Crossroads E-Newsletter:11/02/06

November 2, 2006

PASSING OF VAHE ISHKANIAN
Funeral services took place today for Deacon Vahe Ishkanian, a former delegate to the Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly and to the World Assembly in Antelias, Lebanon. He was a faithful member of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City for more than half a century. He served the Cathedral as a deacon, as chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a devoted member of the choir. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan officiated at the funeral and burial services today, as well as the Wake service last night at the Cathedral. Also participating in the services were Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Rev. Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian, emeritus pastor of the Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the current pastor of the Cathedral, and Deacon Shant Kazanjian.

We extend our condolences to his widow, Julie Aylaian Ishkanian, and his children Linda and Gary and their families.

YOUTH GATHERING WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I
The youthful years are when the search for answers to basic questions takes place. It is with this thought in mind that the upcoming two-day youth gathering with His Holiness Aram I was organized.

“We need to listen more to our youth to know what they are thinking, to let them know that the Church needs them and they need the Church,” said Archbishop Oshagan recently as he described his enthusiasm for the upcoming gathering with the youth which will take place in Dearborn, Michigan, December 2 and 3.

It was these same thoughts that prompted His Holiness to suggest that such a gathering be organized during his visit to the Midwest where he will be the keynote speaker at a conference on “Faith and Health” at Notre Dame University. The three Prelacies (Eastern, Western, and Canadian) joined together to organize the gathering, forming a committee composed of young people who planned the weekend agenda.

The theme selected by the young people for the gathering is Your Church. Your Future. Engage. The weekend activities will include speakers, film, music, worship—all with the goal of answering the questions on the mind of the youth while gaining a better understanding of the Church.

For details about the youth gathering click here.

BISHOP MALKHAZ VISITS PRELACY
This morning Bishop Malkhaz, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Tiblisi, Georgia, and General Secretary of the United Bible Societies Representation in Georgia, visited the Prelacy offices where he met with Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan.

PRESIDENT OF KARABAGH WILL VISIT PRELACY NEXT WEEK
Arkady Ghugasian, the President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh, will visit the Prelacy next Wednesday,

November 8. Community leaders will join the Prelate and the Vicar in welcoming the President and his entourage who are visiting the United States in conjunction with Armenia Fund’s annual Thanksgiving Telethon, which will be aired on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, in all Armenian communities around the world. For detailed broadcast information go to www.armeniafund.org.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL TRAVEL TO CHICAGO
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Illinois this weekend where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at All Saints Church in Glenview, and preside over the parish’s anniversary celebration on Sunday.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
The children’s concert featuring the popular children’s entertainer, TALINE from California, on Saturday, November 18 is expected to be another sell-out. The concert venue is Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City. Parents with young children should reserve their tickets immediately. For information call the Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or click here.

VICAR PARTICIPATES IN WCC MEETINGS
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy and Ecumenical Officer in the United States, participated in two-day meetings of the U.S. branch of the World Council of Churches (WCC), in New York last week. The delegates discussed the changes in the WCC agenda on the mission and witness of American churches. They examined the role of the new advisory committees to help meet the challenges facing the Ecumenical Movement. The participants highlighted the important role of the Council’s American branch and the need to use mainstream media to make the WCC an everyday presence in the lives of American churches.

VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO MASSACHUSETTS
This weekend the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, will visit the parish of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Massachusetts. His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the church’s 36th anniversary celebration.

BIBLE STUDY AT PRELACY CONTINUES
The eight-session course on the Letter to the Hebrews continues this Monday, November 6, at the Prelacy from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm. The group meets on the first and third Mondays of the month. Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the course is led by Dn. Shant Kazanjian.

CATHOLICOS ARAM MEETS LEADERS OF
ARMENIAN CATHOLIC AND EVENGELICAL CHURCHES
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, met with the spiritual leaders of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches in two separate meetings on October 30.

The meeting with Patriarch Nerses Bedros Tarmouni XIX was held in the presence of several Armenian Catholic Bishops and priests. His Holiness then met with Rev. Meguerditch Karageozian, President of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East.

The main focus of the meetings was the relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora, particularly in light of the third Armenia-Diaspora conference that took place in Yerevan during the summer. The three spiritual leaders also discussed the importance of strengthening the Diaspora and reviving Armenian schools in particular. They reiterated the crucial importance of preserving the internal unity of the Armenian community of Lebanon. They also emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the Armenian Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches.

