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 January 19,
2012
Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian
Fr. Nareg Berberian was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1992.
_Boca Raton to Celebrate Pastor’s 20 Years of Service_
On Saturday, January 21, the St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, will honor
its longtime pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, on the 20th
anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood.
Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will preside over the
celebratory banquet to be held in the church’s Mardigian Hall. Fr. Berberian
was the very first priest to receive ordination by the hand of the Primate,
in 1992.
Also attending the event will be Diocesan Ecumenical Director Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, along with clergy from the Diocese and the surrounding
community in Boca Raton.
On Sunday, January 22, Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy at the St. David Church, during which he will ordain Gregory Merjian
to the order of sub-diaconate and Arlen Avedyan to the order of diaconate.
Scripture of the Week
Is 58:13-59:7
1 Tim 4:12-5:10
Jn 3:13-21
Prayer of the Week
Lord, receive our supplications through the intercession of the holy Mother
of God, the immaculate bearer of your only-begotten Son, and by the
supplications of all your saints. Hear us, Lord, and have mercy on us;
forgive, expiate and remit our sins; make us worthy to give you thanks and
to glorify you together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always.
Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
_22 January:_ St. Gregory the Theologian
_29 January:_ Barekendan of the Fast of Catechumens
_3 February:_ Remembrance of the Prophet Jonah
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Sanahin monastery in Armenia
The stoa of Grigor Magistros, part of the school building at Sanahin
Monastery.
_Restoration Efforts to Begin at Sanahin Monastery _
According to reports, the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Culture has
announced that it will proceed with plans to begin restoration work at the
historic Sanahin Monastery in the country’s northern Lori region later this
year.
In collaboration with experts from Italy and Germany, the Ministry of
Culture has already completed studies of the monastery’s structure and its
many _khatchkars_ and other monuments. Officials have said they expect to
begin restoration efforts in the coming months.
At the center of Sanahin Monastery are the Holy Redeemer Church and the
Church of the Mother-of-God, both dating to the 10th century. The complex
also includes a chapel, bell tower, library, school, and cemetery.
Built over the remains of a 4th- or 5th-century church, the monastery was
one of Armenia’s most influential centers between the 10th and 13th
centuries. Its school was renowned for teaching medicine, painting, and the
art of illumination. Today the monastery appears on the UNESCO World
Heritage List.
DIOCESAN NEWS
Oriental Orthodox meeting in New York City
(left to right) Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Metropolitan Mor Cyril Aphrem
Karim, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at this week’s meeting of the
Standing Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
_Oriental Orthodox Clergy Meet in Teaneck, NJ _
On Tuesday, January 17, members of the Standing Conference of the Oriental
Orthodox Churches met at St. Mark’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral in Teaneck,
NJ. Metropolitan Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian Orthodox Church hosted
the meeting, which was chaired by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.
The meeting began with a prayer and welcoming remarks by Metropolitan Karim.
Discussion topics included plans being made for a youth retreat to be hosted
by the Syrian Orthodox Church and possible daylong regional meetings of
Oriental Orthodox clergy.
Participants also spoke about their respective Christian education programs
and reviewed the Oriental Orthodox Concelebration of the Divine Liturgy held
last November at the Coptic Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael and St.
Mena in Staten Island, NY. Next year’s concelebration will be hosted by St.
Leon Armenian Church of Fair Lawn, NJ.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Eastern Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, and
Metropolitan Karim spoke about the participation of Oriental Orthodox
churches in the Christian Churches Together organization and presented
updates on the ongoing dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. Turning to
developments overseas, participants discussed the situation of Copts in
Egypt and Christians in Syria.
The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan gave a presentation on the new website of
the Standing Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. [4]Click here to
visit the website for news and information about the organization.
Links:
4.
In addition to Archbishop Barsamian, Archbishop Aykazian, and Fr. Findikyan,
representing the Armenian Church at Tuesday’s meeting were: the Rev. Fr.
Diran Bohajian, Dn. Ryan Tellalian, and Dn. Benjamin Rith-Najarian. Clergy
representing the Coptic, Ethiopian, Syrian, and Malankara churches were in
attendance.
