Crossroads E-Newsletter:09/07/06

September 21, 2006

CATHOLICOS ARAM I ADDRESS ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, called for a strong Armenian nation and a strong Armenia in an address to a large number of Armenians from all parts of the world during the opening session of the third Armenia-Diaspora Conference in Yerevan which took place September 18 to 20. One day prior to the opening of the conference President Robert Kocharian received His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, for an exchange of ideas about Diaspora-Armenia relations.

Catholicos Aram’s speech to the conference, which was received enthusiastically, highlighted the important role of the conference in the life of the Armenian nation, church and motherland. He considered this conference to be a more conscious approach towards collective belonging and one dictated by the Armenian nation’s collective history.

He elaborated on four major points and then talked about a number of important national issues that should be discussed on a Pan-Armenian level with a clear separation

in the roles of the Armenian government and the Diaspora.In this context he particularly mentioned the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, the situation in Javakh, and the issues of dictation and dual nationality. He stated that collective discussion on these issues strengthens and channels Pan-Armenian issues.

“The cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora should not be conditioned by financial standards only and should not be limited to narrow economic boundaries. In other words, the Diaspora should not be satisfied with financing projects in Armenia; it has much more to give to Armenia with its manpower and experience. Armenia in its turn should not only organize Pan-Armenian conferences, it also has a lot to offer to the Diaspora particularly in the fields of culture and Armenology. Our church and intellectuals have an important role to play in this respect,” said the Catholicos.

His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan attended the conference as part of the official delegation representing the Holy See of Cilicia. Archbishop Oshagan is expected to return to New York next week.

NEW OFFICES OF ST. NERSES THE GREAT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
IS DEDICATED TO ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN
Tuesday evening, September 19, the new Yerevan offices of the Prelacy’s St. Nerses the Great Charitable and Social Organization were dedicated by Archbishop Oshagan. The office was named in honor of the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, who as Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, first organized the St. Nerses organization and its program of social work in Armenia and Artsakh. The offices are now known as “The Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian Center.” Details and photos next week.

EPISCOPAL CONSECRATION OF BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN
WILL BE CELEBRATED ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the celebration in honor of the recent Episcopal consecration of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian. A community-wide banquet will take place on Sunday, October 1 at 3 pm at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, New York. In the morning, Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, a parish he served for more than a decade. Bishop Anoushavan’s elevation and consecration took place on June 4, in ceremonies officiated by Catholicos Aram I in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon.

For more information about the October 1st event click here.

NEW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT PRELACY
An eight-session course on the “Letter to the Hebrews” will start on Monday, October 2, at the Prelacy from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm, and will continue on the first and third Mondays of the month. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the course will be conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC.

The Letter to the Hebrews is a profound homily, a “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22). One of the main themes of the Letter is that the old covenant has been superseded through the sacrificial death of Christ. And for that reason, studying the Letter to the Hebrews gives a solid biblical understanding of the “Soorp Badarak” (Holy Sacrifice) that we celebrate on Sundays.

Registration is required (suggested donation: $25). For registration and information, please call 212-689-7810 or e-mail at arec@armenianprelacy.org.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
WILL CELEBRATE THE “COLORS OF FALL”
With the extraordinary success of the Prelacy’s Children’s Concert two years ago, another concert for children will take place on Saturday afternoon, November 18, at Florence Gould Hall, at the Alliance Francaise in New York City, featuring the talented and popular TALINE AND FRIENDS, from California.

The theme of the concert will be “Fall Colors” (Ashnan Kouyner). Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased by contacting the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810, Ext. 26.

MIDWEST DATEV PROGRAM NOVEMBER 10-12
The popular summer Datev program goes on the road again with a weekend program scheduled in the Midwest, November 10 to 12, at the Colombiere Retreat and Conference Center, Clarkston, Michigan.

The program will include interactive presentations and instructions on faith-related topics, discussions of religious and current issues, Bible studies, short worship services, fellowship and recreational activities. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Deacon Shant Kazanjian will be the instructors and facilitators.

