PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
** TOP STORY September 4, 2014
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The First Council of Nicea
Detail of a wall painting depicting the First Council of Nicaea, found
at the Church of Stavropoleos in Bucharest, Romania.
** Getting to “We Believe”
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It was the great religious `confab’ of the 4th century: a gathering of
Christian bishops from throughout the world, convened by no less an
authority than the Roman Emperor Constantine I. In A.D. 325, a town in
the Black-Sea province of Bithynia played host to 318 scholars of the
church who met to deliberate on the burning theological questions of
the day.
We remember it today as the Council of Nicaea: the first attempt to
forge a truly `ecumenical’ Christianity-that is, a Christianity that
encompassed all the world’s human habitations=80’by coming to a
consensus on church doctrine.
The most significant result of the council was the Nicene Creed: the
first uniform expression of Christian doctrine. The Creed would be
elaborated upon in subsequent councils, but its essential form,
conceived during that historic gathering in Nicaea, remains the
fundamental statement of orthodox faith, embraced by churches
throughout the world-and repeated during every Armenian badarak as the
Havadamk (`We believe’).
The Armenian Church participated in the council, with St. Aristakes,
the younger son of St. Gregory the Illuminator, representing his
then-ailing father. This Saturday, our church will remember the 318
Fathers of the Holy Council of Nicaea, and the project they began
1,689 years ago.
St. Mary
Detail of an 18th-century painting of the Holy Mother-of-God by an
unknown artist (collection of the National Gallery of Armenia).
** Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother-of-God
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On Monday, September 8, the worldwide Armenian Church will celebrate
the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother-of-God.
St. Mary was born to Joachim and Anna, a devout couple whose earnest
prayers for a child were answered with the birth of a daughter. Mary’s
birth is not recorded in the Gospel, but in all likelihood it occurred
in Bethlehem or Nazareth, some 20 years before Christ’s nativity.
Her life of holiness and purity, and her graceful acceptance of the
role to which God called her, as the mother of Jesus Christ, all make
Mary one of the pre-eminent exemplars of the Christian faith, whose
birth and very conception are occasions for celebration in the church.
The Armenian Church has celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the
Holy Mother-of-God since the 13th century. St. Mary is known in the
Armenian Church as Asdvadzamayr-Asdvadzadzin, the “Mother of God” and
the “Bearer of God’-a position doctrinally established at the
Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in the 5th century. Click here
()
to view a short video about St. Mary in the Armenian Church.
At St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City, the Divine Liturgy
will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 8.
** Scripture of the Week
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Is 13:1-11
2 Cor 7:4-16
Mk 7:31-37
** Prayer of the Week
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Let us hold the holy Mother-of-God and all the saints as intercessors
with the Father in Heaven, that He may be pleased to have mercy and
compassion on us, His creatures, and save us. Almighty Lord, our God,
save us and have mercy on us. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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4 September: St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous
6 September: 318 Fathers of the Holy Council of Nicaea (AD 325)
7 September: Barekendan of the Fast of Exaltation
8 September: Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother-of-God
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Catholicos Vasken I
His Holiness Vasken I.
** Remembering His Holiness Vasken I (1908-1994)
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His Holiness Vasken I presided over a period of historic importance in
the Armenian Church. Indeed, he
made history through the heroic way he faced the great challenges and
opportunities of his time. But he was also able to make deep, personal
connections in the individual hearts of his people. After serving 38
years on the pontifical throne, he was regarded simply as the
Catholicos of All Armenians: as the embodiment of the Armenian
Church. Most people had never known another catholicos, and could
hardly imagine anyone else as their vehapar.
His service to those people had begun long before he took the vows of
a clergyman. He was already a mature and highly-regarded intellectual
in Romania when he decided to devote his life to the church. But God
had chosen the man born Levon Baljian for a special role, and he
embraced his destiny as Catholicos Vasken I.
At his ascension to the Throne of St. Gregory in 1955, he assumed the
full burden of our entire church. He went on to become the vital
bridge between homeland and diaspora. He was a shrewd, daring force
behind the Karabagh movement. He brought balance to our nation at a
dark time, and his voice inspired calm in moments of crisis.
Catholicos Vasken I passed away on August 18, 1994, at the age of
86-20 years ago this summer. At the news of his death, the line of
mourners flowing through the grounds of Holy Etchmiadzin did not abate
for three whole days, and included people from around the world, and
from all walks and stations of life.
