Author: Andres-Papazian

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 December 15, 2011

St. James Armenian Church, Watertown, MA

_St. James Church of Watertown, MA, to Mark 80 Years_

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit St. James Church
of Watertown, MA, on Sunday, December 18, as the parish hosts its 80th
Anniversary Name Day Banquet.

Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the community will gather
for a special program featuring remarks, musical performances, and a video
presentation. The parish will present the 2011 Parishioner of the Year Award
to Paul Korian and recognize outgoing Parish Council members.

[4]Click here to visit the parish website.
Links:
4.

Scripture of the Week

Is 38: 1-8
Heb 1:1-14
Lk 17:1-10

Prayer of the Week

Dear Lord, you parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River as your people
journeyed to the Promised Land. Lift away those things that keep us from you
today as we continue the journey. We ask this in your name, and with the
Father and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_15 December:_ St. James, Bishop of Nisibis

_24 December:_ St. David the Prophet-King and the Holy Apostle James,
Brother of the Lord

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

President of Lebanon visits Holy Etchmiadzin
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman (at right) lights a candle at Holy
Etchmiadzin.

_President of Lebanon Visits Holy Etchmiadzin _

At Holy Etchmiadzin on Saturday, December 10, His Holiness Karekin II, the
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Lebanese
President Michel Sleiman, who was accompanied by Armenia’s Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian.

His Holiness reflected on the longstanding friendship between the Armenian
and Lebanese people, and expressed his appreciation to Lebanon for its
recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its work toward achieving a
peaceful resolution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh.

President Sleiman expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for the warm
reception and joined Armenian clergy on a tour of Holy Etchmiadzin and the
adjoining museum.

US house

_U.S. House Calls on Turkey to Return Christian Property
_
On Tuesday, December 13, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a
measure calling on Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return
confiscated church properties and other Christian monuments.

The text of the House resolution urges Turkey to end religious
discrimination, to allow the free practice of religious traditions, and to
return confiscated properties and permit the maintenance and preservation of
such properties.
[5]
Click here to read the resolution in full.
Links:
5.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Mr. and Mrs. Anahid and Papken Megerian
Some 2,000 people gathered for the re-consecration of St. Giragos Church on
October 22.

_New Travelogue on Recent Diarbekir Pilgrimage _

In its December 10 issue, the_ Armenian Mirror-Spectator _devoted an 8-page
supplement to the recent Diocesan pilgrimage to Diarbekir (Dikranakert), in
Turkey, where the group of Diocesan leaders took part in the October 22
re-consecration of the historic St. Giragos Armenian Church.

The pilgrimage was led by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, and
included the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. In
addition to St. Giragos Church, the pilgrims visited the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople and toured other historic Armenian churches
in Anatolia.

The full text of the _Mirror Spectator_ article-a vivid travelogue-by
pilgrim and journalist Hagop Vartivarian can be read [6]here.
Links:
6.

Christmas Servicese at St. Vartan Armenian Cathderal

_Christmas Services at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York_

The Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed at
New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Thursday and Friday, January 5
and 6.

[7]Click here to view the special liturgical schedule for these “Armenian
Christmas” services.
Links:
7.

Concurrent with the Armenian Christmas observances, an art exhibit will be
on display in Guild Hall and Yerevan Hall of the cathedral complex. In
“Armenian Christmas and the Legacy of Armenian Artists,” curator Vicki
Shoghag Hovanessian has assembled works by prominent Yerevan-based painters
and by prolific American-Armenian artists.

Fund for Armenian Relief
Bella Kocharyan speaks with a young man at the opening of the Daycare
Rehabilitation Center in Armenia.

_New FAR Rehabilitation Center Opens in Armenia_

On Thursday, December 8, a new Daycare Rehabilitation Center officially
opened in Abovyan, Armenia. The new center is run by the Fund for Armenian
Relief’s Children’s Center, and is part of the Juvenile Justice in Armenia
Program.

The Juvenile Justice Program aims to encourage greater collaboration between
the Children’s Center and local law enforcement agencies. Its approach is
modernizing juvenile justice in Armenia by allowing civil groups to monitor
the traditionally closed-off child detention institutions.

The Daycare Rehabilitation Center will support children who are on
probation. The larger goal is to ensure the protection of the best interests
of children, even in difficult situations where a child is in conflict with
the law. This first-of-its-kind center will be developed by Armenian law
enforcement agencies into a model to be replicated throughout the country.
[8]
Click here to read more.
Links:
8.

Michael Aram artwork

_Armenian-English Dictionary Now in Hardcover_

The Eastern Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education is pleased to
announce the new hardcover edition of the Practical Heritage Dictionary. The
Armenian-English/English-Armenian dictionary-available for purchase from the
St. Vartan Bookstore-is priced at $30 per copy (plus shipping and handling),
but customers will receive a 20 percent discount during the Advent season
(through January 6, 2012).

This easy-to-use publication of the Diocesan Armenian Studies Program
features a functional vocabulary of 3,000 words, including the most common
words used in Armenian conversation. Other highlights include religious
terminology, English transliterations, newly-commissioned color
illustrations, and a running alphabet on each page. The Practical Heritage
Dictionary makes an ideal Christmas gift.

