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 April 17, 2014
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Easter
The Empty Tomb by Mikhail Nesterov (1889).
** He is Risen!
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This Sunday, the worldwide Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of
the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ-the most important
day of the year in our church calendar.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral. The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m. Click on the
following links to read Archbishop Barsamian’s Easter message in
English
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and Armenian
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.
Immediately following the service, the `Release of Doves’ ceremony
will go forth on the cathedral plaza. This year, Dr. Kevork Niksarli
will serve as the godfather of the doves ceremony. An Easter reception
and program will follow in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium.
Click here
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for a complete schedule of Holy Week and Easter services at the
cathedral. And be sure to contact your local parish
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for information on services in your area.
** Scripture of the Week
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Acts 1:15-26
Mk 16:2-8
** Prayer of the Week
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We rejoice with great joy for the Good News of the resurrection of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has been the fruit and the first
born of all that have fallen asleep. He has destroyed the gates of
hell, and loosed the tyranny of death; and he gave us the firm hope of
the renewal of the life of all men.
In faith let us ask of our Savior Jesus Christ that he may please to
make us worthy of his resurrection, and to transform our lowly body
into the likeness of his glorious Body. For the very God, Jesus Christ
our Lord, has promised to grant this great and ineffable gift to them
that love him.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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17 April: Holy Thursday
18 April: Holy Friday
19 April: Holy Saturday (Easter Eve)
20 April: Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ
21 April: Remembrance of the Dead
24 April: Armenian Martyrs Day
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Fr. Nareg Berberian
The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian has been elected to lead the
Armenian Church of Brazil.
** Diocese of Brazil Elects New Primate
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The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Brazil has elected the Very
Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian-formerly a longtime clergyman of the Eastern
Diocese-as its new Primate. The election was held on March
31. Fr. Berberian will be installed at St. Kevork Armenian Cathedral
in São Paulo on April 27.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, appointed Fr. Berberian to serve as the Vicar General of
the Brazil Diocese last summer. He will succeed Archbishop Datev
Karibian, the current Primate, who has announced his retirement.
Most recently, Fr. Berberian served as the pastor of the St. David
Church of Boca Raton, FL.
Click here
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to read more about his election.
Garen Nazarian
Ambassador Garen Nazarian will return to Armenia after nearly five
years of service at the UN.
** Ambassador Nazarian Concludes Service at UN
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Leaders from throughout the New York Armenian community gathered on
Friday, April 11, to bid a fond farewell to Ambassador Garen
Nazarian=80’Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
who after nearly five years of service is departing that position to
take up a high post in Armenia’s government.
Some 200 guests, representing the whole range of Armenian-American
organizations, gathered in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium at the
Diocesan Center, to honor Ambassador Nazarian and his family.
In remarks, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian called the
honoree `a man we all admire, who in his distinguished diplomatic
service has earned the respect of one of the world’s great
institutions: the United Nations.’
During his time in America, Ambassador Nazarian has been a great
friend to the Eastern Diocese, and we extend our congratulations and
good wishes for the future. To read more, click here
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** DIOCESAN NEWS
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iBook
The iBook is packed with interactive features, including video, music,
and photo galleries.
** Diocese’s iBook Receives Media Award
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Earlier this month, the Diocese’s
Transfiguration iBook received one of the 2014 DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards
as part of the annual convention of the Religion Communicators
Council.
The awards are given annually to publications that demonstrate
excellence in religious communications and public relations. The
Diocese’s iBook was recognized in the `Digital Communications’
category.
Released last summer, Transfiguration relates the Gospel story of the
Transfiguration and introduces the ways in which the feast is
celebrated in the Armenian Church. The digital book is packed with
interactive features, including video, music, photo galleries, and
more.
Transfiguration is only available on the Apple iPad. Click here
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to download your free copy. To view a PDF version of the book, click
here
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Dr. Raffy Hovanessian
Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, this year’s “Armenian Church Member of the
Year,” and Mrs. Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian.