Inscribed upon his tombstone in the courtyard of the Holy See are the
words Ser Voch Yerpek Angani: `Love Never Falters.’ It is the epitaph
chosen by the blessed Catholicos Vasken himself-the words he wished to
inscribe in stone, to express the totality of his life and work. They
are the words he wanted future generations to remember, whenever they
thought of him.
We invoke those words on the 20th year of his passing. In life,
Catholicos Vasken I opened the door to many new realities for our
people. His enduring memory should likewise inspire us to open our
hearts, and follow in his footsteps along the path of love. For Love
never falters.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Holy Cross Church, Akhtamar, Van
Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar, where pilgrims will take
part in the Divine Liturgy this week.
** Pilgrims Arrive in Historic Armenia
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Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian is leading a group of
some 20 people on a two-week pilgrimage to historic Armenia, from
September 3 to 15.
The pilgrimage begins in Van, where participants will have the
opportunity to take part in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar. Other highlights include
prayer services at the recently consecrated St. Giragos Armenian
Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
The group also will tour other parts of historic Armenia-Arapkir,
Mush, Antep, Sivas, Kharpert, and Malatya, among other cities and
villages. The journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims
will visit the Armenian Patriarchate.
Assisting the Primate is the Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan, pastor of
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ.
Armenian Teachers Symposium
** Armenian Teachers’ Symposium to be Held Saturday
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The Diocese’s Armenian Studies program will sponsor the Armenian
Teachers’ Symposium on Saturday, September 6, at the Diocesan complex
in New York.
This year’s program, themed `Engaging Approaches to Learning,’ will
focus on language core standards, and how to improve learning in the
classroom. The guest speakers include writer and educator Vehanoush
Tekian; Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian from the Diocese’s Armenian Studies
department, who will introduce resources and instructional concepts;
and Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese’s director of Music
Ministry, who will present a brief music instruction session.
Teachers will have an opportunity to learn about new educational and
cultural resources and `best practices’ of other schools, and will
also participate in a thought-provoking workshop. Educators who have
served their local Armenian Schools for over 25 years will be honored
during the symposium.
For information, contact Gilda Buchakjian at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
The Fragrance of God
** Join the Enlighteners Book Club
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Reading a book tends to be a solitary endeavor; but what happens when
we read a book as a group? The Diocese’s Department of Christian
Education is excited to offer an opportunity for people to learn and
grow together through `The Enlighteners Book Club’-an online group
that will read a designated book together and meet online to discuss
it through guided questions.
The club’s inaugural title is Vigen Guroian’s The Fragrance of God,
which chronicles the passage of seasons in a garden as symbolic of
one’s spiritual journey. The author’s personal experience, as well as
his theological insight, provides a deep spiritual dimension to his
reflections as a gardener. Dr. Guroian will join one of the online
discussions on the book.
Eric Vozzy of the Christian Education department will facilitate the
online group. To register, click here
()
to open a Goodreads account and join the `The Enlighteners Book Club.’
Once you join the group, you will have access to a schedule of
readings and meeting times, and a link to purchase The Fragrance of
God.
For more information, contact Eric Vozzy at (212) 686-0710, ext. 165,
or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Diocesan Director Search
** Search for Diocesan Director of Administration
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The Eastern Diocese is searching for candidates for the position of
Director of Administration.
Based in New York City, the Director of Administration will be
responsible for the management and operations of the Diocesan Center;
management of the administrative, operations, and business staff; and
coordination of Diocesan programs, in accordance with the directives
and policies established by the Primate and Diocesan Council.
Click here
()
to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Qualified applicants should send resume and cover
letter to the Primate’s office at the e-mail address
[email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=Diocesan%20Director%20Applicant)
.
** PARISH NEWS
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Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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Holy Martyrs Church | Bayside, NY
Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, will host its annual Oceania
Street Festival on Saturday, September 6 (from 12 to 8 p.m.), and
Sunday, September 7 (from 12 to 6 p.m.).
The festival features Armenian food, street vendors, dance
performances, games for kids, a raffle, and other activities. The
Vosbikian Band will entertain guests on Saturday, and the Onnik
Dinkjian band will perform on Sunday. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
St. Mary Church | Livingston, NJ
The Sunday and Armenian schools of St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ,
will begin the new academic year this month. A welcome back program is
planned for Sunday, September 7. Parents can register new students at
that time. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Holy Resurrection Church | New Britain, CT
Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, will host a screening of
the film `Orphans of the Genocide’ on Thursday, September 11,
beginning at 7 p.m. The screening will be followed by a discussion
with filmmaker Bared Maronian. The event is co-sponsored by Holy
Resurrection Church, St. George Church, and St. Stephen Church. Click
here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its annual
picnic on September 13 and 14.
