Crossroads E-Newsletter:08/24/06

August 31, 2006

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND AYF OLYMPICS
THIS WEEKEND IN MILWAUKEE
Continuing a long tradition, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this weekend, where the Armenian Youth Federation is hosting its 73rd annual Olympic Games.

His Eminence will greet the thousands expected to attend and will open the competitive games on Sunday, September 3, with his message and prayers.

ELEVATION OF BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN TANIELIAN
WILL BE CELEBRATED ON OCTOBER 1
The recent elevation of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will be celebrated on Sunday, October 1, at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, New York. For details about the event click here

CATHOLICOS ARAM I QUESTIONS PARTICIPATION
OF TURKEY IN LEBANON’S PEACEKEEPING FORCE
In a letter to Emil Lahoud, the President of the Republic of Lebanon, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I questions the potential participation of Turkey in the peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. Based on Turkey’s past and more recent history, His Holiness said “the presence of Turkey in the United Nations peacekeeping forces will never be beneficial to Lebanon.”

AMBASSADOR EVANS TO LEAVE POST IN MID-SEPTEMBER;
VOTE FOR NEW AMBASSADOR SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 7
Ambassador John Evans, who was relieved from his post as Ambassador of Armenia after putting the words Armenian and Genocide together, will be leaving his post by mid-September. Confirmation of the new Ambassador-designee, Richard Hoagland, is scheduled to be discussed on September 7 (postponed from an earlier date).

ST. JOHN THE FORERUNNER AND JOB THE RIGHTEOUS
Today, August 31, the church remembers St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous.

St. John the Forerunner, also known as John the Baptist, is an important figure in the four New Testament Gospels. He is understood to be the “forerunner” to the Messiah. He lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea. At the age of 30 he began to preach against the evils of the times and called men to penance and baptism “for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.”

The Book of Job is one of five books (along with Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) classified as the “poetical” books of the Bible. Many theologians and writers consider it to be the most remarkable book in the Bible. The principle message of the Book is the mystery of suffering. Job is a good and righteous person who experiences catastrophe after catastrophe.

PLAYWRITING AND SCREENWRITING AWARD
Today, August 31, which would have been William Saroyan’s 98th birthday, is an appropriate time to speak about a playwriting and screenwriting competition being offered by the Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance—a $10,000 prize to be awarded for the first time next year for a new, previously unpublished, play or screenplay, written in English, based on Armenian themes. For further details click here

MONDAY IS LABOR DAY
Monday, September 4, is Labor Day, celebrated in the United States and Canada. Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the labor movement more than a century ago. It is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. Through the years it has become to be known as the unofficial end of summer, much the same way that Memorial Day has become the unofficial start of summer.

SCHOOLS REOPEN
Of course, Labor Day also represents the beginning of a new school term. Many of our Sunday and Saturday schools will be opening next weekend. Check with your local parish to find the exact dates in your area.

A POETIC ENDING
We end this week with a poem by noted poet Sylva Gaboudikian who died last week in Yerevan at age 87.

THE WALNUT TREE
There is a walnut tree
growing in the vineyard
at the very edge of the world.

My people, you are like
that huge ancient tree—
with branches blessed by the graces

but sprawling
over the small corner of land;
roots and arms spread out
and spilling your fruit
to nourish foreign soils.

From Anthology of Armenian Poetry
By Diana Der Hovanessian and Marzbed Margossian
Columbia University Press, 1978

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 10—Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School, Ridgefield, New Jersey, luncheon and registration for the 2006-2007 school year.

September 10—Annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.

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

September 10—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday School classes resume.

September 15—2nd Annual Golf Outing of All Saints Church, at Hilldale Golf Club, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. For reservations and/or information, 847-858-7685.

September 17—First Annual Lobster Fest, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 215-482-9200.

September 17—Annual Picnic, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, on the church grounds, following church services and the blessing of Basil. For information: 718-224-2275.

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

September 22—Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 6 pm at Jaffarian Hall.

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 25—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Third Annual Golf Outing. For information, 215-482-9200.

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 on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York, 3 pm. Details will follow.

October 8—81st anniversary celebration of St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.

October 19-22—Annual bazaar, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.

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

November 3-4— Ladies Guild Food Festival, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

November 3, 4, 5—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.

November 5—Annual bazaar, St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.

November 5—36th Anniversary Luncheon and program, St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.

November 11—42nd Anniversary of Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, in the church hall.

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

November 18—Children’s Concert, GIVING THANKS, sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy at Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City, featuring TALINE AND FRIENDS. Details will follow.

November 26—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, First Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.

December 9—Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

December 24—Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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.