** Public Invited to Diocesan Assembly Banquet
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On Friday, May 2, the Eastern Diocese will host a gala banquet as part
of the 112th Diocesan Assembly. The event will be held in the Diocesan
Complex, beginning at 7 p.m.
During the banquet, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian
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will be honored for his longtime leadership of the community as the
Diocese’s 2014 `Armenian Church Member of the Year.’ Honored as this
year’s `Friend of the Armenians’ will be musician Ian Gillan
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of the 1970s band Deep Purple, who has been a benefactor of Armenia
since the 1988 earthquake. The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral will perform at the banquet.
The public is invited to join the clergy and delegates of the 112th
Diocesan Assembly at this celebration. Click here
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to view a flyer for ticket information.
The Diocesan Assembly will convene May 1 through 4. Information and
registration forms can be found on the Diocesan website
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FAR
Noravank monastery is among the sites the YP group will visit in
Armenia.
** FAR Announces Young Professionals Trip
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For the first time in its 19-year history, the Fund for Armenian
Relief’s Young Professionals Trip is offering prospective travelers
several options to choose from. In addition to the basic tour of
Armenia, which runs from July 7 to 14, participants can extend their
trip by adding a week either in historic Armenia (July 14 to 19) or
Nagorno-Karabagh (July 15 to 19).
The trip is an ideal opportunity for young professionals between the
ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group, and to go beyond a
tourist’s itinerary to learn firsthand about Armenia’s place in the
world. Participants will visit FAR’s projects, engage in dialogue with
religious and government leaders, and gain an understanding of how
Armenia’s future is being shaped with the support of the diaspora.
Click here
()
to learn more about this year’s program, or contact FAR’s Arto
Vorperian at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for information.
** PARISH NEWS
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St. Thomas Church, NJ
ACYOA members present Fr. Anoushian with a $1,000 donation to the
parish.
** St. Thomas Marks 49 Years, Honors Parishioners
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On Palm Sunday, April 13, the St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ,
celebrated the 49th anniversary of its consecration. The parish was
once again honored by the presence of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Diocesan Primate, who participated in the Divine Liturgy, delivered
the homily, and presided over the celebratory dinner.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory and Mary
Ann Saraydarian and Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Martha Saraydarian
received the `St. Nersess Shnorhali’ Medal, bestowed on them by His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, for their 40 years of devotion and dedicated service to the
Armenian Church.
St. Thomas pastor the Very Rev. Fr. Papken Anoushian solemnly read the
encyclical from Holy Etchmiadzin that recognized the honorees. It was
followed by the medals presentation ceremony, conducted by Archbishop
Barsamian.
A Palm Sunday banquet followed the services. The `St. Thomas Award’
was presented to brothers Douglas and Andrew Martaian. As Palm Sunday
is designated as ACYOA Day in the Eastern Diocese, Arianna Cruickshank
and Elsa Kadajyan of the St. Thomas ACYOA chapter presented
Fr. Anoushian with a $1,000 donation to the parish.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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Palm Sunday in Minnesota
A child during the Palm Sunday procession at St. Sahag Church.
** “Youth Day” at St. Sahag Church
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St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN, hosted `Youth Day’ on Palm Sunday,
April 13. Children carried palms and took part in a procession with
the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, parish pastor.
Following services, they performed a skit titled `I love my church the
most.’ The young people suggested directing the funds collected on
Palm Sunday (almost $600 in total) to Syrian-Armenian relief efforts.
Click here
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to view photos.
St. Vartan Armenian School, NYC
Classroom renovation sponsors Dr. Kevork and Mrs. Alvina Niksarli
unveiled a new plaque at the dedication ceremony last week.
** New Classrooms for St. Vartan Armenian School
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On Saturday, April 12, St. Vartan Armenian School in New York
dedicated its newly renovated classrooms. The renovations were made
possible through a generous donation by Dr. and Mrs. Kevork and Alvina
Niksarli, whose daughter attends the school.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate; the Very
Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral; and the
Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian blessed the new classrooms, which are
located in the St. Vartan Cathedral Complex.