Ecumenical meeting
`An Ecumenical Celebration of Evening Prayer’ was held at St. Patrick’s
Cathedral in New York City on January 18.
_Ecumenical Prayer Service Held in New York City _
On Wednesday, January 18, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, and
the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, attended `An Ecumenical
Celebration of Evening Prayer’ at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
The prayer service was held on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for
Christian unity, and led by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop
of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Orthodox, Catholic, and
Protestant clergy participated in the procession and prayers.
During the service, Archbishop Barsamian invited the clergy and congregation
to recite the Lord’s Prayer. The guest homilist was the Rev. Dr. A.R.
Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY. Hymns were sung by
the Christian Cultural Center Choir and Orchestra and the St. Patrick’s
Cathedral Choir.
Primate visits Armenian Schools and Old Age Homes
Archbishop Barsamian speaks with a resident at the New York Armenian Home,
as Aghavni Ellian, the home’s executive director, looks on.
_Primate Visits Schools, Old Age Homes in NY and NJ_
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, made his annual visits to
local Armenian schools and homes for the elderly this week, including the
Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, NY, and the New York Armenian
Home in Flushing, NY, on Wednesday, January 18, and the Hovnanian School in
New Milford, NJ, and the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in
Emerson, NJ, on Thursday, January 19.
As part of each visit, the Primate officiated over the Home Blessing
service, which is traditionally performed at the start of the New Year. At
the Holy Martyrs and Hovnanian schools, students sang Armenian songs and
recited poems. They also had the opportunity to learn more about the Home
Blessing service and to ask Archbishop Barsamian questions about the
Armenian Church.
At the New York Armenian Home and the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, residents received communion and shared in conversation with the
Primate.
Accompanying Archbishop Barsamian to the Hovnanian School and the Armenian
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were the Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian and Dn.
Hacik Sariminasyan. Dn. Sebuh Oscherician also accompanied the Primate on
both days.
Click to view photos from the visits to [5]Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School,
the [6]Hovnanian School, and the [7]Armenian centers.
Links:
5.
6.
7.
GTech
Students listen to a lecture at GTech in Gyumri, Armenia.
_FAR’s GTech Dedicates New Lab to Mobile Platforms_
FAR’s Gyumri Information Technology Center (GTech), in collaboration with
Armenia’s Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), has opened a new lab
focusing on mobile platform development. Called the “M-Lab,” the new program
will make available courses on mobile platform technology to students of
GTech and to Gyumri’s IT professionals.
With a curriculum that focuses on operating systems and applications
involving the Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile platforms, the
`M-Lab’ aims to build up a mobile development faculty within GTech and to
promote mobile application development in Gyumri. Students will be trained
in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, and receive an introduction to mobile web
design.
GTech was established in 2005 by FAR, in partnership with U.S. and Armenian
technology companies, and with strong support from FAR’s Young Professional
alumni community. The goal of the center is to strengthen the information
technology skills of young Armenians and to expand employment and business
opportunities in the region for young professionals. GTech also helps to
bolster development by providing an incubator space for new start-up IT
businesses.
[8]
Click here to visit FAR’s blog and to read more.
Links:
8.
Diocesan Center News
_Diocese Seeking Development Director_
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently seeking
candidates for the position of Director of Development.
The Development Director will report to the Diocese’s Executive Director. He
or she will be responsible for planning and implementing all fundraising
strategies for the Eastern Diocese. Responsibilities include the areas of
donor research, cultivation, and solicitation; leadership identification and
planning; reporting to donors and the public; among other areas.
Qualified applicants should have a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree
preferred) and at least 10 years of successful fundraising experience in the
non-profit sector. Please consult the job description and list of
qualifications posted on the [9]Eastern Diocese’s website.
Links:
9.
Send résumé and cover letter via e-mail to
[10][email protected]. Only those applicants meeting the
requirements for the Development Director position will be interviewed. The
review of applications will begin immediately.
Links:
10. mailto:[email protected]
PARISH NEWS
Ordination at Holy Cross Church, Union City, NJ
Archbishop Barsamian ordained acolytes last Sunday at Holy Cross Church of
Union City, NJ.