August 31, 2006
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND AYF OLYMPICS THIS WEEKEND IN MILWAUKEE Continuing a long tradition, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this weekend, where the Armenian Youth Federation is hosting its 73rd annual Olympic Games. His Eminence will greet the thousands expected to attend and will open the competitive games on Sunday, September 3, with his message and prayers. ELEVATION OF BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN TANIELIAN WILL BE CELEBRATED ON OCTOBER 1 The recent elevation of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will be celebrated on Sunday, October 1, at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, New York. For details about the event click here CATHOLICOS ARAM I QUESTIONS PARTICIPATION OF TURKEY IN LEBANON’S PEACEKEEPING FORCE In a letter to Emil Lahoud, the President of the Republic of Lebanon, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I questions the potential participation of Turkey in the peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. Based on Turkey’s past and more recent history, His Holiness said “the presence of Turkey in the United Nations peacekeeping forces will never be beneficial to Lebanon.” AMBASSADOR EVANS TO LEAVE POST IN MID-SEPTEMBER; VOTE FOR NEW AMBASSADOR SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 7 Ambassador John Evans, who was relieved from his post as Ambassador of Armenia after putting the words Armenian and Genocide together, will be leaving his post by mid-September. Confirmation of the new Ambassador-designee, Richard Hoagland, is scheduled to be discussed on September 7 (postponed from an earlier date). ST. JOHN THE FORERUNNER AND JOB THE RIGHTEOUS Today, August 31, the church remembers St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous. St. John the Forerunner, also known as John the Baptist, is an important figure in the four New Testament Gospels. He is understood to be the “forerunner” to the Messiah. He lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea. At the age of 30 he began to preach against the evils of the times and called men to penance and baptism “for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” The Book of Job is one of five books (along with Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) classified as the “poetical” books of the Bible. Many theologians and writers consider it to be the most remarkable book in the Bible. The principle message of the Book is the mystery of suffering. Job is a good and righteous person who experiences catastrophe after catastrophe. PLAYWRITING AND SCREENWRITING AWARD Today, August 31, which would have been William Saroyan’s 98th birthday, is an appropriate time to speak about a playwriting and screenwriting competition being offered by the Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance—a $10,000 prize to be awarded for the first time next year for a new, previously unpublished, play or screenplay, written in English, based on Armenian themes. For further details click here MONDAY IS LABOR DAY Monday, September 4, is Labor Day, celebrated in the United States and Canada. Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the labor movement more than a century ago. It is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. Through the years it has become to be known as the unofficial end of summer, much the same way that Memorial Day has become the unofficial start of summer. SCHOOLS REOPEN Of course, Labor Day also represents the beginning of a new school term. Many of our Sunday and Saturday schools will be opening next weekend. Check with your local parish to find the exact dates in your area. A POETIC ENDING We end this week with a poem by noted poet Sylva Gaboudikian who died last week in Yerevan at age 87. THE WALNUT TREE There is a walnut tree growing in the vineyard at the very edge of the world. My people, you are like that huge ancient tree— with branches blessed by the graces but sprawling over the small corner of land; roots and arms spread out and spilling your fruit to nourish foreign soils. From Anthology of Armenian Poetry By Diana Der Hovanessian and Marzbed Margossian Columbia University Press, 1978

CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 10—Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School, Ridgefield, New Jersey, luncheon and registration for the 2006-2007 school year. September 10—Annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut. September 10—Annual picnic of St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, at the American Legion grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts. September 10—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday School classes resume. September 15—2nd Annual Golf Outing of All Saints Church, at Hilldale Golf Club, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. For reservations and/or information, 847-858-7685. September 17—First Annual Lobster Fest, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 215-482-9200. September 17—Annual Picnic, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, on the church grounds, following church services and the blessing of Basil. For information: 718-224-2275. September 18—11th Annual ACEC/School golf outing at Stow Acres Country Club, Stow, Massachusetts. For information, 781-326-5764. September 22—Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 6 pm at Jaffarian Hall. 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 25—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Third Annual Golf Outing. For information, 215-482-9200. 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 on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York, 3 pm. Details will follow. October 8—81st anniversary celebration of St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut. October 19-22—Annual bazaar, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland. October 22—Holy Cross Church, Troy, NY, anniversary celebration. November 3-4— Ladies Guild Food Festival, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. November 3, 4, 5—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950. November 5—Annual bazaar, St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut. November 5—36th Anniversary Luncheon and program, St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. November 11—42nd Anniversary of Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, in the church hall. November 11-12—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual “Armenian Fest” at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. November 18—Children’s Concert, GIVING THANKS, sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy at Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City, featuring TALINE AND FRIENDS. Details will follow. November 26—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, First Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian. December 9—Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. December 24—Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.