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:
February 6, 2013
VARTANANTZ
Tomorrow, Thursday, February 7, the Armenian Church celebrates the
Feast of Vartanantz, commemorating the war between pagan Persia and
Christian Armenia in 451. The king of Persia ordered all Christians
under his rule
to abandon Christianity and embrace Zoroastrianism. The Armenian
clergy and ruling princes refused to follow this dictum. As recorded
by the historian Yeghishe, the Christian soldiers took an oath to
fight the enemies of truth: `We are ready for persecution and death
and every affliction and torture for the sake of the holy churches
which our forefathers entrusted
to us by the power of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby we
were
reborn ourselves by torments and blood. For we recognize the Holy
Gospel as our Father, and the apostolic universal church as our
Mother. Let no evil
partition come between us to separate us from her.’
Vartan Mamigonian was the leader of the Armenians in the decisive
battle of Avarayr, and although outnumbered, the Armenians put up a
valiant defense. Vartan and many of his soldiers were killed, but the
Persians suffered greater casualties and with this battle the Persians
recognized the strong commitment the Armenians had for their Christian
faith.
On the eve of the battle of Avarayr, Vartan spoke to his men, assuring
them that righteousness was on their side and encouraged them to be
brave and fearless:
`I entreat you, therefore, my brave companions, especially because
many of you surpass me in valor and precede me in princely rank. But
since
you, of your own free will, have selected me as your leader and
commander,
let my words be pleasant and agreeable to you all, great and small:
Fear not the heathen hordes and never turn your backs to the frightful
sword of mortal men; because should our Lord grant us victory, we
shall destroy their
might and the cause of righteousness shall be exalted. But if the time
has
come for us to meet a holy death in this battle, let us accept our
fate with joyful heart, without mingling cowardice with our valor and
courage. … Our Commander is not a mere man, but the
Commander-in-chief of all martyrs. Fear is a sign of doubt; but as we
have repudiated doubt long since, let fear also disappear from our
hearts and minds.’
The struggle continued for more than thirty years. In 484 Vahan
Mamigonian, nephew of Vartan, successfully negotiated the Treaty of
Nvarsag, the first document in history granting religious freedom and
home rule, preceding the Magna Charta by nearly 750 years.
PRELATE WILL CELEBRATE LITURGY COMMEMORATING
VARTANANTZ IN NEW JERSEY AND RHODE ISLAND
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon tomorrow, Thursday, February 7, at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, on the occasion of the Feast of Vartanantz and
the name day of the New Jersey parish. Students from the Hovnanian
School, grades five
to eight, will attend the liturgy, take communion, and present a
Vartanantz program following a luncheon hosted by the Ladies’ Guild.
His Eminence will travel to Rhode Island on Sunday, February 10, where
he will celebrate the liturgy and deliver the sermon at
Sts. Vartanantz
Church in celebration of Vartanantz and the parish’s name day. During
the services the Prelate will ordain Harold Nazarian to the rank of
acolyte. A traditional Armenian dinner hosted by the Ladies Guild will
take place in Aramian Auditorium following the liturgy. A program will
be presented by the students of the Mourad Armenian School.
PRELACY LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK
The first lecture in the Prelacy Lenten Lecture series will take place
next Wednesday, February 13. The series of six lectures will focus on
`The Year of the Armenian Mother.’ The lectures will take place on
Wednesdays during Great Lent under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan. The program includes a Service at 7:30 pm,
followed by a lecture and Q&A at 8 pm, and table fellowship at 8:45
pm.
The first lecture will begin with a general introduction by Archbishop
Oshagan that will be followed by a lecture presented by Bishop
Anoushavan about `Mary, Mother-of-God, in the Armenian Church.’
The Lenten program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies’ Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. All of the lectures will
take place at the Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City.
For a listing of the topics and speakers click here
().