The dictionary was made possible through a generous donation from Anamaria
Ghazarian-Rivera and family. It was compiled by Gilda Kupelian, the
Diocese’s Armenian Studies coordinator. To purchase a copy, contact Nazareth
Salbashian at the St. Vartan Bookstore, at (212) 686-0710, ext. 152.

Advent

_Visit our Blog for Daily Advent Reflections_

Last month marked the beginning of the Advent season. Advent means
`coming’-the coming of Christ. In Armenian it is called Hisnag, from the
word for `fifty.’

Advent is the 50-day period during which we prepare to celebrate the
Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time to reflect on
our relationship with God and to rededicate ourselves to Christ through our
actions, thoughts, and prayers. Advent can also be an occasion to discover
God’s gifts all around us.

This year the Department of Youth and Education is offering daily Advent
reflections on our blog. [9]Click here to view today’s reflection, and come
back every day to read and reflect on a new post.
Links:
9.

PARISH NEWS

Fr. Shnork Kasparian receives an Ensiclical.
Archbishop Barsamian presents Fr. Shnork Kasparian with an Encyclical from
His Holiness Karekin II.

_Fr. Shnork Kasparian: 50 Years of Service _

The Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church of Belleville, IL, hosted an
exciting weekend centered on celebrating the 50th ordination anniversary of
longtime parish pastor (and current visiting pastor) the Very Rev. Fr.
Shnork Kasparian.

Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presided over the gala banquet
at the Cedars Ballroom in, St. Louis, MO, on Friday, December 9, which was
also attended by honored clergy including Bishop Robert Shaheen, the
Maronite Eparchial Bishop of the Our Lady of Lebanon Eparchy, and the Very
Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of Chicago’s St. Gregory the Illuminator
Armenian Church.

Nearly 100 people attended, including guests who had traveled from New York,
Canada, and Chicago to honor Fr. Kasparian. Archbishop Barsamian presented
Fr. Kasparian with an Encyclical from His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Fr. Kasparian reflected on his
many years of service, expressing thanks to people around the world to whom
he had ministered.

Click to [10]read more and to [11]view photos.
Links:
10.
11.

St. Mary Armenian Church, Florida
Archbishop Barsamian ordains Arie Zakaryan to the sub-diaconate, with Fr.
Vartan Joulfayan assisting.

_St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, Marks Milestones _

On Sunday, December 11, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
visited St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, as the community marked the 60th
anniversary of the establishment of the first Armenian parish in Miami, and
the 13th anniversary of the consecration of the present church building in
Hollywood.

The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the ordination
of five altar servers. Archbishop Barsamian ordained Andrew Dilanchian,
Johnny Heghinian, Sevan Lusararian, and Sage McBride to the rank of acolyte.
Arie Zakaryan was ordained to the sub-diaconate.

Following services, some 150 people gathered for a banquet in the church
hall. The Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, parish pastor, spoke about the history
of the community, which traces its roots to the late 1930s, when Armenians
first began to settle in South Florida. He stressed the contributions of all
the individuals and families who helped the community grow over the past six
decades.

Click to [12]read more about the celebratory program and to [13]view photos.
Links:
12.
13.

Last Sunday, Fr. Joulfayan also unveiled the parish’s redesigned website.
The new site-which can be accessed at
[14] photo and video galleries,
Christian education materials, and other resources.
Links:
14.

St. Mary Armenian Church, Washington DC
Simon Kumkumian (left) and Rubic Movsessian were honored at St. Mary Church
last Sunday.

_St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, Honors Parishioners_

Parishioners at St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, observed the church’s
79th anniversary on Sunday, December 11. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated
by Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director. A requiem
candlelight service was held in memory of the deceased members of the
community and the loved ones of parishioners, as well as the victims of the
December 7, 1988, earthquake in Armenia.

Following services, a special blessing was held for the church’s new
episcopal throne and chairs, which were dedicated in memory of Varteres and
Mary Varteresian; and the new reliquary, which was donated by the Movsessian
family.

In the afternoon, the Parish Council hosted a program and luncheon.
Parishioners Rubic Movsessian and Simon Kumkumian were honored with
Pastor’s Recognition Awards for years of dedicated service to the church and
community. The Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, parish pastor, congratulated the
recipients and spoke about the importance of lay ministry.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Tatoul Markarian,
was in attendance. He congratulated the parish on its anniversary and spoke
about the role of the Armenian Church in the life of the Armenian people.

[15]Click here to view photos.
Links:
15.

Armenian Church in Orlando, FL

_Orlando, FL, Community Focuses on Membership Drive _

On Sunday, December 4, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
visited Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, where he celebrated the
Divine Liturgy and met with parishioners.

Fr. Odabashian was assisted at the altar by the church’s visiting pastor,
the Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan. Following services, Fr. Malkhasyan led a
discussion on the Divine Liturgy for the parish’s newly formed Young
Professionals group.

Fr. Odabashian spoke to the community about the importance of church
membership and introduced members of the parish’s new Membership Committee.
He also met with the Parish Council to review details of the parish’s
membership drive and the Parish Assembly, which is scheduled for February
12.

Fr. Simeon Odabashian visits the Armenian parish in Brooklyn.
Fr. Simeon Odabashian with students and staff at the St. Gregory the
Illuminator Mission Parish Armenian School in Brooklyn, NY.

_Vicar Visits Bayside and Brooklyn, NY, Parishes_

On Sunday, December 11, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
participated in the Divine Liturgy and visited the Sunday School at the
Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated
by the Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, the parish’s interim pastor.

Later that afternoon, Fr. Odabashian traveled to Brooklyn to visit the St.
Gregory the Illuminator Mission Parish Armenian School. He met with students
and staff and heard about the programs underway at the school.

In the evening, Fr. Odabashian attended a concert given by the Holy Martyrs
Church Shnorhali Chorale Group in honor of the 20th anniversary of
Armenia’s independence.

A memorial khatchkar for Baku Armenians.
An artist’s drawing of the Baku-Sumgait memorial that the St. John parish
plans to erect on church grounds in Southfield, MI.

_Southfield, MI, Parish Raises Money for Baku Memorial_

St. John Church of Southfield, MI, hosted a fundraiser for its Baku Memorial
Monument on Sunday, December 4. The event, held at parishioners Garri and
Kristina Mazmanov’s Café Allegro, raised more than $8,000 for the project.

The parish hopes to raise a total of $35,000 to erect a monument to the
Armenian victims of the pogroms in Azerbaijan in the late 1980s and early
1990s. The monument will be installed on church grounds, near the existing
memorial to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.

Tax deductible donations can be made by check or credit card. For
information, call the church office at (248) 569-3405.
[16]
Click here to view photos of the December 4 event. To learn more about the
monument, visit [17]
Links:
16.
17.

St. David Armenian Church, Florida

_Women’s Guild of Boca Raton, FL, Celebrates Christmas _

On Saturday, December 10, the Women’s Guild of St. David Church of Boca
Raton, FL, celebrated Christmas at the Sundy House, a historic landmark
restaurant in Delray Beach, FL. The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, parish
pastor, joined the Women’s Guild for this special event.

Marge Lave was recognized by the Executive Board for her dedicated service.
Rose Killian, Virginia Norsesian, Lucy Hamalian, Alice Mikaelian, Nina
Stapan, and Makruhi Movsesyan were also recognized for their service to the
Women’s Guild.

After the luncheon, Nina Stapan, Zepure Andreasian, and Louise Apoian led
the singing of Christmas carols. Gifts were exchanged among the members and
a lottery was drawn.
[18]
Click here to visit the St. David Church website and to learn more about its
Women’s Guild chapter.
Links:
18.

St. Peter Church’s new website
The website of St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, has a new look.

_St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, Redesigns Website_

St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, is pleased to announce that it has
launched a redesigned website: [19]
Links:
19.

The new site offers expanded photo galleries, a new and secure PayPal system
for donations and other payments, and many other resources.

The project was completed with the help of local parishioner Dan Martin. Mr.
Martin has provided services for creating, hosting, and maintaining the
site.

St. George Church, Hartford, CT
Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, Sunday School students, and staff with residents of a
home for the elderly in Hartford, CT.

_Sunday School Students in Hartford, CT, Visit Elderly_

On Saturday, December 10, students at the St. George Church Sunday School of
Hartford, CT, made their annual visit to parishioners who are unable to
attend church on Sundays.

Following a luncheon and a morning of cookie baking and decorating, students
visited parishioners at a local home for the elderly, where they sang
Christmas carols and delivered the cookie trays they had prepared earlier in
the day. Assisting the students were Sunday School co-superintendents
Cynthia Messikian and Virginia Wasynczuk, teachers, parents, and the parish
pastor, the Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian.

The Christmas caroling party gives young people an opportunity to learn the
importance of volunteering and brings joy to those who are homebound.

[20]Click here to view the day’s photos.
Links:
20.

St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, NYC
Fr. Mardiros Chevian with honoree Araxe Cherishian.

_St. Vartan Cathedral Council Honors Araxe Cherishian_

On Sunday, November 20, the St. Vartan Cathedral Council sponsored its
annual Thanksgiving luncheon for the cathedral community.

During the afternoon program, the council honored Araxe Cherishian for her
decades of service to the cathedral. Ms. Cherishian currently serves as the
senior usher during cathedral services.

She was presented with a letter of blessing and recognition from Diocesan
Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Vartan Cathedral, gave Ms. Cherishian a framed mosaic on behalf of the
Cathedral Council.

_Upcoming Parish Events _

_St. Stepanos Church | Elberon, NJ_
St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, will host a “Christmas Delicacies and
Bake Sale” on Saturday, December 17 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and Sunday,
December 18 (1 to 4 p.m.).

Enjoy Armenian choreg, stuffed grapeleaves, boreg, wheat and lamb kufteh,
pakhlava, khadayif, Christmas cookie platters, and more. For information,
call the church office at (732) 229-3661.

_St. Mark Church | Springfield, MA _
St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, will host its second annual Christmas
Dinner and Concert on Friday, December 23, beginning at 6 p.m. [21]Click
here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
21.

Tickets must be reserved by December 18. For reservations, contact Elaine
Devine at (413) 267-5306 or [22][email protected].
Links:
22. mailto:[email protected]

_Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI _
The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
will host a Christmas Concert titled `Silent Night, Holy Night’ on
Wednesday, December 28, at 7 p.m. The concert will be held in the church
sanctuary.

It will feature performances by the choir of the Saint Ephraim Syriac
Orthodox Church, the Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island, and the Junior Choir
of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church.

[23]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
23.

_Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL_
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a New Year’s Eve dinner and
dance on Saturday, December 31, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy Armenian music
by John Arzigian, Joe Zeytounian, and Mike Gregian, and a buffet dinner.

[24]Click here for more information.
Links:
24.

YOUTH NEWS

ACYOA meets in New Jersey

_ACYOA Central Council Meets in Livingston, NJ_

The ACYOA Central Council held a two-day meeting last weekend at St. Mary
Church of Livingston, NJ. The meeting began on Friday, December 9, with a
discussion with members of the joint ACYOA-Fund for Armenian Relief
`Hand-In-Hand’ committee. Participants spoke about new outreach projects the
`Hand-In-Hand’ committee is planning for 2012.

On Saturday, December 10, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar; the Rev.
Fr. Krikor Sabounjian; and Michael Guglielmo, the Diocese’s executive
director, joined the Central Council members and led a Bible study session.

The Central Council then discussed the progress made on goals set last
summer and the status of upcoming programs, including the Chapter Workshop
(planned for January in Boca Raton, FL), the Alumni Ball (scheduled for
February 11 in Washington, DC), the Alternative Spring Break (scheduled for
March 17-24 in Buffalo, NY), Regional Lenten Retreats, and the Armenia
Service Program (scheduled for June 29-July 19).

On Saturday evening, Central Council members joined the Livingston parish
for their Christmas `Jingle Ball.’ On Sunday, they took part in the Divine
Liturgy, which was celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan.

`I felt we had a very productive meeting,’ said Central Council member Armen
Terjimanian. `We were able to accomplish our goals, and now head into the
new year reenergized to prepare for January’s Chapter Workshop.’

To learn more about the ACYOA, visit [25]
Links:
25.

Diocesan Summer Camps

_St. Vartan Camp Online Registration is Now Open_

Online registration for St. Vartan Camp begins today. [26]Click here to
register.
Midwest Hye camp applications will be available for download on March 15.
[27]Click here to view a Diocesan camps flyer.
Links:
26.
27.

The camps program has a new e-newsletter, launched last week, which will be
dedicated to sharing news, photos, and other information about St. Vartan
Camp and Hye Camp. [28]Click here to read the first edition of the camp
e-newsletter. To subscribe, contact Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s Youth
Outreach coordinator, at [29][email protected].
Links:
28.
29. mailto:[email protected]

Also new this year, just in time for last-minute Christmas shopping, is the
online camp store offering apparel, accessories, and gifts for the whole
family. [30]Click here to browse the items.
Links:
30.

St. Nersess Christmas Conference

_Register for the Christmas Conference at St. Nersess _

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will host its annual Christmas Conference for
college students and young adults, January 2-6 at the seminary in New
Rochelle, NY. For the first time ever, the conference is open to members of
all Oriental Orthodox churches.

Participants will engage in Bible study, pray together, and enjoy
opportunities for fellowship. Deacon Benjamin Rith-Najarian, a pastoral
intern at St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will direct the conference. The
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, seminary dean, will serve as the conference
chaplain.

The cost of the program-including tuition, materials, and room and board-is
$300. [31]Click here for more information.

From: A. Papazian

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:

December 15, 2011

U.S. HOUSE RESOLUTION ADOPTED ON TUESDAY;

SUPPORTS RETURN OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH PROPERTIES
The U.S. House of Representatives adopted a landmark religious freedom
measure, H. Res. 306, calling upon Turkey to return confiscated
Christian Church properties and to safeguard religious freedom to the
surviving members of the vast Christian civilizations, and to end all
forms of religious discrimination.

Prior to the vote, Archbishop Oshagan sent nessages to Representatives
Ed Royce (R-CA) and Howard Berman (D-CA), who spearheaded the
resolution. His Eminence said, in part:

We are hopeful that a majority of your colleagues understand the
profound meaning of this measure, and will vote to call upon the
Republic of Turkey to return captive Armenian, Greek, Assyrian,
Syriac, and other Christian church properties.

We respectfully ask that you share with your colleagues the strong
support of the clerical and lay leadership of the Armenian Church for
this measure that promotes freedom of faith, and advances the cause of
justice for all.

Nearly two thousand years before the establishment of the Ottoman
Empire, the early Christians dating back to the first century AD,
created great civilizations and established a rich civic, religious,
and cultural heritage on lands that are now in present-day Turkey. The
government-sponsored campaign of genocide by the Ottoman Empire
against its Christian subjects resulted in the murder of more than two
million Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Pontians, Arameans, and Syriacs,
and the exile of hundreds of thousands from their homelands of
thousands of years.

The Republic of Turkey has continued these policies to this day
through a continuing cultural genocide. Our rich Christian heritage
is in captivity, and the endangered Christian communities in Turkey
endure oppressive restrictions on their right to worship in freedom in
their historic places of worship, many of which have been desecrated,
and others left to decay.