_Acolytes Ordained in Union City, NJ_
On Sunday, January 15, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
visited Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, where he celebrated the Divine
Liturgy and ordained three parishioners to the rank of acolyte. The three
are: Matthew Bagdat, Tadevos Grigoryan, and Garnik Hovannesian.
The Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan, parish pastor, performed a requiem service
for Dirahayr Ohannes Barsamian on the second anniversary of his passing.
Services were followed by a fellowship hour in the church hall. [11]Click
here to view photos.
Links:
11.
St. Gregory of Nareg, Cleveland, OH
ACYOA Juniors of St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, sing
Christmas carols during home visits to parishioners last month.
_ACYOA Juniors in Cleveland, OH, Reach Out to Elderly _
The ACYOA Juniors of St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, have been
reaching out to community members who are unable to leave their homes due to
advanced age or illness.
As part of this initiative, members of the ACYOA Juniors and their advisors
joined the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, parish pastor, and Dn. Serop Demirjian
on home visitations on Saturday, December 17.
In the spirit of the Christmas season, ACYOA members brought poinsettias and
cookies, and sang Christmas carols and shared in fellowship. They also
assisted Fr. Sargsyan and Dn. Demirjian in performing the Home Blessing
service at each of the parishioner’s homes.
To arrange a visitation, contact Fr. Sargsyan at (216) 381-6590 (church) or
(440) 264-3541 (cell), or Louise Demirjian at (440) 915-9520, or via e-mail
at [12][email protected].
Links:
12.
Armenian mission parish in Southwest Florida
(left to right) Dn. Zaven Hartutian, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Dn. Allan
Tossoonian, and Vartkes Karaian during the Blessing of Water Ceremony in
Southwest Florida.
_Southwest Florida Community Welcomes Vicar _
On Sunday, January 15, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
visited the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Mission Parish, where he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the Blessing of Water Ceremony.
Vartkes Karaian served as godfather for the _churorhnek_, or Blessing of
Water Ceremony, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus by the hand of John
the Baptist. More than 100 parishioners gathered for the service.
Later in the afternoon, a luleh kebab dinner was held, providing
parishioners with an opportunity for fellowship.
The next Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Sunday, February 26, at 1 p.m.
Services are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, FL. For
more information, or to join the parish mailing list, contact Parish Council
chair Carole Meghreblian at (239) 348-3804, or via e-mail at
[13][email protected].
Links:
13. mailto:[email protected]
Holy Trinity parishioner volunteers in Armenia
Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham, PA.
_Cheltenham Parish Hosts Talk on Working in Armenia __ _
On Sunday, January 8, the ACYOA Seniors of Holy Trinity Church of
Cheltenham, PA, hosted a presentation by parishioner Greg Bilazarian, a
young man who has been living and working in Armenia.
Bilazarian, 27, took part in Birthright Armenia last summer, and decided to
extend his stay upon the completion of the program. He is now working at the
Civilitas Foundation in Yerevan, where he helped launch a new
website-[14] uses online tools to gauge public opinion
in Armenia.
Links:
14.
During his presentation at Holy Trinity Church, Bilazarian spoke about his
experiences in Armenia, and highlighted the need to come up with solutions
to the country’s ongoing population drain. One approach, he said, might be
the continued development of the technology and tourism industries, which
provide economic opportunities for the local population.
_Upcoming Parish Events _
_St. Gregory the Illuminator Church | Chicago, IL_
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, will host its 3rd annual
Armenian Winter Fest and Dance on Saturday, January 21, from 4 to 11 p.m.
The evening will feature a special performance by the Armenian Dance Company
of Chicago. Enjoy shish kebob, chicken kebob, and homemade pastries.
Admission is free. For information, [15]click here.
Links:
15.
_Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA_
On Sunday, January 22, Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will celebrate
the 10th anniversary of the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian’s ministry at the
parish. The celebration will take place in the Charles and Nevart Talanian
Cultural Hall following church services.
_St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY_
The ACYOA of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will
host its annual_ holiday party on Saturday, January 21_, beginning at 8 p.m.