DER MESROB REPRESENTS PRELATE AT INSTALLATION
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, and
a member of the Prelacy’s Religious Council, represented
Archbishop Oshagan at the Recognition, Investiture, and Installation
of The Right Reverend Andrew M. L. Dietsche as the 16th Bishop of the
Episcopal Diocese of New York last Saturday, at the Cathedral of
St. John the Divine in Manhattan. V. Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Dean
of St. Vartan Cathedral, represented Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
V. Rev. Fr. Mamigon and Rev. Fr. Mesrob at the installation ceremony
of the new Episcopal Bishop of New York.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH: MARK YOUR CALENDARS
St. Gregory of Datev Institute will hold its 27th annual Summer
Program for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson,
Pennsylvania, from June 30 – July 7, 2013. The Program is sponsored by
the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For
information, contact the AREC office at 212.689.7810 or at
[email protected].
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 10, Poon Paregentan (Eve of Great
Lent) are: Isaiah 58:1-14; Romans 13:11-14:23; Matthew 6:1-21.
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by
them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the
hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may
be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their
reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what
your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and
your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love
to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that
they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their
reward.
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to
your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will
reward you.
When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do;
for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do
not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask
him.
Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have
forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but
rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses.
And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for
they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are
fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when
you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your
fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moss nor rust consumes
and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure
is, there your heart
will be also. (Matthew 6:1-21)
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
().
150 FATHERS OF HOLY COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE
This Saturday, February 9, the Armenian Church commemorates the 150
Fathers of the Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical
council convened by Emperor Theodosius in 381. This council confirmed
the work of the
first council at Nicaea, and added five articles to the Nicene Creed
regarding the Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, and Resurrection. The
Council of
Constantinople is one of the three ecumenical councils recognized by
the Armenian Church.
POON PAREGENTAN
This Sunday, February 10, is Poon Paregentan, the eve of Great Lent
(Medz Bahk). Poon means `real’ or `genuine,’ and distinguishes this
paregentan from others in the liturgical calendar prior to other
periods of fasting. Paregentan literally means `good living.’
Poon Paregentan ushers the faithful into the Lenten period of fasting,
penance and reconciliation. During Lent the Church takes on a solemn
appearance. The altar curtain is closed starting from the evening of
Poon Paregentan, symbolic of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the
Garden of Eden.
Holy Communion is not offered during Lent and the faithful are
encouraged to use this period leading to Easter as a time of prayer
and meditation to strengthen their faith.
Paregentan Sunday is the last day before the start of Lent. It is
marked with good and abundant food, merriment, entertainment and
festivities
of various kinds. Traditionally, all the food in the house that is
forbidden during Lent would be consumed on Paregentan and leftovers
would be given
to non-Christian neighbors. During Lent all animal products, including
dairy and eggs, are forbidden. The earliest Armenian tradition was
even stricter and was referred to as Aghouhatz (salt and bread)
because of its stringent restrictions.
GREAT LENT BEGINS MONDAY
Great Lent (Medz Bahk or Karasnortk) begins this Monday, February
11. Great Lent is the longest of the fasts in the liturgical
calendar. It begins on the Monday immediately following Poon
Paregentan, and continues for
40 days until the Friday before the commemoration of the raising of
Lazarus on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. A new period of fasting
begins during
Holy Week.
Great Lent, a time of penance, abstinence, and devotion, is a very
personal spiritual journey that is based on the 40 days Christ spent
in the
wilderness following his baptism. `Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit
into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days
and forty nights, and afterward he was famished’ (Matthew 3:1-2).
DONORS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA
The Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief continues its fundraising efforts
for the Armenian community in Syria. Donations are being received,
many accompanied with a note of support and thanks. From time to time
we will share some of these wonderful responses.
Therese Ohanian from Newark, New Jersey, sent in an initial donation
of $1,000, along with a letter expressing thanks for the efforts made
by the Fund. `I am proud of you and thank you. I feel confident that
the money is going to rescue my people who are desperate because of
the unexpected nightmare…. I will continue to help to the best of my
ability.’ True to her word, a few weeks later she forwarded another
check, this one for $2,000 with another note saying, `We should all
put ourselves in Syrian Armenians (our sisters and brothers) shoes and
feel what they feel. Anyway we can help, we must. We are the lucky
ones in the U.S.
(blessed country of freedom and opportunities).’
