Crossroads E-Newsletter:07/13/06

JULY 13, 2006

PASSING OF DICK SARAJIAN
We note with great sadness the death of Richard “Dick” Sarajian, a charter member of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Ridgefield, New Jersey, and dedicated friend and supporter of the Prelacy.

Funeral services took place Tuesday, July 11, at Sts. Vartanantz Church, officiated by the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The Prelate read a message of condolence received from His Holiness Aram I who recalled his acquaintance with Dick beginning with the time he was a student in the States. Archbishop Oshagan eulogized him describing him as one of the kindest human beings he has ever met.

He was totally devoted to youth programs and worked and supported the Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School for nearly fifty years.

As a partner in a pre-press and printing establishment, right up to his retirement (and beyond) Dick provided invaluable support to the programs undertaken by the Prelacy under three Prelates, of blessed memory: Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian, and Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. Every major publication published by the Prelacy during this time benefited from his altruism and his eagerness to be of service. In appreciation of his devoted service, Dick was honored by the Prelacy in 1983, 1984 and 1996.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Arax, and his children, Richard, Kenneth, and Carol and their families.

DATEV SUMMER INSTITUTE CONCLUDES
The St. Gregory of Datev Institute Armenian Christian Studies concluded its weeklong program on Sunday, July 9, with the Divine Liturgy officiated by the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia. The Liturgy was followed by a farewell picnic on the church grounds.

The 20th anniversary of the Datev program was marked ingrand fashion on Saturday evening with a gala banquet that brought together current students, alumni, parents and friends. Details and photographs will be up on the Prelacy web pages early next week.

PRELATE IN PHILLY; WILL TRAVEL OVERSEAS SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan is in Philadelphia today where he is attending the annual convention of the Armenian Relief Society (eastern region).

On Sunday he will attend the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. Later that day he will depart for Lisbon where beginning Monday, July 17, he will represent the Cilician See and His Holiness Aram I at the weeklong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gulbenkian Foundation.

SIAMANTO ACADEMY GRADUATION
Five students graduated from the Siamanto Academy in commencement ceremonies that took place on Saturday, June 24, at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York. The graduates are: Tamar Samuelian, Shogher Baronian, Mesak Sarkissian, Chris Biramian and Vatche Asadourian.

For more than two decades the Armenian National Education Committee’s (ANEC) Siamanto Academy has been providing students with accredited, college-level courses in Armenian studies. ANEC is jointly sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and the Armenian Relief Society, Eastern Region.

SUMMER CAMP AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
Tomorrow will be the final day in a weeklong summer camp at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. The camp, for youngsters age 5 to 12, includes Bible study, Armenian classes, soccer, and theater classes. Thirty-two campers are attending the camp, which is under the directorship of Ms. Seta Megherian. The program is being underwritten by Mr. & Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian.

CATHOLICOS ARAM I CALLS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
“Humanity is today at a critical stage in its history. Despite huge progress and successes in the fields of science, technology, economics, culture and international relations, humanity today faces such serious problems that could lead the world to destruction. The ambiguous values of globalization, the violent expressions of religious fanaticism, and the continuation of injustice in different forms have caused fear and insecurity everywhere,” said His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, in his address to the inter-religious conference that recently took place in Moscow.

His Holiness emphasized the role of religion in life, saying: “Religions should not be politicized. It should not be identified with political structures or ideologies. On the other hand, religion cannot be de-politicized, because it has a say in the main issues facing humanity today. Therefore, it is not possible to completely separate religion and politics. In my opinion, some form of partnership should be established between religion and politics, with the aim of achieving society’s collective goals, and a partnership that would succeed in eradicating the root of injustice in society and establishing peace based on justice.”

EDUCATION CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE IN ANTELIAS
The second conference on education is scheduled to take place at the headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, August 24-26. The initial conference took place in 2004 and was devoted to the general theme of “Armenian Education in the Diaspora.” The second conference will focus on the teaching of Armenian language, history and religion with the participation of experts in various fields of education. Ms. Hera Atamian, a teacher at the Hovnanian School, will represent the Eastern Prelacy at the conference.

TUFENKIAN FOUNDATION PRESENTS GIFTED & TALENTED WINNERS
The Tufenkian Foundation sponsored its first year-end concert featuring scholarship winners from its Taghandavor Yeridasardner (Gifted Youth) program from gifted and talented young people in the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh. The concert featured 14 talented young performers who offered outstanding performances in a variety of settings and genres.

Conceived in conjunction with the NKR Ministry of Education, the program provides higher education and professional development for youth who show the potential to make major contributions in their respective fields. Spearheaded by the Tufenkian Foundation in New York, the program is co-sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy.

FEAST OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND
SAINT PAUL THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE
This Saturday, July 15, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives of the twelve apostles of Christ and Saint Paul who is considered to be the thirteenth apostle.

Christ selected twelve apostles to carry on His work and sent them to preach and to baptize converts all over the world. (Mt. 28:19-20). Christ Himself gave the title “Apostle,” which derives from a Greek word meaning “to send.” The Apostles dedicated their lives to spreading the Word and fulfilling the sacred mission entrusted to them.

Paul, the “thirteenth apostle” was initially a great enemy of the Christians, but had a vision on the road to Damascus and became a fervent Christian and was subsequently greatly responsible for the rapid spread of Christianity. Most of the New Testament (aside from the Gospels) is his writings.

ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP ON THE WEB PAGE
More than 700 orphans are currently being supported through the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship Program. There are many more children in Armenia and Artsakh who need assistance and are waiting for sponsors. It is now possible to “adopt” a child by going to the Prelacy’s web site. Please take a moment to view the site and consider sponsoring one (or more) child. The cost is only $200 per year, per child. Please click here.

TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE AT SEVENTY
With little fanfare the Triborough Bridge—a major engineering feat—celebrated its 70th birthday on July 11. The Triborough Bridge is actually a complex of three bridges connecting the New York City boroughs of The Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, utilizing what were

two islands—Ward’s Island and Randall’s Island as intermediate rights-of-way between the water crossings. The two islands were consolidated by landfill. The complex is comprised of three long-span bridges, a number of smaller bridges and viaducts, fourteen miles of approach highways and parkways, parks and recreational facilities, and administrative offices for the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Groundbreaking took place in 1929 but construction plans stopped because of the Great Depression. In the early 1930s the famed New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses undertook the project and sought state and federal money. The necessary impetus came when President Franklin Roosevelt allocated $37 million dollars of federal money toward the project. The first car crossed the span (carrying President Roosevelt) on July 11, 1936. The final cost of the original structure came to $60,300,000.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS…
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Middle East, especially our Armenian community in Lebanon, as we receive the news of the bombing and subsequent closing of the Beirut airport. We pray that the situation will be resolved and peace will prevail throughout the region.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 22—Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.

August 6—St. Stephen Church picnic at Camp Haiastan. For information 781-326-5764.

August 6—Reception in honor of V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian following church services at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. All are invited to attend.

August 8—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual Golf Tournament, 11:30 am registration. Blackstone Valley Country Club, Sutton, MA. For details contact David, 508-234-3261.

August 13—Annual Blessing of the Grapes picnic, sponsored by Sts. Vartanantz Church at Dunkerhook Park, Paramus, New Jersey, 1 to 5 pm. For information, 201-943-2950.

August 13—Annual picnic, Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York.

August 13—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts.

August 13—Annual picnic of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, on the church grounds.

August 20—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic, 12 noon on the church grounds. For details: 508-234-3677.

September 10—Annual picnic of St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, at the American Legion grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

September 15—Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 6 pm at Jaffarian Hall.

September 18—11th Annual ACEC/School golf outing at Stow Acres Country Club, Stow, Massachusetts. For information, 781-326-5764.

September 24—36th Anniversary Luncheon and program, St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.

September 25—Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 3rd Annual Golf Outing and Award Dinner at Raceway Golf Course, Thompson, Connecticut. Registration 7:30 a.m. For information 508-872-9629 or church office 508-852-2414.

September 28—4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.

October 1—Banquet honoring Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian on the occasion of his recent elevation, at Terrace in the Park, Flushing, New York, 3 pm. Details will follow.

October 22—Holy Cross Church, Troy, NY, anniversary celebration.

November 11-12—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual “Armenian Fest” at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add email@armenianprelacy.org 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: info@armenianprelacy.org

If you wish to receive future issues of the Crossroads E-Newsletter in your E-mail Inbox, send an e-mail message with your name and your full e-mail address to email@armenianprelacy.org and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

JULY 13, 2006
PASSING OF DICK SARAJIAN We note with great sadness the death of Richard “Dick” Sarajian, a charter member of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Ridgefield, New Jersey, and dedicated friend and supporter of the Prelacy. Funeral services took place Tuesday, July 11, at Sts. Vartanantz Church, officiated by the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The Prelate read a message of condolence received from His Holiness Aram I who recalled his acquaintance with Dick beginning with the time he was a student in the States. Archbishop Oshagan eulogized him describing him as one of the kindest human beings he has ever met. He was totally devoted to youth programs and worked and supported the Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School for nearly fifty years. As a partner in a pre-press and printing establishment, right up to his retirement (and beyond) Dick provided invaluable support to the programs undertaken by the Prelacy under three Prelates, of blessed memory: Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian, and Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. Every major publication published by the Prelacy during this time benefited from his altruism and his eagerness to be of service. In appreciation of his devoted service, Dick was honored by the Prelacy in 1983, 1984 and 1996. Our sincere condolences to his wife, Arax, and his children, Richard, Kenneth, and Carol and their families.
	DATEV SUMMER INSTITUTE CONCLUDES The St. Gregory of Datev Institute Armenian Christian Studies concluded its weeklong program on Sunday, July 9, with the Divine Liturgy officiated by the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia. The Liturgy was followed by a farewell picnic on the church grounds. The 20th anniversary of the Datev program was marked ingrand fashion on Saturday evening with a gala banquet that brought together current students, alumni, parents and friends. Details and photographs will be up on the Prelacy web pages early next week.
PRELATE IN PHILLY; WILL TRAVEL OVERSEAS SUNDAY Archbishop Oshagan is in Philadelphia today where he is attending the annual convention of the Armenian Relief Society (eastern region). On Sunday he will attend the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. Later that day he will depart for Lisbon where beginning Monday, July 17, he will represent the Cilician See and His Holiness Aram I at the weeklong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gulbenkian Foundation. SIAMANTO ACADEMY GRADUATION Five students graduated from the Siamanto Academy in commencement ceremonies that took place on Saturday, June 24, at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York. The graduates are: Tamar Samuelian, Shogher Baronian, Mesak Sarkissian, Chris Biramian and Vatche Asadourian. For more than two decades the Armenian National Education Committee’s (ANEC) Siamanto Academy has been providing students with accredited, college-level courses in Armenian studies. ANEC is jointly sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and the Armenian Relief Society, Eastern Region. SUMMER CAMP AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH Tomorrow will be the final day in a weeklong summer camp at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. The camp, for youngsters age 5 to 12, includes Bible study, Armenian classes, soccer, and theater classes. Thirty-two campers are attending the camp, which is under the directorship of Ms. Seta Megherian. The program is being underwritten by Mr. & Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. CATHOLICOS ARAM I CALLS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE “Humanity is today at a critical stage in its history. Despite huge progress and successes in the fields of science, technology, economics, culture and international relations, humanity today faces such serious problems that could lead the world to destruction. The ambiguous values of globalization, the violent expressions of religious fanaticism, and the continuation of injustice in different forms have caused fear and insecurity everywhere,” said His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, in his address to the inter-religious conference that recently took place in Moscow. His Holiness emphasized the role of religion in life, saying: “Religions should not be politicized. It should not be identified with political structures or ideologies. On the other hand, religion cannot be de-politicized, because it has a say in the main issues facing humanity today. Therefore, it is not possible to completely separate religion and politics. In my opinion, some form of partnership should be established between religion and politics, with the aim of achieving society’s collective goals, and a partnership that would succeed in eradicating the root of injustice in society and establishing peace based on justice.” EDUCATION CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE IN ANTELIAS The second conference on education is scheduled to take place at the headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, August 24-26. The initial conference took place in 2004 and was devoted to the general theme of “Armenian Education in the Diaspora.” The second conference will focus on the teaching of Armenian language, history and religion with the participation of experts in various fields of education. Ms. Hera Atamian, a teacher at the Hovnanian School, will represent the Eastern Prelacy at the conference. TUFENKIAN FOUNDATION PRESENTS GIFTED & TALENTED WINNERS The Tufenkian Foundation sponsored its first year-end concert featuring scholarship winners from its Taghandavor Yeridasardner (Gifted Youth) program from gifted and talented young people in the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh. The concert featured 14 talented young performers who offered outstanding performances in a variety of settings and genres. Conceived in conjunction with the NKR Ministry of Education, the program provides higher education and professional development for youth who show the potential to make major contributions in their respective fields. Spearheaded by the Tufenkian Foundation in New York, the program is co-sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy. FEAST OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND SAINT PAUL THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE This Saturday, July 15, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives of the twelve apostles of Christ and Saint Paul who is considered to be the thirteenth apostle. Christ selected twelve apostles to carry on His work and sent them to preach and to baptize converts all over the world. (Mt. 28:19-20). Christ Himself gave the title “Apostle,” which derives from a Greek word meaning “to send.” The Apostles dedicated their lives to spreading the Word and fulfilling the sacred mission entrusted to them. Paul, the “thirteenth apostle” was initially a great enemy of the Christians, but had a vision on the road to Damascus and became a fervent Christian and was subsequently greatly responsible for the rapid spread of Christianity. Most of the New Testament (aside from the Gospels) is his writings.
ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP ON THE WEB PAGE More than 700 orphans are currently being supported through the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship Program. There are many more children in Armenia and Artsakh who need assistance and are waiting for sponsors. It is now possible to “adopt” a child by going to the Prelacy’s web site. Please take a moment to view the site and consider sponsoring one (or more) child. The cost is only $200 per year, per child. Please click here. TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE AT SEVENTY With little fanfare the Triborough Bridge—a major engineering feat—celebrated its 70th birthday on July 11. The Triborough Bridge is actually a complex of three bridges connecting the New York City boroughs of The Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, utilizing what were
two islands—Ward’s Island and Randall’s Island as intermediate rights-of-way between the water crossings. The two islands were consolidated by landfill. The complex is comprised of three long-span bridges, a number of smaller bridges and viaducts, fourteen miles of approach highways and parkways, parks and recreational facilities, and administrative offices for the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Groundbreaking took place in 1929 but construction plans stopped because of the Great Depression. In the early 1930s the famed New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses undertook the project and sought state and federal money. The necessary impetus came when President Franklin Roosevelt allocated $37 million dollars of federal money toward the project. The first car crossed the span (carrying President Roosevelt) on July 11, 1936. The final cost of the original structure came to $60,300,000. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS… Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Middle East, especially our Armenian community in Lebanon, as we receive the news of the bombing and subsequent closing of the Beirut airport. We pray that the situation will be resolved and peace will prevail throughout the region.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 22—Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107. August 6—St. Stephen Church picnic at Camp Haiastan. For information 781-326-5764. August 6—Reception in honor of V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian following church services at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. All are invited to attend. August 8—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual Golf Tournament, 11:30 am registration. Blackstone Valley Country Club, Sutton, MA. For details contact David, 508-234-3261. August 13—Annual Blessing of the Grapes picnic, sponsored by Sts. Vartanantz Church at Dunkerhook Park, Paramus, New Jersey, 1 to 5 pm. For information, 201-943-2950. August 13—Annual picnic, Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York. August 13—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. August 13—Annual picnic of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, on the church grounds. August 20—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic, 12 noon on the church grounds. For details: 508-234-3677. September 10—Annual picnic of St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, at the American Legion grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts. September 15—Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 6 pm at Jaffarian Hall. September 18—11th Annual ACEC/School golf outing at Stow Acres Country Club, Stow, Massachusetts. For information, 781-326-5764. September 24—36th Anniversary Luncheon and program, St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. September 25—Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 3rd Annual Golf Outing and Award Dinner at Raceway Golf Course, Thompson, Connecticut. Registration 7:30 a.m. For information 508-872-9629 or church office 508-852-2414. September 28—4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950. October 1—Banquet honoring Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian on the occasion of his recent elevation, at Terrace in the Park, Flushing, New York, 3 pm. Details will follow. October 22—Holy Cross Church, Troy, NY, anniversary celebration. November 11-12—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual “Armenian Fest” at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site. To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add email@armenianprelacy.org 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: info@armenianprelacy.org

If you wish to receive future issues of the Crossroads E-Newsletter in your E-mail Inbox, send an e-mail message with your name and your full e-mail address to email@armenianprelacy.org and write "subscribe" in the subject line.