At a program following the ceremony, students recited poems and sang a
song written by Silva der Stepanian dedicated to St. Vartan
Cathedral. Dr. Niksarli said he and his wife were happy to contribute
to the school and felt it an important responsibility to all the
children. He thanked Fr. Kiledjian, school principal Shakeh Kadehjian,
and treasurer Arto Vorperian, who spearheaded the project with the
blessing of Archbishop Barsamian.
Archbishop Barsamian stressed the importance of Armenian schools in
instilling the Armenian faith and culture in the young generation. He
expressed his gratitude to the Niksarli family and to all the
educators, and encouraged the students to continue their hard work.
Click here
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to view photos.
Saintly Women’ s Day in Watertown, MA
Nancy Kassabian (left) and Rev. Laura Everett at St. James Church.
** Saintly Women’s Day Observed in Watertown
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On Saturday, April 12, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, hosted more
than 130 Women’s Guild members and clergy from the New England region
at a Saintly Women’s Day observance. The day included a service and
program dedicated to St. Santoukht, Armenia’s first Christian martyr.
The Rev. Laura Everett, executive director of the Massachusetts
Council of Churches, delivered the homily stressing the importance of
family, respect, and humility. Nancy Kassabian and Hasmig Maserejian
read the biography of St. Santoukht in English and Armenian.
At a luncheon following the service, Gail Talanian O’Reilly, founder
of Made in Armenia Direct, spoke about the talent and perseverance of
the people of Armenia who create handmade crafts for Made in Armenia
Direct.
In addition to St. James Church, the following five parishes took part
in Saturday’s gathering: Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA;
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA; Holy Translators Church of
Framingham, MA; Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA; and Hye Pointe
Church of Haverhill, MA. Also present was the Diocesan Vicar, the Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian.
The event was chaired by Nancy Kassabian and Gail Boroyan. The day’s
proceeds will benefit the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program and
the Vanadzor Old Age Home in Armenia.
Click here
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to view photos.
Holy Trinity ACYOA, Cheltenham, PA
Cheltenham ACYOA Juniors served homemade soup to raise money for FAR
soup kitchens in Armenia.
** Cheltenham ACYOA Helps Armenia’s Soup Kitchens
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On Sunday, March 30, the local ACYOA Juniors served homemade soup to
the parishioners of the Holy Trinity Church in Cheltenham, PA, to
support the `Kitchenware for Soup Kitchens’ project undertaken by the
Fund for Armenian Relief, through its `Ayo’ crowd-funding platform.
Parents and head chefs Maria Javardian and Michele Oskanian were
assisted by their children and `sous chefs,’ Ani Javardian and Bennett
Oskanian, along with other ACYOA Juniors. Together they prepared and
served lentil and pasta fazool soups, assorted breads, salad, and
apples, as part of a `soup kitchen experience’ for the parish.
The ACYOA members had taken inspiration from a news item about a
sister parish, the St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, which had
sponsored a `Souper Bowl’ fundraiser earlier this year. The idea
certainly warmed the hearts of the Cheltenham parishioners, who
supported the fundraiser to the tune of more than $500-a tasty
contribution to the cause of soup kitchens in Armenia.
St. John Church, Detroit
Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian (left) and Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian with
retreat participants.
** Lenten Retreat Held in Detroit
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Three speakers were featured in a multimedia presentation which took
place as part of a Lenten retreat at St. John Church in Southfield,
MI, on Saturday, March 29. The retreat focused on how the Resurrection
is celebrated through word, art, and music.
Dr. Vigen Guroian, professor of religious studies at the University of
Virginia, spoke about Christ’s crucifixion and Resurrection, and
shared a personal story of ministering to a father who had lost his
son in the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. The Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian,
pastor of St. John Church, spoke about depictions of the Resurrection
in the Armenian Christian tradition. Dn. Rubik Mailian, the church’s
choir director, spoke about the music of the Resurrection and its
rhythmical application in worship.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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St. Gregory of Narek Sunday School, OH
Armenian and Sunday School students prepare a luncheon to raise funds
for the Armenians of Kessab.
