’ service. A young acolyte of the community, Nareg Moutafyan,
served as godfather of the cross.
During the same period, Diocesan Vicar the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian visited the Ocala community with Fr. Abdalian, where they
celebrated the jashou service and met with local parish chair Charles
Takesian and other community members, with an eye to reactivating the
community as an official mission parish.
Click here
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to view photos.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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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
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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
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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.
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.
Tatevik
Datevik Hovanesian will perform at the Diocesan Center on January 17.
** Jazz Concert at the Diocesan Center
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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.
Concert at Met
The Hilliard Ensemble will perform Armenian music during its January
22 program at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
** Armenian Music at the Met
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The Hilliard Ensemble-England’s celebrated a cappella vocal
quartet-will perform Armenian music as part of a concert at New York’s
Metropolitan Museum of Art on Wednesday, January 22 at 7 p.m.
Titled “Arkhangelos: A Millennium of Music,” the program will include
Armenian liturgical chants and a newly composed piece by Vache
Sharafyan. Other featured composers include Arvo Pärt, Katia
Tchemberdji, and Alexander Raskatov.
Click on the following links to read more
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and for ticket information
()
. (To receive a 20 percent discount, use the code HILL14 when ordering
tickets.)
** YOUTH NEWS
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ACYOA Chapter Workshop
** Not Too Late to Register for ACYOA Chapter Workshop
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There is still time to register for the ACYOA Seniors Chapter
Workshop, which will be hosted by the St. Hagop Church of Pinellas
Park, FL, from January 24 to 26.
Sponsored by the ACYOA Central Council, the workshop is open to
current and prospective ACYOA members ages 18 and older. The weekend
will focus on being a disciple of Christ in today’s
world. Participants will also take part in a `Faith in Action’ service
project to benefit Pinellas Hope, a local Florida charity.
Sessions will consider how to set and achieve goals within individual
ACYOA chapters. Speakers will also share insights about the
organization’s history and lessons for the future.
Some 30 young adults have already registered for the workshop. To join
them, contact Lorie Odabashian at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Summer Camps
Campers at St. Vartan Camp.
** Looking Ahead to the Summer Camp Season
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With the onset of Arctic temperatures in recent weeks, it’s not hard
to dream of warm summer days. And here at the Diocese, preparations
have begun for the 2014 summer camp season.
Online camper registration for St. Vartan Camp is now open. Click on
the following links to register a camper
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or to download applications
()
for St. Vartan Camp CIT, staff, and volunteer positions.
Hye Camp applications for campers, CITs, staff, and volunteers are
available here
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.
For more information about Hye Camp or St. Vartan Camp, contact
Jennifer Morris, director of the Department of Youth and Young
Ministries, at (248) 648-0702 or via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ;
or the department’s coordinator Lorie Odabashian at (212) 686-0710,
ext. 143, or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .