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 12, 2010
CROSSROADS ON FRIDAY
We are transmitting this weeks issue of Crossroads on Friday instead
of the customary Thursday because of the heavy snow that affected the
Mid Atlantic area this week.
YESTERDAY WAS VARTANANTZ
The armies met on opposite sides of the river Tghmuit (which means
muddy in Armenian), a tributary of the Araxes river. The Armenian army
crossed the river on horseback and attacked the other side. Eghishe
says that the two sides collided with a crash, and many wounded fell
to the ground, rolling in the agony of death. Vardan was able to throw
back the right wing of the Persian army, but when reinforcements came
with elephants, they surrounded Vardan and his men. Though Vardan
worked no little carnage in that very place, it was here that he
suffered martyrdom. The battle continued until nightfall, and the
bodies had fallen so thickly that they lay in dense piles like logs
hewn in the forest. With the fall of their commander, the Armenian
army was leaderless. Many of the surviving soldiers scattered and
returned to their homes. In all, 1,036 of the Armenians were
martyred. But there were many more Persian dead. Greatly disturbed to
find that 3,544 of his !
soldiers had died, Yazdigerd pardoned the Armenians who had fought
against Persia. Most of the
Armenian captives were released but the catholicos Hovsep and the
priest Ghevond together with four other clergymen (and, according to
Eghishe, the chief magus, who had converted to Christianity) were
still held by the Persians. They were sentenced to death and executed
for refusing to worship the sun. The martyrdom of these clergymen
(known as the Ghevondiants or Ghevond and his martyr companions) is
observed by the Armenian Church on the Tuesday before the beginning of
Lent, a day of particular importance for Armenian clergymen since
Ghevond is their patron saint. Tw9o days later, the Armenian Church
celebrates the feast of the holy martyrs of Vardanants (Vardan and his
companion martyrs). Both of these days are important commemorations in
the life of the church, and are marked by prayer and solemn
remembrance of those who willingly sacrificed their earthly lives for
their faith.
(An Excerpt from Light from Light: An Introduction to the History and
Theology of the Armenian Church, by Michael B. Papazian)
IN MEMORIAM: ARCHPRIEST FR. VATCHE NACCASHIAN
Archpriest Fr. Vatche Naccashian went to his eternal rest on Monday,
February 8. Der Vatche was a graduate of the Seminary of the Holy See
of Cilicia. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1961. He served in
Brazil as well as in the Eastern and Western United States. From 1976
to 1996 he served as pastor of St. Garabed Church, Hollywood,
California.
Extreme Unction and funeral service will take place Saturday,
February 13, 11:30 am at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
Archbishop Oshagan expressed condolences and sympathy on
behalf of the religious and executive councils to Archbishop Moushegh,
Prelate of the Western Prelacy, to the clergy, to Yn. Lousadzin, and
children, Kevork, Krikor, Zareh, Dzovig and their families, and to the
parishioners of St. Garabed Church. May his memory shine forth always.
IN MEMORIAM: VIRGINIA VEE KERBEYKIAN
The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, extended condolences and sympathy to
the family of Virginia Vee Kerbeykian, a long-time member of
Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Funeral services for
Mrs. Kerbeykian took place on Tuesday, February 9, at Sts. Vartanantz
Church.
Together with her late husband Armen, Vee served the New
Jersey parish since its founding more than 50 years ago. She was the
first women elected to serve as a delegate to the National
Representative Assembly from Sts. Vartanantza task she undertook with
special dedication. May her memory shine in the hearts of her loved
ones forever.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO CHICAGO
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to the Chicago area this weekend where
on Sunday he will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois. Saturday evening the
Prelate will preside over the traditional Tyarnuntarach bonfire
(Derndess).
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO NEW ENGLAND
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon this Sunday, February 14, at Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Providence, Rhode Island. He will preside over the banquet following
the Liturgy.
Saturday evening the Vicar will preside over Tyanuntarach
celebration with the traditional bonfire at St. Stephens Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.
ANNUAL GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
TAKES PLACE IN INDIAN ORCHARD
The annual Ghevontiantz Clergy gathering, took place at St. Gregory
the Illuminator Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, February 8-10.
Tuesday was the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiank, which as stated
above is an important day for Armenian clergymen. Ghevont Yeretz stood
steadfast alongside Vartan Mamigonian in the Armenians struggle
against the Persians in defense of Christianity. In the Armenian
liturgical calendar, the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent is a
feast day in commemoration of Ghevont and the clergy who were martyred
with him. It has become a time for the clergy to come together for
renewal and fellowship.
Archbishop Oshagan expressed his thanks and gratitude to the
Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian, Pastor of St. Gregory Church in Indian
Orchard and the Board of Trustees for their warm hospitality.
FIRST LENTEN LECTURE NEXT WEDNESDAY
The Prelacys Lenten lectures series will focus on the Year of the
Armenian Woman theme. The first lecture will take place on next
Wednesday, February 17 and will continue for the next five Wednesdays
of Great Lent. The lectures, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan,
will take place at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City.
The evening schedule will be as follows: Lenten service at
7:30 pm; lecture and discussion at 8 pm, followed by fellowship at
8:45 pm. The Lenten program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the
St. Illuminators Cathedral Ladies Guild.
The first lecture will be delivered by Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City. His
topic of discussion is Women Witnesses of Christ in the Armenian
Church.
Prior to the lecture, Archbishop Oshagan will offer a general
introduction to the series
MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 26th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 21,
at 2 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and
Seventh Avenue, New York City.
Featured artists are Tanya Gabrielian, piano; and Natalie
Aroyan, soprano. For tickets ($30) contact the Carnegie box office at
212-247-7800 or the Prelacy at 212-689-7810.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO LECTURE
Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director of the Prelacy, will
present a lecture on the Battle of Avarayr this Sunday, February 14,
1:30 pm, at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New
York. The lecture is organized and hosted by the parishs Cultural
Committee. For information: 718-224-2275.
BOOK PRESENTATION RESCHEDULED
A presentation of the book Kir Gyanki (Epistle of Life) by Archpriest
Fr. Khoren Habeshian which was scheduled to take place yesterday
evening was postponed to this Sunday, February 14, and it will now
take place at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New
York City, at 1 pm immediately after church services. The event is
under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan and hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral and the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
Cultural Society of New York.Der Hayrs book, which is written in
Armenian, will be presented by Vartan Matiossian.
SAINT SARKIS DAY MARKED
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, helped celebrate St. Sarkis
name day at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, on January 31. A
special cultural program took place following the Divine
Liturgy. Attending as a special guest was His Excellency Garen
Nazarian, representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United
Nations.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES
FOREIGN MINISTER OF KARABAKH
His Holiness Aram I met with H.E. Kevork Bedrossian, foreign minister
of Nagorno Karabakh this week. Mr. Bedrossian traveled to Lebanon to
meet with representatives of Armenian political parties, social and
community associations, and the community.
The meeting with the Catholicos also attended by H.E. Ashod
Kocharian, the ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, February 12, are: Titus 3:1-15;
John 8:21-30.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be
obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to
avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to
everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray,
slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice
and envy, despicable, hating, one another. But when the goodness and
loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because
of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his
mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy
Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ
our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is
sure.
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who
have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to
good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. But
avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels
about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first
and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes
divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful,
being self-condemned.
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come
to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Make
every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and
see that they lack nothing. And let people learn to devote themselves
to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be
unproductive.
All who are with me send greetings to you. Greed those who love
us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. (Titus 3:1-15)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
/24882/goto: prelacy/PDF/2010dbr-2.pdf
).
150 FATHERS OF HOLY COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE
Tomorrow, February 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the 150
Fathers of the Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical
council convened by Emperor Theodosius in 381. It 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.
POUN PAREGENTAN
This Sunday, February 14, is Poun Paregentan, which is the Sunday
prior to the beginning of the six week period of Great Lent (Medz
Bahk). Poun literally means real or genuine, and distinguishes this
Paregentan from others in the liturgical calendar prior to other
periods of fasting.
Poun 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 beginning on the eve of
Poun 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
to strengthen their faith.
GREAT LENT BEGINS MONDAY
Great Lent (Medz Bahk or Karasnortk) begins this Monday, February
15. Great Lent is the longest of the fasts in the liturgical
calendar. It begins on the Monday immediately following Poun
Paregentan and continues to forty days until the Friday before the
commemoration of the raising of Lazarus. A new period of fasting
begins during Holy Week.
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST (TYARNUNDARACH)
This Sunday, February 14, is the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple
(Tyarnundarach, which literally means going forward to meet the
Lord). In English it is called Candlemas.
Forty days after the birth of Christ, Mary obeyed Mosaic Law
and presented her son to the temple (Numbers 18:15). She was purified
by the prayer of Simeon the Just in the presence of Anna the Prophet
(Luke 2:22-40). This was the first introduction of Christ into the
house of God.
Some Armenian pre-Christian customs have become associated
with this feast, including one of the most popular. On the eve of the
holiday a bonfire is lit utilizing a flame from the church. Young
people gather around the fire and the young men leap over the
flames. The light of the bonfire is symbolic of Christ who is the
light of our lives.
AREC COURSE ON THE CREED (HAVADAMK)
CONCLUDES AT THE CATHEDRAL
Last Monday, February 8, the Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC) concluded its six-part course on The Creed (Havadamk),
co-sponsored by and held at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New York
City. Over twenty people participated in the series. The course was
conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC.
The next Bible study program will take place after Easter and
it will focus on Women in the Bible, as one of our programs to mark
2010 as the Year of the Armenian Woman, proclaimed by His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
Dn. Shant is available to conduct similar educational programs
for our parishes. If interested, please contact the AREC office at
212-689-7810 9or at [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org).
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Woman, we continue to
feature books by or about Armenian women. All are available for
purchase at the Prelacy Bookstore.
MY GRANDMOTHER
By Fethiye Cetin
This extremely touching and well written memoir by Fethiye Cetin tells
the story of her grandmother, who near the end of her life confesses
to her granddaughter that she is really an Armenian, who survived the
genocide as a young child. Her real name is Heranoush, not Seher. She
was the daughter of Isguhi and Hovannes Gadaryan from the village of
Havav in Palu. This small (116 pages) book packs a big emotional
wallop and is highly recommended. It is translated from the original
Turkish by Maureen Freely who also translates most of the works of the
Nobel Prize winning author Ohran Pamuk.
116 pages, hardcover, $21.95 plus shipping and handling.
MEDZ MAYRIKUS
By Fethiye Cetin
This is the same book as above in an Armenian translation by Salpi
Kasbarian, published in Aleppo.
142 pages, softcover $10, plus shipping and handling.
TO ORDER THESE BOOKS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.
FINALLYWE NOTE THAT
Today, February 12, is the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th
president of the United States of America.
Sunday, February 14, in addition to being Poun Paregentan and
Tyarnundarach, is also Valentines Day.
Monday, February 15, is Presidents Day, in honor of the
presidents of the United States. It is a federal holiday with all
federal offices, post offices, banks, and most businesses
closed. Except, of course, the shopping malls.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 14Lecture on the Battle of Avarayr, presented by Vazken
Ghougassian, PhD, Executive Director of Prelacy, organized by cultural
committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1:30 t 2:30 pm.
February 17First Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. General introduction by
Archbishop Oshagan. Women Witnesses of Christ in the Armenian Church,
presented by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral.
February 24Second Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Guardians of
Armenian Family Values, presented by Mrs. Iris Papazian.
February 28 and March 7General Membership meetings of Soorp
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 3Third Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Mothers and Wives,
presented by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
Church (NJ).
March 7Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Blvd., Ridgefield, New Jersey.
March 7Annual Membership Meeting, St. Paul Church, 645 S. Lewis Ave.,
Waukegan, Illinois.
March 10Fourth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York, 7:30 pm. St. Mary, Paradigm of Discipleship and
Holiness, presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church (NY).
March 13International Food Festival and Auction hosted by the Armenian
Relief Society at Hovnanian School, New Milford, New Jersey, at 5
pm. Food booths of various nations. Silent auction and Tricky
Tray. For information Lucy Keomurjian, 201-567-3318 or
[email protected]
(mailto:lucine [email protected]).
March 14Ladies Guild annual Lenten Luncheon following church services,
St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
March 17Fifth Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at St. Illuminators
Church, New York, 7:30 pm. Women as Charity Workers, presented by
Mrs. Valentine Berberian.
March 21Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist; Natalie Aroyan,
soprano. Tickets $30. Carnegie box office 212-247-7800 or Prelacy
office 212-689-7810.
March 24Sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Service and Lecture at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:30 pm. Women as Christian
Educators Today, by Yeretzgin Joanna Baghsarian.
April 11ARS Mayr Chapter presents ZULAL, a cappela trio, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway,
Bayside, New York, 4 pm. Donation: $50, $30; $15 for children under
12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.
April 17St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts, presents
jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm, church
hall. $35 per person. Contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
781-209-1915. Reservations only.
April 18ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to benefit
Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins 1
pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
May 10Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.
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])
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
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