Your effort on behalf of this resolution confirms the United States
enduring commitment to religious freedom. Advocates of freedom of
worship for all faiths look upon this as a moral and honored stand for
freedom of faith for all.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND COAF GALA TONIGHT

Archbishop Oshagan will attend the 8th annual Gala sponsored by the
Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) tonight that will take place at the
picturesque Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New
York City. Under the theme of Building a Brighter Future, the annual
Gala is a major fundraiser for the humanitarian work by COAF to help
the children of Armenia.

VICAR WILL REPRESENT PRELATE AT RECEPTION

Tomorrow evening, December 16, Bishop Anoushavan will represent
Archbishop Oshagan at a reception in honor of all Armenian workers at
the United Nations. The reception is hosted by the Armenian Mission to
the United Nations and St. Illuminators Cathedral. It will take place
at the Cathedral located at 221 E. 27th Street in Manhattan.

THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AT

ST. SARKIS CHURCH FOR POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS

Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan attended the annual
Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheon yesterday, December 14, at
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, in honor of the local New
York City police and fire departments (111th Precinct). The day began
with a worship service led by the Prelate, Vicar, and Rev. Fr. Nareg
Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis. A luncheon followed the service with
delicious food and fellowship with the participation of the seniors of
St. Sarkis as well as other parishioners.

Thanksgiving service at St. Sarkis Church.

Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and Rev. Fr. Nareg with the
Captain of Precinct 111.

VICAR WILL ATTEND ARF ANNIVERSARY

Bishop Anoushavan will attend the 121st anniversary of the ARF this
Saturday evening, December 17, in New York, organized by the Armen
Garo Gomideh.

ORDINATION IN TROY

Last Sunday, during a visit to Holy Cross Church in Troy, New York,
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, celebrated the Divine Liturgy
and ordained Steve Karagosian to the order of the diaconate.

Bishop Anoushavan with Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian, pastor of Holy Cross
Church, and altar servers with the newly-ordained deacon and family
members.

PHILLY SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Linking faith and works together and in keeping with the real reason
for the season, St. Gregory Sunday School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
spearheaded their third community-wide Outreach Program: a Toy Drive
for Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Sunday School Toddlers
teacher, Talene Yeremian, a medical student at Drexel University and a
volunteer at CHOP, brought it to the attention of the church community
that CHOP needed new toys, DVDs, books, etc. for their hospitalized
children and teens. In only two months St. Gregorys community
collected and delivered more than 250 gifts to the hospital.

FOOD FESTIVAL AT RACINE PARISH ATTRACTS MANY

Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Hagop Church, Racine,
Wisconsin, reports that the parishs Food Festival and Bake Sale
attracted not only parishioners, but many people from the immediate
community who enjoyed the Armenian delicacies.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, December 18, Fourth Sunday of Advent, are:
Isaiah 38:1-8; Hebrews 1:1-14; Luke 17:1-10.

Jesus said to his disciples, Occasions for stumbling are bound to
come, but woe to anyone by whom they came! It would be better for you
if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the
sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on
your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender,
and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person
sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times
and says, I repent, you must forgive.

The apostle said to the Lord, Increase our faith! The Lord replied, If
you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this
mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey
you.

Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from
plowing or tending sheep in the field, Come here at once and take your
place at the table? Would you not rather say to him, Prepare supper
for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later
you may eat and drink? Do you thank the slave for doing what was
commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered
to do, say, We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought
to have done!(Luke 17:1-10)

For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (

).

ST. JAMES (HAGOP) OF NISIBIS

This Saturday, December 17, is the feast of St. James (Hagop) of
Nisibis (Mdzbin). He participated in the first ecumenical council in
Nicaea (325), where he earned great respect from the Emperor
Constantine and the other attendees. He Was born and died in the city
of Nisibis (Nusbyien) located in what is now southeastern Turkey, an
important early Christian center in Asia Minor and a transit point of
the caravans traveling east and west.

St. James is one of the most beloved saints in the Armenian Church. He
is also honored by the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox
Church, the Coptic Church, and the Eastern Catholic and Roman Catholic
churches. He was ordained Bishop of Nisibis in 320 AD.

St. James sought to find Noahs Ark as proof for skeptics. On the eve
of his accent, as he rested, an angel appeared and told him he need
not climb to the summit and gave him a piece of the Ark which was
nearby. This piece is kept at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The heavenly hosts rejoiced at the greatness of your feats by which
you in the flesh became like the angels on high; we have you as
intercessor for us before the Father in heaven. And we with a joyful
voice celebrate your holy memory, O venerable witness of Christ, holy
bishop James; we have you as intercessor for us before the Father in
heaven. You decided on severe toils to see Noahs Ark and from the
angels hand received a portion of the wood which served the human race
as salvation; we have you as intercessor for us before the Father in
heaven.

(Canon to St. James, Bishop of Nisibis, from the Canons of the
Armenian Apostolic Church)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

This Sunday, December 18, is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Take a deep
breath, relax, sit down, and have a cup of tea. Better yet, have that
cup of tea with a shut-in friend or relative.