Enjoy live Armenian music and dancing under large tents on church
grounds. Dinner on Saturday night will feature kheyma; on Sunday
guests will be served chicken. Armenian shish and losh kebab will also
be available.
Click here
()
to view a flyer. For more information, visit ,
or call the church at (401) 272-7712.
Holy Cross Church | New York, NY
Holy Cross Church in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood
will host its name-day dinner on the Feast of the Exaltation of the
Holy Cross, Sunday, September 14.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a complimentary madagh dinner will be
served. The day’s program will include the awarding of the parish’s
Mabel Fenner Scholarships. Click here
()
to visit the parish website for information.
Church of the Holy Ascension | Trumbull, CT
The Church of the Holy Ascension of Trumbull, CT, will host its annual
Armenian Picnic on Sunday, September 14, from 12 to 4 p.m. on church
grounds. Enjoy Armenian music, shish and looleh kebab, baklava, and
other Armenian favorites. Activities for kids will include a balloon
artist and games. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host the Trinity Family
Festival on Sunday, September 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. on church grounds.
Join the parish for an afternoon of food and fellowship. The day will
feature traditional Armenian food, music by the Greg Krikorian
Ensemble, face-painting and other activities for children, and a
`tavloo challenge.’ The blessing of madagh will take place at 4 p.m.
Click here
()
to view a flyer for information, or contact the church office at (617)
354-0632, or via e-mail at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY
Registration and the first day of St. Vartan Armenian School will take
place Saturday, September 20, at 10 a.m. Classes are geared towards
children ages 2 to 14, with bi-lingual sessions available. For
information, contact the school principal Shakeh Kadehjian at (718)
729-7265, or e-mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
The Kirikian Armenian Saturday School of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ, will resume classes on Saturday, September 20. The school offers
Armenian language and culture instruction. Registration for new
students will be held on the first day of class. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Church of Our Saviour | Worcester, MA
The Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, will sponsor its 21st
annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday September 22, at the Sterling
Country Club in Sterling, MA. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. An
awards banquet will follow the day’s tournament. Sponsorship
opportunities are available. Click here
()
to learn more and to download registration materials.
** YOUTH NEWS
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ACYOA Fall Retreats
** ACYOA Announces Fall Programs
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The ACYOA Central Council is putting the finishing touches on its
lineup of fall programming.
The season will open with the ACYOA Seniors New England Retreat on
October 25. Local chapter representatives will gather at the Holy
Resurrection Church in New Britain, CT, for workshops and discussions
centered on the day’s theme, `God is the Greatest Architect.’ Click on
the following links to view a flyer
()
and to register online
()
.
In November, the ACYOA Central Council will sponsor its annual
Leadership Conference at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point,
NY. The weekend-long event, from November 14 to 16, will give young
people the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills while
exploring the topic `Know Thyself: Responding to Life’s Challenges.’
Click on the following links to view a flyer
()
and to register online
()
.
For more information, visit , or contact Jennifer Morris,
director of Youth and Young Adults Ministries, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ,
or Lorie Odabashian, the department’s coordinator, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
** EVENTS
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Bible Study
** Explore the Bible: A New Series at St. Vartan Cathedral
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Beginning this fall, St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will host a monthly
series of interactive discussions on the Armenian Church’s approach to
the Gospel of Matthew. Readings from Matthew will be followed by a
dialogue about how Armenians have traditionally read and studied these
passages. The discussion will be supplemented by images, hymns, and
the writings of Armenian Church fathers.
Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings, from 7 to 8:30, on the
following dates: September 16, October 21, November 18, and December
16. They will be led by Eric Vozzy, who recently joined the Eastern
Diocese’s Christian Education department.
Click here
()
to view a flyer for more information, or contact Eric Vozzy at (212)
686-0710 ext. 165, or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) . Learn more by following
#ExploreTheBible on social media.
Bike for Independence Day
** Ride for Armenian Independence
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St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and the Permanent Mission of the
Republic of Armenia to the United Nations will host a bike ride in New
York in observance of Armenia’s Independence Day later this month.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, beginning at 9:30
a.m. Riders will proceed from 34th Street to West 12th Street and
return to the cathedral for lunch.
Vasken Melikian, Lebanon cycling champion and Guinness World Record
holder for towing a car by bicycle the farthest distance, will be the
day’s featured participant.
The event is free, but prospective participants are asked to RSVP by
Wednesday, September 17, by contacting Maria Barsoumian at the
Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710, ext. 136, or at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Click here
()
to view a flyer for more information.