During the Christmas holidays, Agnes Karanian, grandmother of Elyssa,
Justine, Jarod, Alanna, Coleen, Caroline, and Genevieve, sent a
donation
with this note: `This year instead of giving my seven grandchildren
money for Christmas, I am giving to the Fund for Syrian Armenian
Relief in their names. I will tell them, `It is more blessed to give
than to receive.”
Bedding and other household essentials being distributed to Syrian
Armenian refugees in Lebanon.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE () AND
SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU.
The Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief is a joint effort of: Armenian
Apostolic Church of America (Eastern Prelacy); Armenian Catholic
Eparchy; Armenian
Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian Relief Society (Eastern
USA, Inc.); Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOCIAL WORKERS
On the occasion of International Day of Social Workers, staff members
of Armenian institutions visited His Holiness Aram I last
week. Speaking
on behalf of the social workers, Ms. Annie Boudjikanian spoke about
their work and shared their concerns.
His Holiness thanked them for serving the community telling them,
`Working with the people and responding to their needs is an important
aspect of the vocation of the church.’ He noted that Jesus came to
serve humanity and he served people regardless of who they
were. =80=9CBeing Christian means taking part in the diakonia of the
church, which means self-sacrifice.’ The Catholicos spoke about the
Armenian community in Syria and asked the social workers to give
priority to helping Armenian refugees arriving from Syria.
LEBANESE YOUTH ASSOCIATION LEADERS MEET WITH HIS HOLINESS
Members of the Executive Committee of the Lebanese Youth Association
visited His Holiness to express their good wishes for 2013, and to
hear his views on the situation in the Middle East.
Responding to their questions, His Holiness said that Christian-Muslim
coexistence is an essential concern. He noted that the three
monotheistic religions have lived together for many centuries and they
should continue living together with renewed commitment.
()
All of the previous `This Week in Armenian History’ entries are now on
the Prelacy’s web page. Go to
() and click on the icon.
Signature of the Armenian reform plan (February 8, 1914)
The defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkan war (1912-1913) created
favorable conditions for the revival of the stipulations of the Treaty
of Berlin of 1878. Its article 61, never put into practice, had
established that the European powers would guarantee the
implementation of administrative reforms within the provinces of the
Empire inhabited by Armenians.
Guevorg V (1911-1930), Catholicos of All Armenians, was the driving
force behind the creation of the Armenian National Delegation,
presided by
Boghos Nubar Pasha (1852-1930), which lobbied the European powers to
facilitate the enactment of reforms in the Ottoman Empire. The failure
of the government to fulfill Armenian hopes after the revolution of
1908 and the restoration of the Constitution, coupled with the coup
d’état of the Young Turks in early 1913, were enough to look forward
to European intervention, as many other times in the past.
The complicated politics of the period also favored such an
intervention. France, Great Britain and Italy were anxiously trying to
limit German overgrown influence in the Ottoman Empire, while Russia
encouraged the Catholicos to appeal to the imperial government through
the viceroy of the Caucasus for intervention. The project of reforms
was prepared by André Mandelstam, the dragoman (translator) at the
Russian Embassy in Constantinople, and representatives from the
Armenian National Assembly, the main legislative body of the Ottoman
Empire. The project was introduced and discussed at the meeting of the
French, British and Italian ambassadors. It suggested the formation of
a single province through the union of the six Armenian
vilayets (Bitlis, Diarbekir, Erzerum, Mamuret-el-Aziz, Sivas, and Van)
under either an Ottoman Christian or a European governor general. This
official would be appointed by the European powers for the next five
years to oversee matters related to Armenian issues. German strong
opposition succeeded in obtaining several important modifications,
such as the division of the region into two provinces headed by
inspector-generals. They would be posted
in Van and Erzerum.
Finally, the project was signed into law on February 8, 1914, by the
Ottoman Empire (represented by Grand Vizir Said Halim Pasha) and
Russia. Two European officials were selected as inspector-generals:
Louis Constant Westenenk, an administrator for the Dutch East Indies,
and Major Nicolai Hoff, of the Norwegian Army. Hoff was already in Van
when World War I started
on July 28, 1914, while Westenenk was preparing to depart for his post
in Erzerum. The Ottoman Empire took advantage of the situation to
expel the inspector-generals and, on December 16, 1914, a month and
half after entering
the war, abolish it. Anti-Armenian organized violence that would lead
to the genocide was already on its way.