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In case you missed it last week, we are repeating the following appeal
for sponsors to come aboard the Prelacys Orphan Sponsorship program.
It is a good thing to do!

NEEDED: SPONSORS FOR ORPHANS

During the last two decades, one of the most pervasive tragedies felt
by Armenia as a consequence of natural disaster and war was the
emergence of a large orphan population. The 1988 earthquake, the war
in defense of Artsakh, and the pogroms against Armenians in Azerbaijan
resulted in an orphan crisis on a scale that was unprecedented since
the aftermath of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The continuing economic
hardship that has faced the vast majority of Armenian families in
Armenia and Artsakh compounded the problem.

Almost nineteen years ago the Eastern Prelacy began its Orphan
Sponsorship Program to help alleviate this dire situation. In the
early years the orphans were children of freedom fighters who died
defending Arstakh. Later the program was expanded to include any needy
child in Armenia or Artsakh who had lost one or both parents.

Since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,700 children,
who receive a monthly stipend until they reach age 18. Some of the
children live with their widowed mothers with little or no source of
income; others with grandparents on meager pensions.

We have a long list of children waiting for sponsors. Once a child is
accepted he or she remains in the program until age 18. The annual
donation is only $225 per child. Sponsors are provided with names,
addresses and other pertinent information about their sponsored child
and are encouraged to maintain communications.

During this joyous season when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and
Savior, what better gift could there be than helping a child? Please
consider becoming a sponsor. Contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 and
talk with Sophie.

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FROM THE BOOKSTORE

NEWBY TALINE

Two new offerings from the popular childrens entertainer:

DZIADZAN
A compact disc with 12 new songs by Taline.
$18.00, plus shipping & handling.

LETS HAVE FUN IN ARMENIAN
A DVD by Taline and Friends with 14 songs for ages 1 to 10.
$18.00 plus shipping & handling.

TO ORDER CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL ([email protected]
(mailto:[email protected])) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 18Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.

December 31New Years Gala, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
North Andover, Massachusetts, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, 8:30 pm. $75 per
person includes mezze and the famous Midnight Soujouk & Eggs Full
Breakfast Buffet and Desserts. Music by Richard Berberian, Mal
Barsamian, Bruce Girgarjian, and Ron Tutunjian. For
information/reservations contact church office, 978-685-5038.

January 14Huyser Musical Ensemble of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York, presents Heartbeat of our Land, under auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, 7:30 pm at Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th
Street (between Madison and Park Avenues), New York City. Special
appearance by AGBU Antranig Armenian Dance Ensemble. For
information/tickets contact the Cathedrals office,
212-689-5880. Tickets also available on line at (

).

February 13-16Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, Eastern and Canadian
Prelacies, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

March 25Celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielians ordination to the priesthood. Save the date.

May 9-12, 2012National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy,
hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. Clergy
conference on May 9; full delegation May 10 to 12. Accommodations at
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Details will be forthcoming
to parishes and delegates.

May 11-12National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 30th
anniversary celebration and annual conference in conjunction with the
National Representative Assembly, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. For information: Mary Derderian 781-762-4253.

July 14Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild and ARS Ani Chapter,
Providence, Rhode Island, A Hye Summer Night VI dance, featuring
Hachig Kazarian, Richard Hagopian, Kenneth Kalajian, Jason Naroian, 8
pm to 1 am; $35 adults; $15 children 16 and under. At the Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, Rhode
Island. Mezza will be served. Limited seating. For tickets and
information: 401-434-4467 (Joyce Bagdasarian); 401-354-8770 (Joyce
Yeremian).

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

From: A. Papazian

BARONESS COX: AZERBAIJAN SOMETIMES SAYS ONE THING BUT DOES ANOTHER

arminfo
Thursday, December 15, 22:37

>From time to time Azerbaijan shows aggression and says that it is
actively developing its military capacities, Baroness Caroline Cox,
member of the British House of Lords, said during a press-conference
in Yerevan on Thursday.

In Armenia Cox is accompanying a group of Hongkongese businessmen.

The Baroness said that the Nagorno-Karabakh people should be involved
in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks.

She hopes that Azerbaijan will show a more rational and constructive
attitude and not only in words. She noted that sometimes Azerbaijan
says one thing but does another.

From: A. Papazian

YEREVAN AND VENICE BECOME SISTER CITIES

PanARMENIAN.Net
December 15, 2011 – 21:47 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In the framework of a working visit to Italy,
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visited Mayor of Venice to attend
a document signing ceremony under which Yerevan and Venice become
sister cities.

The document was signed by Mayors of Yerevan and Venice Taron Margaryan
and Giorgio Orsoni respectively.

During the event, Margaryan invited Orsoni to Yerevan to attend April
events dedicated to Yerevan World Book Capital proclamation.

On December 15, Armenian delegation returned to homeland.

From: A. Papazian

EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE DESCRIBES KARABAKH CONFLICT AS A FIRE THAT IS STILL BURNING

arminfo
Thursday, December 15, 16:18

The European Policy Centre in Brussels on 8 December hosted a round
table meeting on the theme “The EU’s role in the South Caucasus”.