CATHOLICOS ARAM IN GENEVA;
MEETS WITH EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF
Last week His Holiness Aram I attended several important ecumenical meetings in Geneva. He also met with the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Dr. Sam Kobia. His Holiness examined the preparatory work for the ecumenical meeting that will take place in Antelias later this month.

During his stay in Geneva, the Pontiff also followed the progress of the publication of several books he has written. The books, in English, French and German, examine a number of ecumenical and theological issues. The English volume will be completed this year while the other two are expected to be published next year.

Upon his return from Geneva, His Holiness met with Xavier Solana, the European Union High Commissioners for foreign and security policy. The meeting took place in the VIP room of the Beirut airport. They discussed the Middle East crisis and particularly the international efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon.

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
This Saturday, November 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of All Saints, “old and new, known and unknown.” The western churches celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 (the day after Halloween). In the Armenian Church tradition the date is variable depending on the season of the Cross. It can occur in late October or in November. The commemoration is rooted in the belief that there are many saints who are not known to us. Therefore, on this day all saints are honored and remembered.

BAZAARS GALORE
This coming weekend seems to be a popular date for many bazaars and food festivals. Support your local parish.

NEW YORKER FEATURES ARTICLE ON GENOCIDE
The November 6th issue of The New Yorker features an article entitled, “Dead Reckoning: The Armenian genocide and the politics of silence,” by Elizabeth Kolbert. This issue is on the newsstands now.

TUESDAY IS ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 7, is Election Day. Congress established this day in 1854, in response to abuses caused by the previous system. November was selected because in most parts of the country the harvest work was complete. Remember than in 1845, most Americans made their living from agriculture. Tuesday was selected because many people had to travel the day before to reach their polling places. For many voters this meant at least an overnight trip on horseback or buggy. Since most people would not travel on a Sunday because of religious reasons, the powers that be did not want Election Day to be on a Monday, which would necessitate travel on Sunday. They also did not want it to fall on November 1 because this was a holiday for the Roman Catholic Church and because most shopkeepers did their books for the preceding month on the first day of the month. Thus was born the formula: The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

If you are a citizen of the U.S. and duly registered as required by law, exercise your right to vote this coming Tuesday, November 7.

“If I tried to read, much less answer, all the criticisms made of me, and all the attacks leveled against me, this office would have to be closed for all other business. I do the best I know how, the very best I can. And I mean to keep on doing this, down to the very end. If the end brings me out all wrong, ten angels swearing I had been right would make no difference. If the end brings me out right, then what is said against me now will not amount to anything”
Words spoken by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the U.S. (1861 to 1865), considered by historians to be the greatest U.S. President

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 3-4—51st Annual Bazaar of St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, with special program for children on Saturday afternoon. For information 617-924-7562.

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 4—Harvest Ball Dinner Dance to benefit programs of Holy Ascension Sunday School, at Shore & Country Club, Norwalk, Connecticut. Information: Judy Gavoor 203-834-1471 and Nadine Koobatian 203-421-7944.

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 12—Food Festival and Bazaar. St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 1 to 5 pm. The newly published St. Sarkis Cookbook will be available. For information 718-224-2275.

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.

November 18—“Christian Spirituality and the Armenian Apostolic Church,” a lecture by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.

November 19—Thanksgiving luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy, under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor. For information: 212-689-5880.

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 1-3—Gathering of the Youth with Catholicos Aram I, Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan. For details click here.

December 3—Requiem service in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian on the third anniversary of his passing, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian will preside.

December 10—52nd anniversary of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, Granite City, Illinois.

December 10—General Membership meeting and elections of auditing and nominating committees, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.

December 13—Thanksgiving Luncheon with the local NYPD and Fire Fighters, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.

December 16—“A Celebration of Service” in honor of past chairmen and board of trustees members. Under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. For information and reservations 718-224-2275.

December 17—50th anniversary celebration of the ordination of Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian, sponsored by the Prelacy Religious Council, at Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York. Der Moushegh will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New York City) on Sunday morning.

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

December 31—New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey and ARF Dro Gomideh. Parsippany Hilton, New Jersey. Featuring Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band. For full information contact the church office 201-943-2950.

December 31—New Year’s Eve Party, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.

January 6—Christmas party and special program for Saturday and Sunday school students.

January 28—Annual Membership Meeting, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, at 1 pm.

February 4—St. Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of the churchy and requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

February 11—General Membership meeting and elections, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

February 18—Poon Paregentan, Eve of Great Lent, International Cuisine Night, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

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.