The evening will feature music by Robert Chilingirian, the Khnjooyk Band,
and DJ Glo. Tickets are $20. [16]Click here to view a flyer for details, or
e-mail [17][email protected] to make a reservation.
Links:
16.
17. mailto:[email protected]
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church will also host the _Tumanyan Puppet State
Theater of Yerevan on Friday, January 27_, at 7 p.m. in the church’s Tutak
Hall. For more information, [18]click here.
Links:
18.
EVENTS
Armenian Bible published in 1666 in Amsterdam
The first printed Armenian Bible, published in Amsterdam, 1666.
_Commemorating 500 Years of Armenian Printing_
The Diocesan Center in New York will be the venue for a special presentation
honoring the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing, on the evening of
Tuesday, January 24.
Zakarya Mildanoglu, a columnist for the _Agos _weekly of Istanbul, will be
the keynote speaker, delivering his remarks in Armenian. Hagop Vartivarian
will be the master of ceremonies.
The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Guild Hall of the Diocesan Center,
will take place under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern), in collaboration with several organizations.
Admission is free and open to the public. To view a flyer, [19]click here.
Links:
19.
YOUTH NEWS
ACYOA Alternative Spring Break
_Register for ACYOA Alternative Spring Break _
The ACYOA Central Council is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and their
annual Collegiate Challenge to give college students from around the country
the opportunity to build affordable housing for a needy family in Buffalo,
New York.
This `Alternative Spring Break’ program will take place from March 17-24. In
addition to helping build houses, participants will have the opportunity for
worship and will visit the local Armenian community in Niagara Falls, NY.
The group will be led by the Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian.
[20]Click here to view a flyer for more information, or contact ACYOA
Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at (212) 293-1248, or via e-mail at
[21][email protected].
Links:
20.
21. mailto:[email protected]
ACYOA chapter workshop in Florida
ACYOA Chapter Workshop participants make sandwiches for a South Florida
homeless shelter.
_ACYOA Chapter Workshop Held in Boca Raton, FL _
Thirty-five ACYOA members from parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered
in Boca Raton, FL, last weekend for the ACYOA’s 4th annual Chapter Workshop,
hosted by St. David Church. The workshop was designed and facilitated by the
seven-member ACYOA Central Council with the Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev.
Fr. Simeon Odabashian, serving as the workshop chaplain.
Under the theme “We’re All In This Together,” the January 13-15 workshop
aimed to provide an interactive atmosphere for participants to share
successes, struggles, and advice on how to nurture and build their
respective ACYOA parish chapters while also providing opportunities for
service, worship, and Christian fellowship.
Participants examined the ACYOA’s mission and the resources the organization
has to make it succeed. They learned that a clear mission, balanced team,
and healthy organization are important aspects of a successful ACYOA
chapter. The weekend also included a service component during which young
people prepared more than 100 sandwiches for a local homeless shelter.
[22]
Click here to read more.
Links:
22.
http://www.armenianchurch.org/
http://www.scooch.org/mission-statement?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Youth/HMADS-Home-Blessing-2012/21087748_mqHPVS?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=1677139773&k=bCc3C4J
http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Hovnanian-School-2012/21101791_jFzxM7?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=1678409777&k=ctg2kvv
http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Visitations-1/Armenian-Old-Age-Homes-NY-and/21087821_PmTtzn?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=1678390711&k=7RTjbsW
http://blog.farusa.org/2012/01/10/gtech-gtech-develops-a-new-curriculum-on-mobile-platforms?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/diocese-seeking-development-director?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Parishes-of-the-Eastern/Holy-Cross-Church-NJ-January/21101140_sXW65m?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email#%21i=1678362183&k=cXPNnxk
http://
[email protected]?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://www.CivilNet.tv?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://stgregorychicago.org/calendar/details/38-winterfest-2012?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/StGregoryWhitePlainsJan2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/events-calendar/yerevan-puppet-theater-to-perform-in-white-plains-ny?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/500th_Anv_of_Arm_Printing.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/ACYOAMarch2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/news-and-media/news/acyoa-chapter-workshop-focuses-on-strengthening-local-chapters?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=65a6ebc63c-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
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