Ambassador Philippe Lefort, the recently appointed EU Special
Representative to the South Caucasus was the keynote speaker. Other
speakers were the European Parliament Rapporteur on the South Caucasus
Evgeni Kirilov and the Director of LINKS, Dennis Sammut. The meeting
was chaired by EPC Senior Analyst Amanda Paul.

The three speakers reflected on the work that has been done by the
European Union with the region over the last two decades and all
agreed that there had been considerable progress in developing the
relationship with the three countries bilaterally. The issue of the
unresolved conflicts is however a matter of great concern to the
European Union. Both Mr Kirilov and Mr Sammut spoke in favour of a
more robust engagement with the region and for the European Union
to put across its expectations from the governments of the three
countries more forcefully, reports.

Ambassador Lefort described the Karabakh conflict as a fire that is
still burning and said that the internal dynamic is not conducive
to a settlement since both Armenia and Azerbaijan still see an
alternative to compromise. The European Union saw its role at this
point that of supporting confidence building measures, though there
was an understanding that once a breakthrough has been achieved a
much larger forum than the current Minsk Process will be necessary
to put into practise whatever has been agreed.

Speaking about the impact of the EU on the region Ambassador Lefort
said that the three governments must not see the European Union
only as a mechanism for visa facilitation and trade, and that the EU
stood for values and principles that the three countries need to take
into account.

From: A. Papazian

EDWARD NALBANDIAN TO ATTEND THE SITTING OF BSEC FOREIGN MINISTERS IN MOSCOW

armradio.am
15.12.2011 17:40

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will leave for Moscow on
November 16 to participate in the sitting of the Council of Foreign
Ministers of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, Press
and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign affairs reported.

From: A. Papazian

GOVERNMENT TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR PAYING THE TUITION FEES OF ABOUT 600 SOCIALLY INSECURE AND PROGRESSIVE STUDENTS

ARMENPRESS
December 15, 2011
YEREVAN

The Armenian Government will allocate 60 million AMD to the Education
and Science Ministry for paying the tuition fees of about 600 socially
insecure and progressive students. At the cabinet sitting today Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted that it is another important event
included in the package of social assistance of the executive power.

“The Youth Foundation is organizing a quite transparent process
where students control themselves in order that the means reach
the addressees. We have received positive signals connected with
this program, and I think it will be right to continue it,” Tigran
Sargsyan said.

From: A. Papazian

PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN VISITED THE MKHITARIAN CONGREGATION AT THE ST. LAZARUS ISLAND IN VENICE

14.12.2011

President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Mkhitarian Congregation at the
St. Lazarus Island in Venice, met with the members of the Congregation
and representatives of spiritual and cultural Armenian organizations
of Italy.

At the Church of the Congregation, the President of Armenia lit
a candle for the Republic of Armenia, Armenian Spyurk and Nagorno
Karabakh. According to President Sargsyan, it is a source of pride and
a great honor to announce to the members of Mkhitarian Congregation in
Venice the commencing of the events dedicated to the 500th anniversary
of Armenian book-printing.

In his remarks, President Serzh Sargsyan hailed activities of the
devotees of the Congregation who carry on their patriotic mission
at the St. Lazarus Island, underscored that thanks to their work
for many years “light has been radiating” from the Island, and that
light should be disseminated and employed. “We cannot be isolated
from the global processes, cannot live isolated from other nations,
we have to preserve in this swiftly changing world our identity,
using opportunities provided by the rapidly changing world and
glorifying our ancestors we should keep strong the Armenian roots of
our youngsters. This is our primary task and, I believe, now, when
the entire Armenian nation has historical motherland, has statehood,
these issues can be solved much easier,” the President of Armenia said.

Speaking about the events dedicated to the 500th anniversary of
Armenian book-printing, President Sargsyan noted that celebrations
are not only tribute to our ancestors but also present a great and
nice opportunity to show others our values and our commitment to
these values. “We, as a state, as representatives of our nation stand
ready to help the Mkhitarian Congregation, all Armenian structures and
those who bring their contribution to Armenia and the Armenian-Italian
friendship,” President Sargsyan stressed. In his words, many would
ask what is “Armenian phenomenon?”, is it the world-spread Armenian
Spyurk? The President noted that he is convinced that the Armenian
phenomenon is our ability through the centuries to recognize and employ
everything that is progressive. That very ability stipulated that the
Armenians were the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as
state religion, invented alphabet, writing and literature long-long
before any other nation and short after the invention of book-printing
had been printing books in the Armenian.

Serzh Sargsyan stressed the importance of the drive and guts which
are coming from the ancestors, to be transferred to our young and to
be carried on from generation to generation.

President Serzh Sargsyan responded also to the questions raised by the
attendees. He noted that he was well aware of the problems faced by the
Congregation, including the issue of digitalization. Serzh Sargsyan
assured that the Government of Armenia will allot necessary funding
to the Congregation to solve that issue. He said that the best way
to preserve that valuable library is to digitalize it, as it is done
in the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts – Matenadaran.

