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 22, 2011
PRELATES 2012 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE:
GLORY TO YOUR REVELATION, LORD
During these joyful holidays, the greatest commemoration is Gods
revelation to humankind through the birth of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. Gods love with His perfection and warmth brought us
closer to God; God visited us so His pure and graceful love would
become contagious and spread to those who are human beings like us. We
no longer ask, Who is my neighbor? (Luke 19:29); the revelation of
Jesus, our God, once and for all established the commandment 6that we
must express our love of God by loving our neighbor.
To read the entire message in English click here (
).
To read the entire message in Armenian click here (
).
FRENCH PARLIAMENT PASSES GENOCIDE DENIAL BILL
The lower house of the French Parliament approved a bill making it a
crime to deny that the Turkish army committed genocide against
Armenians in the early 20th century. The bill mandates a 45,000-euro
fine and a year in jail. The MPs who spoke told stories of survivors
who arrived in France after the genocide, and talked about the
significance of honoring the memory of the victims, the survivors, and
their descendants, as well as safeguarding historical truth. Turkey
promptly recalled its ambassador in France and halted diplomatic
consultations. The French Senate is expected to vote on the bill in
March 2012.
PRELATE AND VICAR ENJOY CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH
SENIORS OF ST. ILLUMINATORS CATHEDRAL
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan joined with the senior
citizens group of St. Illuminators Cathedral to celebrate Christmas on
Tuesday, December 20. The Prelate and Vicar enjoyed spending the
afternoon with the seniors and wished them good health and happiness.
Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian,
pastor of the Cathedral, with the senior citizens group during the
Christmas party.
RECEPTION FOR ARMENIAN EMPLOYEES AT UNITED NATIONS
Last Friday evening a reception in honor of all Armenian workers at
the United Nations took place at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New
York City. The reception was hosted by the Armenian Mission to the
United Nations and St. Illuminators Cathedral.
The attendees at a reception last Friday at the Cathedrals Pashalian
Hall in honor of all Armenian workers at the United Nations.
H. G. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, flanked by
H.E. Garen Nazarian, Armenias Ambassador to the United Nations, and
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral.
A STORY ABOUT A BAPTISM:
NORTH ANDOVER TO KESSAB AND BACK
In November, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, pastor of St. Gregory Church
in North Andover, and Yeretzgin Sevan and their 16-month old daughter
Megheti traveled 8,000 miles to Kessab for Meghetis baptism at Soorp
Asdvadzadzin Church, where both parents were baptized, grew up,
married, and where Der Karekin was ordained to the priesthood in
2009. The event was filled with symbolism for Der Hayr and Yeretzgin
and the more than 150 family and friends who gathered to witness the
christening.
Tom Vartabedian wrote a charming story about the baptism and the
16,000-mile round-trip journey. To read the story click here (
).
Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian and Yeretzgin Sevan with their daughter
Megheti in Kessab following the baptism. Megheti is in church every
Sunday in North Andover with her mother and is known to sing-along on
occasion.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, December 25, Fifth Sunday of Advent, are:
Isaiah 41:4-14; Hebrews 7:11-25; Luke 19:12-28.
So he said, A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power
for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave
them ten pounds, and said to them, Do business with these until I come
back. But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation
after him, saying, We do not want this man to rule over us.; When he
returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to
whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out
what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said,
Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds. He said to him, Well done,
good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing,
take charge of ten cities. Then the second came, saying, Lord, your
pound has made five pounds. He said to him, And you, rule over five
cities. Then the other came, saying, Lord, here is your pound. I
wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because
you are a harsh ma!
n; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not
sow. He said to him, I will judge you by your own words, you wicked
slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did
not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put
my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected
it with interest. He said to the bystanders, Take the pound from him
and give it to the one who has ten pounds. (And they said to him,
Lord, he has ten pounds!) I tell you, to all those who have, more will
be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be
taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to
be king over thembring them here and slaughter them in my presence.
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
).
FOUNDATION FOR CULTURE OF PEACE
Last Friday, December 16, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, received a visit from Manuel Manonelles, Director of
the Foundation for a Culture of Peace. Joining them was Ms. Teny
Simonian, Vice Moderator of the Ecumenical Committee of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia. The general purpose of the visit was the
proposed international meeting of the Foundation next year in
Antelias.
The Foundation for a Culture of Peace was created in 2000 by Professor
Federico Mayor, former head of UNESCO, with the aim of building and
consolidating a culture of peace. The Foundation invited His Holiness
to a meeting of the three monotheistic religions in 2008 to draft and
sign a declaration on Religions and Building of Peace, known as the
Montserrat Declaration.
His Holiness agreed to host a follow-up meeting to the Montserrat
meeting next year in Antelias, and began preliminary preparations with
a meeting on December 17 with Dr. Manonelles, Ms. Simonian,
Rev. Dr. Paul Ruhanna, General Secretary of the Middle East Council of
Churches, and Mr. Mohammad Sammak, General Secretary of the National
Dialogue Committee (Lebanon), to discuss the agenda and the
participants of the forthcoming meeting.
DAVID THE PROPHET KING; HOLY APOSTLE JAMES
This Saturday, December 24, the Armenian Church commemorates David the
Prophet King and James the Brother of the Lord.