** Cleveland Youth Raise Funds for Kessab
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On Sunday, April 6, the Armenian and Sunday School students of
St. Gregory of Narek Church of Richmond Heights, OH, prepared a Lenten
soup luncheon to raise funds for the Armenians of Kessab, Syria.
Each of the participants mixed in an ingredient and said a prayer as
they prepared the soup. `It was a very uplifting and meaningful
experience for students, and a great opportunity for them to share in
the Christian spirit,’ said the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, parish
pastor.
Holy Resurrection Church, New Britain, CT
** Easter Eggstravaganza in New Britain
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Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, will host an Easter
Eggstravaganza breakfast on Saturday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m.
The day will feature a pancake breakfast, an Easter egg hunt, and
raffle prizes, among other activities. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
(In last week’s newsletter, we inadvertently stated that the Easter
Eggstravaganza had already taken place and repeated the story and
photos from 2013.)
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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Sts. Vartanantz Church | Chelmsford, MA
On Thursday, April 24, Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, will
commemorate the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a
requiem service at the church’s martyrs monument. Following the
service, Dr. Ivy Helman, professor of religious studies at Merrimack
College, and Dn. Ara Jeknavorian of the Merrimack Valley Armenian
Genocide Education Committee, will share their experiences in leading
discussions about the Genocide and Holocaust at local high schools.
St. Peter Chuch | Watervliet, NY
Pianists Marina Abrahamyan and Susanna Kirakosyan of Armenia will give
a concert at the Egg performing arts center in Albany, NY, on
Saturday, April 26, at 4:30 p.m.
The program, which will feature works by Armenian and international
composers, is dedicated to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide of
1915.
The Egg is located at Empire State Plaza in Albany. Click on the
following links to view a flyer
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or visit the Egg website
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for ticket information. Tickets are also available through St. Peter
Church.
Holy Martyrs Church | Bayside, NY
On Saturday, April 26, Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, will
commemorate the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a
requiem service beginning at 7 p.m. Following the service, the
Aradzani Dance Group will perform a program titled “Songs and Dances
of Historic Armenia.”
Pre-1915 songs and dances will be presented by the Aradzani and Hye
Bar Dance groups. Aradzani will dance to the live music of the
Tarpinian Ensemble. The program will also include background
information on historic Armenia and recitations. For tickets, contact
Robert at (718) 578-6574, or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Greater Boston will host a book talk and
luncheon with Celtics legend JoJo White on Sunday, April 27, at 12
p.m. Mark C. Bodanza, author of Make It Count-a biography of the great
athlete-will also be in attendance.
Reservations must be made by April 23. Click here
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to view a flyer for information, or call the church office at (617)
354-0632.
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY
The ACYOA Seniors of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains, NY, will host a spring dance featuring Onnik Dinkjian and the
John Berberian Ensemble. The dance will be held in the church’s Tutak
Hall on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 8 p.m. For information, call the
church at (914) 428-2595.
** YOUTH NEWS
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ACYOA Day
ACYOA Central Council vice chair Ani Grigorian (center) with ACYOA
members at St. James Church in Watertown, MA.
** ACYOA Day Across the Parishes
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Palm Sunday, the feast of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, was
observed across Diocesan parishes on Sunday, April 13. It also marked
the annual ACYOA Day celebration, and in a number of parishes young
people were a focus of the luncheons and programs following services.
ACYOA Central Council chair Jonathan Pelaez traveled to the Church of
the Holy Resurrection in New Britain, CT, where he assisted the
Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, parish pastor, on the altar. After
services, the ACYOA organized a luncheon during which they reflected
on memorable events of the past year. Jonathan spoke about his
involvement in the organization, described the ACYOA’s media outreach
projects, and offered suggestions for strengthening local
chapters. Click here
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to view a photo.
Ani Grigorian, ACYOA Central Council vice chair, was the keynote
speaker at St. James Church in Watertown, MA, where the ACYOA hosted a
luncheon. The program featured a slideshow highlighting ACYOA
activities and reflections from members. Ani spoke about the recent
activities of the ACYOA Central Council. At the conclusion of the
luncheon, the ACYOA Junior and Senior members presented Ani and the
Central Council with a generous donation for the Nancy Basmajian
Scholarship Fund, which supports participants in the ACYOA Armenia
Service Program. Click here
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to view the day’s photos.
