July 16, 2009
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:
Email: [email protected]
SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR VICTIMS OF AIR CRASH IN IRAN IN ALL PRELACY
CHURCHES THIS SUNDAY
The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, has directed all Prelacy churches to
offer
special prayers during the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, July 19, for
the victims of the air crash in northern Iran. The Caspian Airlines
plane left
Tehran and was headed to Yerevan when it is thought to have
encountered mechanical difficulties. All 168 people on board
died. According to reports,
at least 40 of the victims were Armenian; most were Iranian Armenians,
but five were citizens of the Republic of Armenia. One of the victims,
Dr.
Levon Davitian, had been a member of the Iranian Parliament for many
years, chairman of the Tehran Diocesan Council, and was currently
serving as a
member of the Central Executive Committee of the Catholicate of
Cilicia.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia, sent messages of condolence to the
Presidents of Armenia and Iran and to the three Armenian dioceses in
Iran.
Today, Thursday, July 16, was declared a national day of mourning in
Armenia.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims,
Archbishop Oshagan offered prayers
for the souls of the victims and for comfort and healing to those who
are mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
VICAR AT ARS CONVENTION
Bishop Anoushavan,
Vicar of the Prelacy, is attending the annual convention of the
Armenian Relief Society (Eastern Region) today, Thursday, July 16. His
Grace will
offer the opening prayer and convey a message on behalf of the
Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan.
VICAR WILL PRESIDE AT ST. STEPHENS (CT) THIS
SUNDAY
Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at St.
Stephens Church, New Britain, Connecticut, this Sunday, July 19, on
the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration.
SAVE THE DATE FOR REOPENING OF ST. ILLUMINATORS
CATHEDRAL
St. Illuminators Cathedral, which has been undergoing a major
renovation, is
preparing for a blessed re-opening on the weekend of September 19 and
20. On Saturday, September 19, His Eminence will re-consecrate the
Cathedrals altar, and on Sunday, September 20, he will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon.
The Cathedrals infrastructure was in serious disrepair. As the
renovation progressed the
overall condition of the Cathedral was found to be worse than
originally believed. The renovation has included renewal of all
utilities, and major
renovation of the sanctuary, offices, hall, and rest rooms.
DATEVATSI IMPRESSIONS2009
For
the next few weeks we will be publishing some impressions from
students who attended the Datev Summer Institute this year. Here are
two for this
week:
At first, I didnt want to go to Datev, but then I
changed my mind and decided to give Datev a chance. Im glad I did
because I had tons of fun. One of the teachers told us that Datev
isnt just a regular camp, its a camp for Armenian Christian youth, and
I think that is true. Youll learn many new things here
and youll have fun and make lots of new friends. Youll love it! Im
glad I came here. This was a great first year at
Datev.
Knar Marashian (1st year student)
I was extremely excited to come back for my 2nd year at
Datev. After learning so much my first year, I was looking forward
even more. Going to classes, having free time, and attending both
morning and
evening services allows us to balance our days. We are able to have
fun and make new friends, while learning about our faith and Armenian
culture. I
would never trade my experiences at Datev for anything. I look forward
to my future years here and plan to return after my four years are
completed as
a post-grad student.
Erica Mengouchian (2nd year student)
2009 PRELACY LINKED IN WEEKEND
The 2009
Prelacy LINKED IN weekend for young adults will take place September
25-27, at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts.
For more information click
here (
4882/goto: 9.htm
).
ST. SARKIS (NY) SUMMER CAMP CONCLUDES
TOMORROW
The fourth annual summer camp at St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, New
York) culminates
tomorrow, July 17. This year the camp had 56 registered campers, four
counselors in training, and 10 volunteer teachers and trainers along
with a
staff cook who prepared tasty and nutritious meals for everyone.
Classes included religion, hymns, music, and
arts and crafts. The students went on a field trip to a local
environmental center and another trip for
golfing.
Tomorrow the campers will present a talent show, where their newly
honed skills in singing and
dancing will be displayed to their parents. St. Sarkis Church thanks
Mr. and Mrs. Antranik and Marion Boudakian for sponsoring this camping
season.
YEAR OF THE YOUTH
His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has designated the year 2009
as the Year of The Youth.
).
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ARMENIA PRAISES
CILICIAN SEES PUBLICATION
PROJECT
The Armenian Writers Association and the National Library in Yerevan
jointly
organized a reception for the 68th Kevork Melidentsi award-winning
book published by the Catholicate of the Holy See of Cilicia. The
reception for
Orhnerkoutiun Medzazkanch (Glorious Blessings) took place at the
National Library. The Director of the Library praised the Catholicate
and
especially His Holiness Aram I for publishing treasures of Armenian
literature. He also praised the Catholicos for contributing to the
thinking of our
time through his writings, saying, In addition to the seventy volumes
of literary treasures that the National Library has received, we just
added two more books to our collection written by Catholicos Aram, For
a Church Beyond its Walls and Pour un
Monde Transfore.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for
today, Thursday, July 16, are: Romans 15:30-16:16; Matthew 15:29-38.
After Jesus had left that
place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the
mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with
them the lame, the
maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his
feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw
the mute
speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind
seeing. And they praised the God of
Israel.
Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion
for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and
have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for
they might
faint on the way. The disciples said to him, Where are we to get
enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd? Jesus
asked them, How many loaves have you? They said, Seven, and a few
small fish. Then ordering the crowd to sit down on
the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving
thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples
gave them
to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up
the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten
were four
thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the
crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. (Mt.
15:29-38)
For listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click
here ().
F EAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, July
19, the Armenian Church celebrates one of her five Tabernacle Feast
days, Transfiguration (Aylakerputiunm / Vartavar). The Feast of
Transfiguration is
marked fourteen weeks after Easter, and therefore can fall between
June 28 and August 1. It commemorates an episode in the New Testament
recorded by
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter.
The Transfiguration took place on the holy mountain (believed
to be Mt. Tabor) where Jesus had gone with Peter, James, and John to
pray. As He was praying, His face shone like the sun and His garments
became white as light. The Patriarch Moses and Prophet Elijah appeared
at His side (Mt. 17:1-8). It was at this moment that His appearance
was
transfigured revealing Himself as God to His disciples as a voice from
above said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased. Listen to him.
As in other instances, a pagan feast was joined with the new Christian
holiday. In this case Vartavar when Armenians would decorate the
temple of the goddess of Asdghig with roses, doves would be released,
and people
would engage in water games, was combined with the Feast of the
Transfiguration. Asdghig was the goddess of love, beauty, fertility,
and
water.
According to tradition, the fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the
prayer that is read in the
church on this feast day: O Lord, bless the harvest of this year and
defend from all the perils, and may Your right hand, O Lord, protect
us
for the whole year.
Vartavar was a traditional day of pilgrimage to churches named in
honor of John
the Baptist. The most popular destination for pilgrims was the
Monastery of Sourp Garabed of Moush, whose main church was named
St. John the Baptist.
In 1998 a group of pilgrims was able to visit this site for the first
time in many decades. With tears flowing, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian,
of blessed
memory, conducted a Requiem Service amidst the ruins of this once
thriving Armenian monastery.
This Sunday is
the name day for those named Vartkes, Vartavar, Vart, Vartouhi,
Alvart, Zevart, Lousvart, Nevart, Baidzar, Vartanoush, Vartiter,
Varvar.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
In the Armenian
tradition, the day after each of the five major feast days is
designated as Memorial Day, or Remembrance of the Dead. The faithful
visit the
cemeteries to venerate their departed loved ones. They are not dead
who live in the hearts they leave behind.
Lord, today you showed on the mountain to your
disciples the inexpressible mystery of the Holy Trinity; O God of our
fathers.
Lord,
in trembling amazement the apostles saw today your transfiguration and
offered to make for you a tabernacle, O God of our
fathers.
A bright cloud overshadowed them and from heaven they heard the voice
of
the Father, who declared, This is my beloved Son, O God of our
fathers.
Bless the Lord, O all the works of the Lord, bless and exalt him
forever.
Praise the radiant light which appeared on Mount Tabor and exalt him
forever.
Bless the appearing of the divinity revealed to the disciples and
exalt him
forever.
(From the Canon for the First Day of Transfiguration according to the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic
Orthodox Church)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 18Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode
Island, Ladies Guild/ARS Chapter present a Hye Summer Night 4 Dance at
The Annunciation Greek Church, Cranston, Rhode Island. For information
401-434-4467.
July 22Gathering of North American youth in Los
Angeles, organized by the Western Prelacy with the participation of
the Eastern and Canadian Prelacies.
August 2Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode
Island, Annual Picnic and Blessing of Madagh and Grapes at Camp
Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, 12 noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine. Music by John
Berberian and Ensemble.
August 8National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG)
religious seminary hosted by the Ladies Guild of St. Gregory Churchy
of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. For information:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.
August 9St. Stephens Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, annual picnic and blessing of madagh and grapes at Camp
Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. Starts at 12 noon, rain or
shine. Live
music.
August 9Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
annual picnic and blessing of the grapes.
August 9Annual Blessing of the Grapes picnic by Holy
Cross Armenian Church, 101 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York, noon to 4
pm, on the church grounds. Full course kebab dinner, Armenian pastries
and
lehmajune will be available.
August 16Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, annual picnic and Blessing of the Grapes.
August 16St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, picnic and Blessing of the Grapes.
August 16St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Assumption
of the Holy Mother of God, Grape Blessing picnic. For information:
215-482-9200.
September 13Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts, 75th anniversary Holy Mass and banquet,
under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
September 12St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening
of Haigazian Armenian School.
September 13St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening
of Sunday School.
September 13Annual picnic of St. Stephens
Armenian Church of New Britain and Hartford at the Quartette Club, 225
Wooster Street, New Britain, Connecticut, beginning at noon, rain or
shine.
Live music. Armenian food. Free admission.
September 19-20Re-consecration of the altar and the
newly renovated St. Illuminators Cathedral in New York City on
Saturday. Episcopal Divine Liturgy and Madagh on Sunday.
September 20St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Lobster
Fest. For information: 215-482-9200.
September 21St. Stephens (Watertown, MA)
Armenian School/ACEC 14th annual Golf Outing at Framingham Country
Club. $170 includes golf, lunch, dinner, and contests. For information
contact
Astor at 781-326-5764.
September 25-26-27Prelacy Linked In, gathering of the
youth. For details click
here (
4882/goto: 9.htm
).
September 28St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Golf
Outing at Talamore Country Club, Ambler, Pennsylvania. For
information: 215-482-9200.
October 1Sts. Vartanantz Church (New Jersey), presents 7th annual Golf
Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. $175
includes lunch, dinner, golf and contests. Come out and enjoy a great
day and support the church. For information contact Mark,
201-483-3200.
October 17National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG)
annual conference at the Prelacy offices in New York City. Details
will follow.
October 18St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Intercommunal Cultural Celebration at Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham,
PA.
November 1St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Sunday
School Halloween Party.
November 6-7St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Food
Festival.
December 20St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Sunday
School Christmas Pageant.
December 31St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Seroonian
Community Center New Years Eve celebration.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.
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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])
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