For information and registration click here

PAREGENTAN OF THE HOLY CROSS OF VARAG
This Sunday is the Paregentan of the Fast of the Holy Cross of Varag. Monday to Friday are fasting days leading up to next Sunday when the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varag will be celebrated.

VICAR GENERAL WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY
This Sunday, September 24, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will visit the Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The New Jersey parish recently welcomed its new pastor and his family, Rev. Fr. and Yeretzgeen Hovnan Bozoian.

AREC DIRECTOR WILL TRAVEL TO PHILLY
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) will travel to his home parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia where he will lead a Sunday school teachers’ seminar/retreat focusing on “Nurturing Faith.”

TODAY IS ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Today, September 21, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia.

“Stretch forth your generous hands of mercy and bless our entire Armenian nation and Armenian church in order that the spirit of love, peace, wisdom and devotion rest upon them and remain there forever.” (from Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia, by Archbishop Torkom Koushagian, 1920).

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION
One hundred forty-four years ago, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation which would go into effect on January 1, 1863, abolishing slavery in the United States.

“That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.”

AUTUMN BEGINS SATURDAY
The official beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere begins on Saturday, September 23, at 12:03 a.m., eastern daylight time, with the fall equinox, when day and night are approximately the same length. Henceforth, our daylight hours will become increasingly shorter until the winter solstice in December.

No spring, nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.
“Elegy IX: The Autumnal,” by John Donne (1572-1631)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

September 22-23—Retreat, “Nurturing Faith,” for Sunday School teachers and staff of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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 2—New eight-session Bible study on the “Letter to the Hebrews” begins at the Prelacy, 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm, first and third Mondays of the month, sponsored by AREC. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian. For information: 212-689-7810.

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 10-12—Mini Datev program for teens, ages 13 to 18. At Colombiere Retreat Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

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 17 & 18—Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts.

November 18—Children’s Concert, “FALL COLORS”, 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.

September 21, 2006
CATHOLICOS ARAM I ADDRESS ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, called for a strong Armenian nation and a strong Armenia in an address to a large number of Armenians from all parts of the world during the opening session of the third Armenia-Diaspora Conference in Yerevan which took place September 18 to 20. One day prior to the opening of the conference President Robert Kocharian received His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, for an exchange of ideas about Diaspora-Armenia relations.
	Catholicos Aram’s speech to the conference, which was received enthusiastically, highlighted the important role of the conference in the life of the Armenian nation, church and motherland. He considered this conference to be a more conscious approach towards collective belonging and one dictated by the Armenian nation’s collective history. He elaborated on four major points and then talked about a number of important national issues that should be discussed on a Pan-Armenian level with a clear separation
in the roles of the Armenian government and the Diaspora.In this context he particularly mentioned the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, the situation in Javakh, and the issues of dictation and dual nationality. He stated that collective discussion on these issues strengthens and channels Pan-Armenian issues. “The cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora should not be conditioned by financial standards only and should not be limited to narrow economic boundaries. In other words, the Diaspora should not be satisfied with financing projects in Armenia; it has much more to give to Armenia with its manpower and experience. Armenia in its turn should not only organize Pan-Armenian conferences, it also has a lot to offer to the Diaspora particularly in the fields of culture and Armenology. Our church and intellectuals have an important role to play in this respect,” said the Catholicos. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan attended the conference as part of the official delegation representing the Holy See of Cilicia. Archbishop Oshagan is expected to return to New York next week. NEW OFFICES OF ST. NERSES THE GREAT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION IS DEDICATED TO ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN Tuesday evening, September 19, the new Yerevan offices of the Prelacy’s St. Nerses the Great Charitable and Social Organization were dedicated by Archbishop Oshagan. The office was named in honor of the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, who as Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, first organized the St. Nerses organization and its program of social work in Armenia and Artsakh. The offices are now known as “The Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian Center.” Details and photos next week. EPISCOPAL CONSECRATION OF BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN WILL BE CELEBRATED ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1 Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the celebration in honor of the recent Episcopal consecration of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian. A community-wide banquet will take place on Sunday, October 1 at 3 pm at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, New York. In the morning, Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, a parish he served for more than a decade. Bishop Anoushavan’s elevation and consecration took place on June 4, in ceremonies officiated by Catholicos Aram I in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon. For more information about the October 1st event click here. NEW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT PRELACY An eight-session course on the “Letter to the Hebrews” will start on Monday, October 2, at the Prelacy from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm, and will continue on the first and third Mondays of the month. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the course will be conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC. The Letter to the Hebrews is a profound homily, a “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22). One of the main themes of the Letter is that the old covenant has been superseded through the sacrificial death of Christ. And for that reason, studying the Letter to the Hebrews gives a solid biblical understanding of the “Soorp Badarak” (Holy Sacrifice) that we celebrate on Sundays. Registration is required (suggested donation: $25). For registration and information, please call 212-689-7810 or e-mail at arec@armenianprelacy.org. CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18 WILL CELEBRATE THE “COLORS OF FALL” With the extraordinary success of the Prelacy’s Children’s Concert two years ago, another concert for children will take place on Saturday afternoon, November 18, at Florence Gould Hall, at the Alliance Francaise in New York City, featuring the talented and popular TALINE AND FRIENDS, from California. The theme of the concert will be “Fall Colors” (Ashnan Kouyner). Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased by contacting the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810, Ext. 26. MIDWEST DATEV PROGRAM NOVEMBER 10-12 The popular summer Datev program goes on the road again with a weekend program scheduled in the Midwest, November 10 to 12, at the Colombiere Retreat and Conference Center, Clarkston, Michigan. The program will include interactive presentations and instructions on faith-related topics, discussions of religious and current issues, Bible studies, short worship services, fellowship and recreational activities. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Deacon Shant Kazanjian will be the instructors and facilitators. For information and registration click here PAREGENTAN OF THE HOLY CROSS OF VARAG This Sunday is the Paregentan of the Fast of the Holy Cross of Varag. Monday to Friday are fasting days leading up to next Sunday when the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varag will be celebrated. VICAR GENERAL WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY This Sunday, September 24, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will visit the Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The New Jersey parish recently welcomed its new pastor and his family, Rev. Fr. and Yeretzgeen Hovnan Bozoian. AREC DIRECTOR WILL TRAVEL TO PHILLY Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) will travel to his home parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia where he will lead a Sunday school teachers’ seminar/retreat focusing on “Nurturing Faith.” TODAY IS ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY Today, September 21, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. “Stretch forth your generous hands of mercy and bless our entire Armenian nation and Armenian church in order that the spirit of love, peace, wisdom and devotion rest upon them and remain there forever.” (from Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia, by Archbishop Torkom Koushagian, 1920). EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION One hundred forty-four years ago, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation which would go into effect on January 1, 1863, abolishing slavery in the United States. “That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” AUTUMN BEGINS SATURDAY The official beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere begins on Saturday, September 23, at 12:03 a.m., eastern daylight time, with the fall equinox, when day and night are approximately the same length. Henceforth, our daylight hours will become increasingly shorter until the winter solstice in December. No spring, nor summer beauty hath such grace As I have seen in one autumnal face. “Elegy IX: The Autumnal,” by John Donne (1572-1631)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 22—Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 6 pm at Jaffarian Hall. September 22-23—Retreat, “Nurturing Faith,” for Sunday School teachers and staff of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2—New eight-session Bible study on the “Letter to the Hebrews” begins at the Prelacy, 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm, first and third Mondays of the month, sponsored by AREC. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian. For information: 212-689-7810. 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 10-12—Mini Datev program for teens, ages 13 to 18. At Colombiere Retreat Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan. 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 17 & 18—Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. November 18—Children’s Concert, “FALL COLORS”, 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.