March 29, 2007
THE PASSING OF ARMENIA’S PRIME MINISTER Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan received the sad news of the sudden death of Andranik Margaryan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, on Sunday, March 25. He was 56 years old. The Prelate, who was in Lebanon attending meetings in Antelias, expressed condolences on behalf of the Eastern Prelacy to the late Prime Minister’s family, the Armenian government, and the people of Armenia. The Prelate instructed the Vicar to immediately contact all Prelacy parishes with the sad news and to instruct them to hold a requiem services for the repose of the soul of Mr. Margaryan. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, immediately sent a message to Robert Kocharian, the President of the Republic of Armenia. His Holiness said: “We have come to know closely Prime Minister Margaryan, his work and his commitment to our country and nation. In the last few years and particularly after his appointment as Prime Minister, we followed his work both in the local and international arenas, through which we saw reflections of such high values as patriotism, efficiency and dedication. His death is a great loss both for the Armenian nation and the Republic of Armenia. On behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, we offer our condolences to Your Excellency, to the government and the National Assembly. On this sad occasion, we express our deep condolences to the late Prime Minister’s widow and his family. We pray to God to rest his soul in peace and give you strength in consolation.” Mr. Margaryan became prime minister in May 2000 and was also the chairman of the governing Republic party. Born in Yerevan in 1951, he studied cybernetics and graduated as a computer engineer. An Armenian nationalist and critic of the Soviet system, he was jailed for two years in 1974. Yesterday, March 28, was declared a day of national mourning in Armenia. MEETINGS AT THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA The challenge to discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian Church and nation from the perspective of the 21st century brought together the Cilician Brotherhood members of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon. On the occasion of “Pilgrimage Day,” His Holiness invited the Brotherhood members and in particular the prelates, who also met separately with the Pontiff and the Central Executive Council. Archbishop Oshagan has been in Lebanon since last week. He is expected to return to New York tomorrow.
	PRELACY LENTEN MEDITATIONS CONCLUDES The final Prelacy Lenten meditation took place yesterday evening, Wednesday, March 28. The 2007 Lenten series focused on the seven vices and seven virtues. Last evening, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, concluded the series with his comments on “Gluttony and Self Restraint” and “Lust and Chastity.” His Grace filled in for Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, who could not attend because of a funeral in his parish. The annual Lenten series is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the St. Illuminator’s Ladies Guild, and the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). All of the programs took place at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, with the following general schedule: Lenten Service at 7:30 pm; Lecture at 8 pm, followed by a light Lenten meal and fellowship.
This year’s series was very successful with thoughtful and well-received presentations and very good attendance each week. Special recognition must be given to the Cathedral’s Ladies Guild and the Prelacy Ladies Guild for their sponsorship and preparation of delicious Lenten foods each week.
	MUSICAL ARMENIA The 24th Musical Armenia concert took place last Sunday, March 25. The featured artists, bass Serge Barseghyan (accompanied by Evan Solomon) and the Ararat Trio, comprised of Patil Harboyan, piano; Van Armenian, violin; and Hrant Parsamian, cello, captured the attention and gratitude of the audience at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. A reception took place at the Prelacy following the concert for the performers, their family and friends, and sponsors. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, hosted the reception in the Prelate’s absence. He expressed thanks to the performers and supporters of Musical Armenia for making this series possible. He also thanked the members of the committee for their organizational skills and dedication to the arts.
2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies program will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For details click here. 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN The 40th anniversary of the ordination of our Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in three different regions as follows: On Saturday, May 5, the first of the three celebrations will take place at The Marriott in Providence, Rhode Island, with the participation of all of the parishes in New England, Connecticut, and Troy, New York. On Saturday, May 12, the second celebration will take place at the The Marriott at Glenpointe, in Teaneck, New Jersey, with the participation of all of the parishes in the Mid Atlantic, which includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. The final celebration will take place during the National Representative Assembly (NRA) which is being hosted by St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn, Michigan. This will take place on Friday, May 18, at Double Tree Hotel in Dearborn, with the participation of the parishes in the Mid-West, as well as the NRA delegates and guests.
	AREC DIRECTOR LEADS SEMINAR IN NEW JERSEY On Sunday, March 25, 2007, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council, conducted a seminar for the Sunday School teachers of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The interactive seminar focused on the notion of faith as trust in God as expressed in the Christian scriptures; faithfulness to God expressed in a life of obedience; and faith as belief—the doctrinal content of what the church believes.
After luncheon, the Sunday school director Maggie Kouyoumdjian welcomed everyone, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, the pastor, stressed the importance of Christian education for the life of the church community in his introductory remarks. The luncheon was provided by the Sunday School PTA chairladies, Mrs. Linda Popovic and Mrs. Tamar Karajelian. Sts. Vartanants Sunday School has 147 students and 20 teachers, assistant and substitute teachers. RAISING OF LAZARUS This Saturday, March 31, the Armenian Church remembers the raising of Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. The brother of Mary and Martha, Lazarus and his sisters were good friends of Jesus. Their home in Bethany, near Jerusalem, was Jesus’s home whenever he was in Jerusalem. Lazarus’s sudden death threw his sisters into deep mourning. Jesus Himself wept for His friend. John’s gospel account emphasizes the fact that Lazarus was actually dead by pointing out that his body was in the tomb. Jesus’s raising of Lazarus convinced many of Jesus’s unique powers, and according to John the authorities took steps to silence Him. Lazarus personifies the whole of humankind and Bethany represents the whole world. Lazarus Saturday is the real beginning of the Cross, as the supreme sacrifice of love, and the Resurrection, as the ultimate triumph of love. A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening (eve of Palm Sunday) says: “With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given hope, the descendents of Adam were also raised….” Thus, as the Lenten period comes to an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christ’s promise of the resurrection of humankind. PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK In a few days we will enter the most solemn period of Christendom—Holy Week—leading us to Christianity’s most joyous period, Easter and the celebration of the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the resurrection of Lazarus (as described above) and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described centuries earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large enthusiastic crowd greeted him with olive and palm branches, and with the words, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.” (John 12:13) On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best clothing parade around the church. On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and says, “Open to us Lord, the door of mercy.” In most diasporan communities this service is held immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, rather than in the evening. Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary. Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with flowers and candles. The faithful bring flowers and decorate the tomb throughout the service. PRELATE’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE This Sunday, Palm Sunday, the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, Massachussetts. On Tuesday the Prelate and Vicar will visit the residents of the Armenian Home in Flushing, New York. The next day, Wednesday, they will visit the residents at the Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey. On Thursday, the Prelate will travel to Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, for Maundy Thursday services. On Friday, he will be at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Good Friday services. On Saturday, His Eminence will be at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, for Easter Eve services. On Easter Sunday, he will officiate over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City. IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE… “It is needless to say what place and significance this Patristic literature had in the thought and life of the early Church. Its whole intellectual and spiritual vitality and richness were poured into the Armenian Church through the intensive activity of translation during the fifth century, which, in its turn, gave a creative impulse to the thought and life of the newly Christianized people of Armenia. The following selective list of Church Fathers whose works were partly or integrally translated into Armenian speaks of itself eloquently and has no need for comment, since it may give you, in this bare form, an idea of the extent of the literary achievements of this century in the field of translations: Ignatius of Antioch, Aristides the Apologist, Irenaeus of Lyons, Hippolytus of Rome, Dionysius of Alexandria, Gregory Thaumaturgus, Eusebius of Caesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, Basil the Great, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Epiphanius of Salamis, Evaagrius Ponticus, Aphraates, Ephraim Syrus, Cyril of Alexandria. “Besides these Church Fathers there were others also whose works were translated into Armenian, particularly some works of Origen, others ascribed to Apolinarius and also works of Diodore of Tarsus and Theodore of Mopsuestia. But during the later controversies many of these translations were either destroyed or discarded after being suspected of heresy or condemned as such. That is the reason why we know of them only through references in other authors or through partly survived scanty fragments.” A Brief Introduction to Armenian Christian Literature By Very Rev. Fr. Karekin Sarkissian, Faith Press, London, 1960 The Pontifical Message issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, proclaiming 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language is on the Prelacy’s web page. To read the message in Armenian click here. To read the message in English click here. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, March 29, are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:14-16. “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:14-16 For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click here. OPENING OF RENOVATED HOLY CROSS CHURCH OF AGHTAMAR TAKES PLACE TODAY; CATHOLICOS ARAM I DECLINES The Turkish government has reportedly spent $1.5 million dollars on the renovation of the historic Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar in Lake Van. More than 3,000 guests were invited to attend the opening ceremony which took place today. The renovated church is now going to be called “The Monumental Museum of Aghtamar Church.” The cross on the dome has not been replaced, supposedly for fear of lightening strikes. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced last week that he would not send representatives from the Holy See of Cilicia, “given Turkey’s ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide.” PBS’S FRONTLINE AIRS PROGRAM ABOUT WORLDWIDE DANGERS FOR JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS This week’s Frontline, which aired on Tuesday in the New York area, was about dangers to journalists around the world. Part of the program was devoted to Turkey and the assassination of Hrant Dink. Titled “Requiem,” the program said: “The recent murder of Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink shocked many in Turkey and sent a chilling message to the country’s writers and academics. In an atmosphere of growing nationalism, Dink had received a number of death threats and, in 2005, was prosecuted for ‘insulting Turkish identity.’ Dink broke the Turkish taboo against writing about or discussing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Armenians in Turkey between 1915 and 1917, during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire. Armenians and many historians consider this to be the first genocide of the 20th century. The Turkish government denies the charge, saying the killings were part of a civil war. The dispute continues to stir ethnic tensions.” To read more about this program click here. THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK The Armenian Church’s hymns of Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever created. Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the Lenten period, and the hymn “Rejoice, O Holy Church” (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm Sunday. “Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten, rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King of the universe.” During the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek) ceremony, the beautiful hymn “Open for us, Lord” (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or in front of the closed altar. “We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for us, Lord, the gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord.” During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most melodious and memorable hymns are sung including, “My Heart Trembles” (Sird im Sasani); “Seized by the Love of Money” (Ardsatsirootyampun Molyal), and the heartbreaking “Where Are You, O Mother?” (Oor Es Mayr Im). “Where are you, most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my mother?” The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, “Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!” (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). “Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord, alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that enlightened the world, alleluia!” PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE: “MY LORD AND MY GOD” Archbishop Oshagan’s 2007 Easter Message, “My Lord and My God,” is on the Prelacy’s web page. To read the message in Armenian click here. To read the message in English click here.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 1—Ladies Guild Annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale, St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. April 14—Ladies Guild Comedy Night featuring Mel Simons, Meze and dessert will be served, St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For information, 617-924-7562. May 5—40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in the New England area will take place in Providence, Rhode Island. May 6—30th anniversary of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School, Terrace on the Park, Corona, New York, at 5 pm. May 7—Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers’ Day Luncheon, St. Regis Hotel, New York City. May 12—40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in Mid Atlantic area will take place at the Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey. May 12—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, 50th anniversary concert featuring Onnik Dinkjian and John Berberian. May 12—Armenian Dance party, St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. May 18—40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in Midwest will take place at the National Representative Assembly. May 20—“Hello Ellis Island” and Reception, St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Watertown, Massachusetts. $20 per person. Information, 617-924-7562. July 1-8—St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For information click here. July 21—Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island, and ARS Ani Chapter present “A Hye Summer Night 2.” For information 401-286-8107. August 7—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf tournament at Blackstone Country Club. August 19—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual church picnic. September 29—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. December 1—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual church bazaar. December 9—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.
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