Armen Terjimanian, ACYOA Central Council public relations coordinator,
visited St. Gregory the Enlightener Church in White Plains, NY. Armen
reflected on his journey in the ACYOA and spoke about the importance
of youth involvement in the life of the church. Liana Kurkjian
prepared a slideshow of photos from the recent ACYOA Leadership
Conference and Chapter Workshop, as well as St. Gregory ACYOA
events. The St. Gregory ACYOA also honored Nectar Sarkissian Munro for
her service as the ACYOA Juniors mentor.
Central Council treasurer Shant Paklaian traveled to St. James Church
in Evanston, IL, where the ACYOA Juniors hosted a Lenten
luncheon. After speaking about the ACYOA’s programming, Shant provided
information on how the community can be involved in supporting the
ACYOA. In the next few years, the Evanston ACYOA Juniors will
transition to a successful Seniors chapter.
Chapter Relations coordinator Daniel Zalinov spoke at his home parish
of St. Sarkis Church in Charlotte, NC. He served on the altar
alongside Dn. Ben Rith-Najarian, deacon-in-charge, and later discussed
his role on the ACYOA Central Council, and the importance of
communication among the various ACYOA chapters.
Program Coordinator Adrienne Ashbahian visited St. Peter Church in
Watervliet, NY, and discussed ACYOA’s programming and the support the
ACYOA Central Council offers to parish chapters.
At Holy Martyrs Church in Bayside, NY, Chelsea Kress, Central Council
secretary, encouraged the young people to form strong bonds through
the ACYOA. Shant Gemdzian played Armenian songs on the alto saxophone,
and the Armin String Ensemble followed with Armenian classics on the
violin. There was also a video presentation and raffle. Click here
()
to view photos.
To learn more about the ACYOA and its programs, visit
For information on joining or starting an ACYOA
chapter, e-mail [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
** Bayside ACYOA in Action
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This year’s ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend will be hosted
by the ACYOA Seniors of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, over
Memorial Day weekend, May 22-26.
The local committee has been working hard to put together a successful
weekend. Click here
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to view a short video which the Holy Martyrs ACYOA created to showcase
their activities as a chapter. The video was screened at last Sunday’s
Palm Sunday luncheon in Bayside.
To learn more about the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend,
visit
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, or log on to the committee’s Facebook page
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** EVENTS
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Fr. Daniel
Fr. Daniel Findikyan will speak about Armenian prayer at General
Theological Seminary.
** A Lecture on Armenian Prayer
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St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is organizing a lecture titled `Glimpses
into the Heart of an Ancient Christian Spirituality.’
The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, director of the Diocese’s Krikor
and Clara Zohrab Information Center, will speak about Armenian prayer
and consider such questions as: What are the spirit, ethos, and
peculiarities of Armenian prayer? What do these qualities reveal about
the distinctive Christian witness of this ancient church? What
insights might Armenian Christianity offer to others who seek
meaningful faith today?
The lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, beginning at 7
p.m. It will be held at General Theological Seminary in New York City
(440 West 21st Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues). Click here
()
to visit the St. Nersess website for information.
April 24
** Armenian Martyrs Day Observance
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Armenian Martyrs Day will be observed at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral
on Thursday, April 24.
The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, will celebrate
the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a
requiem service in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide of
1915. A blessing of madagh will take place in Guild Hall following the
service.
The cathedral will remain open throughout the day for prayer and
remembrance.
Jeopardy
** Armenian Schools Jeopardy Tournament
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The Diocese’s Armenian Studies department has organized a Jeopardy
tournament for Diocesan Armenian Schools.
The tournament will be held at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church in
White Plains, NY, on Sunday, May 4, beginning at 2 p.m. Questions will
focus on themes related to the Armenian faith and heritage.
For information, contact Gilda Kupelian, the Diocese’s coordinator of
Armenian Studies, at (212) 686-0710, ext. 148.
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