June 21, 2007
CATHOLICOS ARAM I ISSUES TENTH DIALOGUE WITH THE YOUTH His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has issued the tenth in a series of dialogues with the youth. Entitled, “On the Renewal of the Armenian Church,” His Holiness describes the church as a community of faith built on Jesus Christ. “The church is not a reality out there, it does not exist outside of our lives, our thoughts and our concerns. We are the church, the people of God united in Christ and joined together with the bond of love and sustained by a common hope and vision.” After speaking and elucidating on a number of important aspects in the renewal of the Armenian Church in a new world context, His Holiness says, “Our Church is one of the ancient churches of world Christendom. It must know how to remain young; it must not become a petrified institution but a church for the 21st century. Our Church must be in tune with its time. Its theology must become more intelligible, its liturgy more attractive, its clergy more educated, its mission more evangelistic, its education more spiritual, its service more effective and its message more prophetic. It must reach the unreached and even the unreachable. This is not being a progressive or modern church, but a responsive church.” To read the entire message, as well as other dialogues click here. RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS WILL MEET TOMORROW AND SATURDAY The Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow, Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23, at the Prelacy offices in Manhattan. 2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies program, which will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council, the St. Gregory of Datev Institute is under the directorship of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General. The program offers an intensive seven-day religious educational program for youth ages 13 and older. The units of study include: Introduction to the Old and New Testaments, Armenian Church History and Theology, Divine Liturgy and the other Sacraments, Services and Hymns, Saints and Feasts, Contemporary Ethical issues, Armenian history and language. For details click here. SEMINAR ON BOOK OF REVELATIONS DURING DATEV A three-hour seminar on the Orthodox understanding of the Book of Revelations will be presented by Father Paul Tarazi, Professor of Old Testament at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, on Saturday, July 7, during the Datev program at St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania. Father Tarazi is a member of the faculty of the Datev Institute. This seminar is open to all and is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Christian Education Committee of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Father Tarazi, a specialist in Scriptural studies in Old and New Testament and Biblical Hebrew, is noted for his dynamic speaking style and his ability to hold an audience’s interest while explaining complex issues. He has written several commentaries on the Bible including one on the Book of Revelations. Registration is required. Fees are nominal. For details click here. PRELATE WILL ORDAIN ACOLYTES AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL ON SUNDAY Archbishop Oshagan will ordain four acolytes on Sunday, June 24, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, will present the following candidates for ordination: Zohrab (Mardo) Piranian, Mgo Piranian, Garen Vartanian, and Aram Hovsepian. On the same day the Cathedral Ladies Guild is hosting a luncheon and program dedicated to Father’s Day. The event, which is under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, will honor Dr. Roubik Melik Vartanian, Hagop Kazanjian, Stepan Bakalian, and Henry Gabrielian as Fathers of the Year.
	SIAMANTO ACADEMY GRADUATION The 2007 Siamanto Academy graduation ceremony took place last Saturday, June 16, at the Armenian Center in Woodside. Bishop Anoushavan congratulated the four graduates, their parents, and the Academy’s principal and staff on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan, who was unable to attend. The keynote speaker, Hrayr Berberian J.D., a former graduate of Siamanto Academy, and director of education and youth development of Graham Windham agency, recalled his own experiences at Siamanto. He referred to the education provided at the Academy as an investment for college years. The 2007 graduates are Antranig Hayotzyan, Arshak Hayotzyan, Harout Kaprielian, and Mgo Piranian.
PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND HOVNANIAN SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will attend the eighth grade graduation ceremony at the Hovnanian School this Sunday, June 24, at 4 pm. Fourteen students are in the graduating class of 2007 of the Hovnanian School which was founded in 1976. Professor Hratch Zadoian, vice president emeritus of Queens College will deliver the keynote address. VICAR AND REV. FR. MESROB LAKISSIAN WILL ATTEND SEMINAR ON COURT SYSTEM Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, will attend a day-long seminar of the “Manhattan Religious Communities and the New York State Court System,” next Thursday, June 28 at the New York County Supreme Court. The seminar will examine New York State’s justice system including an introduction to the courts, overview of legal issues impacting communities and discussion of religious leaders’ interaction with the court system. MEETING OF DIRECTORS OF ARMENIA FUND Directors of the Armenia Fund met in Armenia on June 18 and 19. Archbishop Sebouh represented His Holiness Aram I. Mr. Vahe Aghabekian is the new director of the Fund, which this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Mr. Aghabekian was previously consultant to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Armenia. The Fund was created after Armenia’s independence and “mandated with the vital task of uniting all Armenians around the world in their efforts toward development and revival of the nation.” CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE IN AMMAN The International Ecumenical Conference dedicated to the peace process in the Middle East was officially inaugurated in Amman, Jordan, on June 18. One hundred fifty representatives from churches around the world participated in the conference organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC). Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, and Dr. Nora Bairakdarian-Kabakian, chair of the Ecumenical Committee, represented the Catholicosate. Dr. Bairakdarian-Kabakian made a presentation about the Armenian Genocide, viewing it in light of the issues on the conference’s agenda. The organizers of the conference closely consulted with His Holiness Aram I during the past months and the Pontiff stressed the importance of justice and peace in legal, theological, political and social contexts. The conference began on June 18 and will end today, June 21. CATHOLICOSATE PARTICIPATES IN SOCIAL SERVICES SEMINAR The Catholicosate of Cilicia participated in a seminary on “Helping Lebanon,” organized by the Presbyterian Church USA. The seminar took place in the Presbyterian Church’s social service center in North Carolina. Asdghig Djamboulian, from the Armenian Church University Students’ Association, represented the Armenian Church. A NEW PLAY ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Shotgun Productions and Resistance Theatre is presenting a staged reading of a new play about the Armenian Genocide, “Red Dog Howls,” by Alexander Dinelaris. The reading will take place Monday, June 25, at 7 pm at New World Stages (Stage 2), 340 W. 50th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), New York City. Admission is free, but seating is limited. For reservations and information, 718-291-1086. IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE… To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click here. To read the message of His Holiness in English click here. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the Armenian language and literature: Serpouhi Dussap (1841—1901) is considered to be the first Armenian feminist writer. Dussap (nee Vahanian) was born in Constantinople. She attended a French school in the suburbs of Constantinople and showed an aptitude for the arts, especially literature. She was also home-schooled by her brother. She wanted to master both classical and modern Armenian and began taking private lessons from Mkrtich Beshiktashlian, a respected writer. In 1871 she married a French musician who encouraged her to pursue her interests. In 1883 she published her first novel, Mayta, followed by two others, Siranush, and Araxia kam varzhuhin (Araxia or the teacher). Most intellectuals and community leaders were against her and condemned her views. Today she is recognized as a forerunner of the feminist movement who made a great impact on the social and intellectual development of many generations of women. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, June 21, are: Wisdom 6:11-21; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; John 16:1-5. I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you doing?” John 16:1-5. For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click here. DISCOVERY OF RELICS OF ST. GREGORY This Saturday, June 23, the Armenian Church commemorates one of the three feast days dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator: The Discovery of His Remains. The other two commemorative days are his Entrance in the Pit, and his Deliverance from the Pit. St. Gregory is the greatest figure in the Armenian Church, and is considered to be the “Apostle of Armenia.” After years of evangelizing, St. Gregory sought solitude and an ascetic life. He eventually chose a cave on Mount Sepouh as his permanent living place. It was here that Gregory died alone. Some shepherds found his body, and without realizing who he was, buried him under a pile of stones. Later a hermit, Garnik of Pasen, who had been a disciple of St. Gregory, saw a vision in his dream and went to Mount Sepouh where he found the site of Gregory’s burial. He took the remains to the village of Tordan for burial, where King Trtad was buried. Relics of St. Gregory were retained and sent to different locations as was the custom of the time. Relics from the right hand of St. Gregory are at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia. The Catholicoi mix the new muron (chrism) with the old muron with the Right Hand containing the relics. GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME…. Summer started officially today at 2:06 pm, in this part of the world. In summer, when the days were long, We walked together in the wood: Our heart was light, our step was strong, Sweet flutterings were there in our blood, In summer, when the days were long. From “Summer Days” by an anonymous author
Calendar of Events June 24—Ordination of acolytes by Archbishop Oshagan at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Celebrant and sponsoring priest, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. Father’s Day luncheon hosted by Ladies Guild immediately following the Divine Liturgy and Ordinations. For information: 212-689-5880. June 24—Town Hall informational meeting for members, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, to discuss the proposed details of approved church stewardship program. June 24—Annual Madagh of St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin. Live Armenian music, food, raffle, and children’s activities. 10 a.m. to Dusk. For information 262-632-2033. 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 7—St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, gathering at the home of the parish priest, Rev. Father Bedros Shetilian. July 9 to July 20—St. Sarkis Church Summer Camp, Douglaston, New York, for ages 5 to 12. Prayers and hymns, Armenian classes, introduction to the bible, arts and crafts, sports, and much more. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:00 pm. Lunch and snack will be served. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. Enrollment limited to 30 students. Registration deadline June 5. Minimum donation $75. For information, 718-224-2275. 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. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677. August 12—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual church picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. For information 401-831-6399. August 19—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual church picnic. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677. September 9—Annual picnic of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley at American Legion Grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts. September 25—Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 4th annual golf outing at Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. Registration at 8 am. Tee off at 9 am. $125 includes golf cart, dinner and prizes. For information 508-852-2414. September 27—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 5th Annual Golf Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and tee time at 1 p.m. For information, 201-943-2950. September 29—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677. October 21—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information www.saintgregory-philly.org or 215-482-9200. November 4—37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer. Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy. November 10-11—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual “Armenian Fest,” at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For information 401-831-6399. December 1—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual church bazaar. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677. December 9—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.
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