David was the youngest of eight brothers and was brought up to be a
shepherd where he learned courage, tenderness, and caring. David
became the second King of Israel. In the Bible, the name David is his
alone, which indicates the unique place he had as an ancestor and
forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the New Testament there are
more than 50 references to David, including the title given to
JesusSon of David. David was a poet and the author of some of the
Psalms.
James the Apostle, called Brother of the Lord, probably because of his
close relationship with Christ, was granted a special appearance of
the Lord after the Resurrection. He is believed to have been a first
cousin of the Lord, or as some biblical scholars have suggested, a son
of Joseph. Following the Resurrection and the Ascension, while the
other apostles scattered all over the world, James remained in
Jerusalem where he served as the Bishop and became a leading spokesman
of the early church.
ST. STEPHEN THE FIRST DEACON AND PROTO-MARTYR
This Monday, December 26, the Armenian Church commemorates St.
Stephen, the first deacon and proto-martyr. After Christs ascension,
the apostles went about spreading the Word of the new faith. It soon
became apparent that more people were needed to serve the growing
church community. Seven worthy individuals were called upon to serve
the Holy Altar and called deacons (sarkavag) The most noteworthy of
the seven was Stephen, described as a man full of faith and the Holy
Spirit (Acts 6:5). The Feast of St. Stephen is a popular and important
commemoration in the Armenian Church. It is also a day of honor for
all deacons of the church. St. Stephen became the first martyr of the
Christian church and is therefore called the proto-martyr. The only
first-hand information about his life and death is in the Book of Acts
of the Apostles (Acts 6:8 and 8:2).
HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL
This Tuesday, December 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Apostles, Peter and Paul, perhaps the two individuals who had the
greatest influence in spreading Christianity. It is, therefore,
appropriate that the Church honors their collective memory.
After the Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus came to Peter and asked
him to tell the other apostles of His appearance and to give them His
message (Luke 24:34-35) in spite of the fact that at the time of the
judgment of Jesus, Peter denied knowing Him. Peter was renowned for
his oratory skills and he used his talent to spread the Word and
advance Christianity. He preached in Rome and founded the church
there. He is considered to be the first Bishop of Rome. According to
tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome upside down because he declared
himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord. He was buried
in Rome and his relics are enshrined under the high altar of the
magnificent St. Peters Basilica.
Paul (Saul) was born in Tarsus in Cilicia. He was an oppressor of the
early Christians until on the road to Damascus he underwent a
conversion when a brilliant light blinded him and he heard, Saul,
Saul, why do you persecute me? I am Jesus whom you are
persecuting. Enter the City and you will be told what to do, (Acts
9:4-6; 26:12-16). Saul was baptized and renamed Paul and he went on to
become the greatest preacher of the new religion, traveling and
writing extensively. Many theologians credit him for shaping the
future of the church. His fourteen epistles comprise more than
one-third of the New Testament, not including the Book of Acts, which
although written by Luke, primarily contains an account of Pauls
preaching.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 25, is the fifth Sunday of Advent according to
the liturgical calendar of the Armenian Church. And, of course, it is
Christmas for most of the Christian world. Originally all of
Christendom celebrated the birth, baptism, visit of the Magi, and
First Miracle at the Wedding of Cana, on January 6. Rome adopted
December 25 in the year 336, and this date gradually became popular;
December 25 was officially adopted as the birthday of Christ at the
Council of Chalcedon (451)a Council the Armenian Church did not attend
and never accepted. Therefore, the Armenian Church has remained
faithful to the original date of January 6.
The first clear reference to Christians celebrating the Epiphany on
January 6 can be found in the writings of Clement of Alexandria (c.
150-216), who refers to Christians who celebrate both the birth and
baptism on January 6.
Of course, the actual date of Jesus birth is unknown and both
traditions are centuries old. The religion writer for the New York
Times noted a few years ago, that perhaps the Armenians have the right
model: Celebrate December 25 as the commercial Christmas with all the
hoopla and frenzy, and keep January 6 as a true spiritual holy day
concentrating on the spirit and meaning of the Nativity.
IT IS WINTER
Winter officially began early this morning (Eastern Standard Time).
Today is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Henceforth,
the daylight hours will begin to increase each day.
75 YEARS OF ICE SKATING AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the ice skating rink at
Rockefeller Center that is also the site of the world-famous Christmas
tree. It is a major tourist attraction and this year there seems to be
more tourists than ever causing pedestrian traffic jams as bad as the
vehicular kind. Even jaded New Yorkers admit that Rockefeller Center
at Christmas time is a sight to behold.
FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK. . .
THE BOIS DE VINCENNES
By Nigoghos Sarafian
Translated by Christopher Atamian
Introduction by Marc Nichanian
Nigoghos Sarafian (1902-1972) was a part of the Paris generation of
writers, known as the Menk (We) group. He lived in Paris his entire
adult life, but wrote and communicated in Western Armenian. In his
Introduction, Marc Nichanian writes: The Bois de Vincennes is many
things simultaneously: a meditation by an exiled poet on his unique
destiny and on the equally unique destiny of his people; a reflection
on the West, and an attempt to integrate the notion of exile into
language itself. First and foremost, however, it is one of the most
beautiful twentieth-century texts written in the Armenian language.
Now for the first time it is available to a wider English-speaking and
reading audience in a translation by Christopher Atamian that is being
hailed as masterful.
77 pages, softcover, $20.00 plus shipping and handling.
TO ORDER CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL ([email protected]
(mailto:[email protected])) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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])