November 2, 2006
PASSING OF VAHE ISHKANIAN Funeral services took place today for Deacon Vahe Ishkanian, a former delegate to the Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly and to the World Assembly in Antelias, Lebanon. He was a faithful member of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City for more than half a century. He served the Cathedral as a deacon, as chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a devoted member of the choir. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan officiated at the funeral and burial services today, as well as the Wake service last night at the Cathedral. Also participating in the services were Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Rev. Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian, emeritus pastor of the Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the current pastor of the Cathedral, and Deacon Shant Kazanjian. We extend our condolences to his widow, Julie Aylaian Ishkanian, and his children Linda and Gary and their families. YOUTH GATHERING WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I The youthful years are when the search for answers to basic questions takes place. It is with this thought in mind that the upcoming two-day youth gathering with His Holiness Aram I was organized. “We need to listen more to our youth to know what they are thinking, to let them know that the Church needs them and they need the Church,” said Archbishop Oshagan recently as he described his enthusiasm for the upcoming gathering with the youth which will take place in Dearborn, Michigan, December 2 and 3. It was these same thoughts that prompted His Holiness to suggest that such a gathering be organized during his visit to the Midwest where he will be the keynote speaker at a conference on “Faith and Health” at Notre Dame University. The three Prelacies (Eastern, Western, and Canadian) joined together to organize the gathering, forming a committee composed of young people who planned the weekend agenda. The theme selected by the young people for the gathering is Your Church. Your Future. Engage. The weekend activities will include speakers, film, music, worship—all with the goal of answering the questions on the mind of the youth while gaining a better understanding of the Church. For details about the youth gathering click here.
	BISHOP MALKHAZ VISITS PRELACY This morning Bishop Malkhaz, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Tiblisi, Georgia, and General Secretary of the United Bible Societies Representation in Georgia, visited the Prelacy offices where he met with Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan. PRESIDENT OF KARABAGH WILL VISIT PRELACY NEXT WEEK Arkady Ghugasian, the President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh, will visit the Prelacy next Wednesday,
November 8. Community leaders will join the Prelate and the Vicar in welcoming the President and his entourage who are visiting the United States in conjunction with Armenia Fund’s annual Thanksgiving Telethon, which will be aired on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, in all Armenian communities around the world. For detailed broadcast information go to www.armeniafund.org. ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL TRAVEL TO CHICAGO Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Illinois this weekend where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at All Saints Church in Glenview, and preside over the parish’s anniversary celebration on Sunday. CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18 The children’s concert featuring the popular children’s entertainer, TALINE from California, on Saturday, November 18 is expected to be another sell-out. The concert venue is Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City. Parents with young children should reserve their tickets immediately. For information call the Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or click here. VICAR PARTICIPATES IN WCC MEETINGS Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy and Ecumenical Officer in the United States, participated in two-day meetings of the U.S. branch of the World Council of Churches (WCC), in New York last week. The delegates discussed the changes in the WCC agenda on the mission and witness of American churches. They examined the role of the new advisory committees to help meet the challenges facing the Ecumenical Movement. The participants highlighted the important role of the Council’s American branch and the need to use mainstream media to make the WCC an everyday presence in the lives of American churches. VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO MASSACHUSETTS This weekend the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, will visit the parish of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Massachusetts. His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the church’s 36th anniversary celebration. BIBLE STUDY AT PRELACY CONTINUES The eight-session course on the Letter to the Hebrews continues this Monday, November 6, at the Prelacy from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm. The group meets on the first and third Mondays of the month. Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the course is led by Dn. Shant Kazanjian. CATHOLICOS ARAM MEETS LEADERS OF ARMENIAN CATHOLIC AND EVENGELICAL CHURCHES His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, met with the spiritual leaders of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches in two separate meetings on October 30. The meeting with Patriarch Nerses Bedros Tarmouni XIX was held in the presence of several Armenian Catholic Bishops and priests. His Holiness then met with Rev. Meguerditch Karageozian, President of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East. The main focus of the meetings was the relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora, particularly in light of the third Armenia-Diaspora conference that took place in Yerevan during the summer. The three spiritual leaders also discussed the importance of strengthening the Diaspora and reviving Armenian schools in particular. They reiterated the crucial importance of preserving the internal unity of the Armenian community of Lebanon. They also emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the Armenian Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches. CATHOLICOS ARAM IN GENEVA; MEETS WITH EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF Last week His Holiness Aram I attended several important ecumenical meetings in Geneva. He also met with the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Dr. Sam Kobia. His Holiness examined the preparatory work for the ecumenical meeting that will take place in Antelias later this month. During his stay in Geneva, the Pontiff also followed the progress of the publication of several books he has written. The books, in English, French and German, examine a number of ecumenical and theological issues. The English volume will be completed this year while the other two are expected to be published next year. Upon his return from Geneva, His Holiness met with Xavier Solana, the European Union High Commissioners for foreign and security policy. The meeting took place in the VIP room of the Beirut airport. They discussed the Middle East crisis and particularly the international efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon. FEAST OF ALL SAINTS This Saturday, November 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of All Saints, “old and new, known and unknown.” The western churches celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 (the day after Halloween). In the Armenian Church tradition the date is variable depending on the season of the Cross. It can occur in late October or in November. The commemoration is rooted in the belief that there are many saints who are not known to us. Therefore, on this day all saints are honored and remembered. BAZAARS GALORE This coming weekend seems to be a popular date for many bazaars and food festivals. Support your local parish. NEW YORKER FEATURES ARTICLE ON GENOCIDE The November 6th issue of The New Yorker features an article entitled, “Dead Reckoning: The Armenian genocide and the politics of silence,” by Elizabeth Kolbert. This issue is on the newsstands now. TUESDAY IS ELECTION DAY Tuesday, November 7, is Election Day. Congress established this day in 1854, in response to abuses caused by the previous system. November was selected because in most parts of the country the harvest work was complete. Remember than in 1845, most Americans made their living from agriculture. Tuesday was selected because many people had to travel the day before to reach their polling places. For many voters this meant at least an overnight trip on horseback or buggy. Since most people would not travel on a Sunday because of religious reasons, the powers that be did not want Election Day to be on a Monday, which would necessitate travel on Sunday. They also did not want it to fall on November 1 because this was a holiday for the Roman Catholic Church and because most shopkeepers did their books for the preceding month on the first day of the month. Thus was born the formula: The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. If you are a citizen of the U.S. and duly registered as required by law, exercise your right to vote this coming Tuesday, November 7. “If I tried to read, much less answer, all the criticisms made of me, and all the attacks leveled against me, this office would have to be closed for all other business. I do the best I know how, the very best I can. And I mean to keep on doing this, down to the very end. If the end brings me out all wrong, ten angels swearing I had been right would make no difference. If the end brings me out right, then what is said against me now will not amount to anything” Words spoken by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the U.S. (1861 to 1865), considered by historians to be the greatest U.S. President

CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 3-4—51st Annual Bazaar of St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, with special program for children on Saturday afternoon. For information 617-924-7562. 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 4—Harvest Ball Dinner Dance to benefit programs of Holy Ascension Sunday School, at Shore & Country Club, Norwalk, Connecticut. Information: Judy Gavoor 203-834-1471 and Nadine Koobatian 203-421-7944. 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 12—Food Festival and Bazaar. St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 1 to 5 pm. The newly published St. Sarkis Cookbook will be available. For information 718-224-2275. 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. November 18—“Christian Spirituality and the Armenian Apostolic Church,” a lecture by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York. November 19—Thanksgiving luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy, under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor. For information: 212-689-5880. 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 1-3—Gathering of the Youth with Catholicos Aram I, Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan. For details click here. December 3—Requiem service in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian on the third anniversary of his passing, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian will preside. December 10—52nd anniversary of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, Granite City, Illinois. December 10—General Membership meeting and elections of auditing and nominating committees, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York. December 13—Thanksgiving Luncheon with the local NYPD and Fire Fighters, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York. December 16—“A Celebration of Service” in honor of past chairmen and board of trustees members. Under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. For information and reservations 718-224-2275. December 17—50th anniversary celebration of the ordination of Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian, sponsored by the Prelacy Religious Council, at Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York. Der Moushegh will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New York City) on Sunday morning. December 24—Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. December 31—New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey and ARF Dro Gomideh. Parsippany Hilton, New Jersey. Featuring Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band. For full information contact the church office 201-943-2950. December 31—New Year’s Eve Party, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York. January 6—Christmas party and special program for Saturday and Sunday school students. January 28—Annual Membership Meeting, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, at 1 pm. February 4—St. Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of the churchy and requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. February 11—General Membership meeting and elections, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. February 18—Poon Paregentan, Eve of Great Lent, International Cuisine Night, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. 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.