Today, at the Correr museum in Venice President Serzh Sargsyan
participated at the opening of the “Armenia: Impressions of a
Civilization” exhibition dedicated to the 500th anniversary of
book-printing in Armenia. The President of Armenia thanked all
those who have brought their participation to the organization of
the exhibition, including the authorities of the Italian Republic,
local administration of Venice, all state officials and diplomatic
staff, those who have sacredly preserved the relics and, certainly,
to the Correr Museum – one of the best museums in the world – for
the implementation of this great and important project.

Later, President Sargsyan visited San Marco Cathedral of Venice and
listened to the Armenian spiritual music concert.

Afterwards, at the Napoleon Hall of the Correr Museum, President Serzh
Sargsyan will host an official dinner which will be attended by the
specialists of the Armenian studies, who have arrived to Venice from
different countries of the world to participate at the “Armenia:
Impressions of a Civilization” exhibition.

From: A. Papazian

GROUPE-PAYS ARMENIE DE CITES UNIES FRANCE : PREMIÈRE REUNION A NANTERRE
Stephane

armenews.com
jeudi 15 decembre 2011

Patrick Devedjian, president du conseil general, preside cette premiere
reunion jeudi 15 decembre 2011 a l’hôtel du departement.

Objectif : developper une cooperation decentralisee franco-armenienne
efficace.

Cette rencontre est l’occasion pour les collectivites territoriales,
membres de Cites unies France (CUF), de fixer les orientations qui
guideront l’organisation et l’activite future de ce groupe-pays,
et de definir l’ebauche d’un agenda pour 2012.

Cites unies France (CUF) est une association qui anime un reseau de 3
000 collectivites territoriales : elle mène des actions de cooperation
internationale et constitue un espace d’echange d’informations et de
bonnes pratiques. Ces echanges sont notamment organises en groupes
geographiques – les “groupes-pays” -, rassemblant les collectivites
territoriales qui mènent ou souhaitent initier des projets dans le
pays concerne.

Dans ce cadre, la presidence du groupe-pays Armenie a ete confiee,
suite a sa creation en juillet 2011, au president du conseil general,
qui assure ainsi a la fois le rôle d’animateur du groupe-pays et de
representant des collectivites engagees en faveur de l’Armenie auprès
des institutions concernees en France et en Armenie.

From: A. Papazian

QUATRE ETATS REJOIGNENT LA CALIFORNIE SUR SA LOI RELATIVE AUX ASSURANCES DU GENOCIDE
Stephane

armenews.com
jeudi 15 decembre 2011

LOS ANGELES – Dans un developpement sans precedent, la ministre de
la Justice de l’Etat de Californie, Kamala Harris, a ete rejointe
par ses homologues d’Hawaï, du Massachussetts, du Nevada et de Rhode
Island, dans son soutien de la constitutionnalite de la Loi sur le
Recouvrement de l’Assurance sur la Vie du Genocide Armenien de l’etat
de Californie, et dans la reaffirmation de la recente decision d’une
formation de trois juges de la meme cour. Une audience sur cette
affaire est prevue ce mercredi.

En 2009, la Cour d’Appel Federale de la 9ème Circonscription avait
decide qu’une loi adoptee en 2000 par le parlement de Californie –
une loi qui repousse au 31 decembre 2010 le delai de prescription pour
les revendications en matière d’assurances – etait inconstitutionnelle,
parce qu’elle contenait une reference au Genocide armenien. Dans une
decision prise a deux voix contre une, la cour avait conclu que l’etat
de Californie avait empiete dans le domaine de la politique etrangère
reserve par la Constitution des Etats-Unis au gouvernement federal.

Deux des trois juges federaux avaient juge que l’etat de Californie
etait contrevenu a la politique du gouvernement federal de ne pas
reconnaître le Genocide armenien. En 2010, l’un des trois juges etait
revenu sur sa position, et la loi etait redevenue en application. A
present, il est prevu que la 9ème Circonscription reexamine l’affaire,
“en banc” cette fois, ce qui veut dire en audience devant la totalite
de la cour.

Le sujet relève du domaine de la “doctrine des affaires etrangères”
du gouvernement federal, doctrine qui lui reconnaît dans ce domaine,
le droit de concevoir une politique.

Dans une brève requete pour preserver la loi, les ministres de la
justice soutiennent que “…aucun traite, resolution du congrès ou
convention entre les executifs n’etablit une politique etrangère
federale qui soit en conflit ou remplace la section 354.4.” [la loi
qui repousse le delai de prescription dans le cas des revendications
liees au Genocide armenien]

“L’absence de toute reaction de la part du Gouvernement federal aux
emplois nombreux du terme “Genocide Armenien” par l’etat de Californie
et par d’autres etats, confirme qu’aucun interet federal significatif
n’empeche les etats d’en faire usage. Quelques 40 etats ont des textes
ou des proclamations, ou les deux ensemble, qui emploient ce terme,
et ‘le gouvernement federal’ n’a jamais exprime aucune opposition a
une telle reconnaissance” ajoutent les ministres de ces etats.

La loi originale avait ete conduite par le Senateur d’alors Adam
Schiff.

La Ministre de la Justice Kamala Harris a pris fait et cause pour ce
point de vue et a rallie les autres ministres de la justice.

From: A. Papazian