L.C. Westenenk
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 9-All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview, Illinois, 6th Annual
Poon Paregentan Celebration (Ethnic Food Festival), 7 pm, at
Shahnasarian Hall, 1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, Illinois. For more
details, 847-998-1989.
February 9-Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Poon
Paregentan Celebration, 6 pm. Join us for a Murder Mystery Dinner
Theater presented by The Comical Mystery Tour. Performers will provide
a hilarious murder mystery show that is as interactive as you want it
to be. They will do their best to make you laugh and enjoy the
evening. Tickets: $20 for dinner and show. Cash bar available. For
reservations: Janis at 508-754-1039 or church at 508-852-2414.
February 10-St. Stephen’s Church Ladies Guild of New Britain and
Hartford will host a `Lahmajoon and Meat Boereg Lunch,’ after church
services in the church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain,
Connecticut. $8 adults; $6 children; Sunday school students
free. Video presentation with commentary by Professor Mari Firkatian
on `Hiking Mt. Ararat with Fellow Armenians!’ For information:
[email protected] or 860-229-8322.
February 10-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Annual Poon Paregentan celebration, following the Divine Liturgy. Losh
kebob dinner; pasta for children. For reservations: 508-528-2959.
February 10-Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
Vartanantz Day Celebration; His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at 10 am. Harold Nazarian will be
ordained
an acolyte. Following the Divine Liturgy, a Vartanantz celebration
will take place in Aramian Auditorium. A traditional Armenian dinner
hosted by the
Ladies Guild; program presented by the Mourad Armenian School
students. For reservations: Joyce Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 or email
[email protected] by February 7.
February 10-St. Gregory Church Schools, North Andover, Massachusetts,
present a Religious Educational Seminar at 1 pm, followed by a Poon
Paregentan Celebration at 2 pm, at Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main Street,
North Andover. Seminar will be conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian,
Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Topic of
Dn. Shant’s presentation: `Bible readings in the Armenian Church
during weekdays of Great Lent: An Outline for Christian education.’
Come enjoy a delicious meal, attend the seminar, and participate in
lots of fun and games. Door prizes too!
February 17-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Annual
Membership Meeting and Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.
February 22-Second Annual Presentation of Young Authors, organized
by the New York Chapter of Hamazkayin. Contemporary Armenian American
authors (Nancy Agabian, Christopher Atamian, Alan Semerdjian, Aida
Zilelian-Silak) will read excerpts from their works at Waltz Astoria,
23-14 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria, NY, at 8 pm. For information: Arevig
718-459-2757.
February 23-Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for pastors,
boards of trustees, and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning at 10 am and concluding at 4 pm.
February 23-`Armenia Unseen-Among the Mountains, Valleys and
Villages,’ a visual presentation by Joe Dagdigian, sponsored by the
Lowell `Aharonian’ Gomideh, 6 pm, at St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Dinner and program
and update on events in Syria by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian. All
proceeds will benefit Syrian-Armenian Relief Fund. $20 adults; $10
students.
March 3-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual
Membership Meeting following the Divine Liturgy. A light luncheon will
be served.
March 9-Sunday School Teachers’ Seminar for New York-New Jersey region
on The Divine Liturgy (Soorp Badarak), at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral,
221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 10 am to 3 pm (breakfast 9:30-10:00
am; lunch 12:00-1:00 pm). Sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). Seminar will be conducted by Dn. Shant
Kazanjian,
AREC Director. For information contact the AREC office by email
([email protected]) or telephone (212-689-7810).
March 16-Annual New England Regional Conference for pastors, boards of
trustees, and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, beginning at 10 am and concluding at 4 pm.
March 16-Exploring the Eucharist (Soorp Badarak), one-day seminar,
10 am to 3 pm, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia. Speaker: Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). Free and open to the
public. Registration required: 215-482-9200,
[email protected].
April 19-The 30th Musical Armenia concert, Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York
City. Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
May 16, 17, 18-National Representative Assembly hosted by Soorp Khatch
Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
June 30-July 7-27th Annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute, at St. Mary
of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web
site.
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Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]