September 13, 2007
	NORTH AMERICAN PRELATES MEET IN CALIFORNIA Archbishop Oshagan returned to New York today from Los Angeles, California, where he attended a meeting of the three prelates in North America, along with representatives from the Central Executive (Catholicosate of Cilicia), and from the Executive Councils of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies. To read more about this meeting click here.
PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO RHODE ISLAND This Sunday, September 16, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Providence, Rhode Island, where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross at St. Vartanantz Church. His Eminence will also consecrate a new painting depicting Christ in prayer. PRAYERS FOR THE UNITED NATIONS On Monday, Archbishop Oshagan, will join other religious leaders in offering prayers on the occasion of the opening of the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations. VICAR ATTENDS VARIOUS INTERFAITH EVENTS Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, and the Ecumenical Officer of the Armenian Church in the United States (Catholicosate of Cilicia), attended the United Nations’ Prayer Initiative Conference organized by the International Prayer Council, September 9 to 11. Representatives from 50 countries were in attendance, including Armenia, represented by Ms. Karine Hartunyan. Also attending were UN Ambassadors including Armen Martirosyan, from the Republic of Armenia. The focus of the conference was on various issues of health, education, and poverty. Bishop Anoushavan commended the organizers for their efforts, while bringing to their attention that the key to success for all missionary work is cooperation with local churches, who for centuries have witnessed the Christian faith in their respective countries. On Tuesday evening, September 11, Bishop Anoushavan attended a Memorial Service for the victims of 9/11, organized by the Interfaith Center, which took place on Pier 40 on the Hudson River in New York. As part of the interfaith program, Bishop Anoushavan chanted the Armenian hymn, Der Voghormya (Lord have mercy), a powerful and healing prayer. The program concluded with the launching of lighted lanterns which floated in the Hudson River, as a symbol of respect for those who died. SIAMANTO ACADEMY BEGINS NEW ACADEMIC YEAR Siamanto Academy begins the 2007-2008 academic year this Saturday, September 15. Classes take place at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York. The Siamanto Academy, sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), was established for high school students who are graduates of Armenian schools. The Academy offers college-level courses in Armenian studies and history, as well as Christian studies. With an accomplished faculty of Christian educators, professors, historians and guest speakers, the Academy is a gateway to higher cultural awareness, preparing students for effective leadership in our communities. For information about the Academy email anec@armenianprelacy.org or telephone the Prelacy at 212-689-7810. CHILDREN’S BIBLE PUBLISHED The Christian Education Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Holy Bible Society of Lebanon have jointly published a new children’s Bible. The project was initiated by His Holiness Aram I. The Bible summarizes the Old and New Testaments in 256 pages for children and teens. The publication—colorful and pictorial—is the Armenian version of the English volume published earlier by the Bible Society. Mr. Michael Bassous, general manager of the Holy Bible Society, presented His Holiness with the first copy of the publication on September 6. They discussed future projects, including the publication of new children’s books The Catholicosate’s Christian Education Department has published many children’s books and more are planned. Making the Holy Bible understandable to various age groups is an important priority, said the Catholicos.
	VICAR ORDAINS ALTAR SERVERS IN NEW JERSEY Bishop Anoushavan ordained five altar servers at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, last Sunday, September 9. Receiving the order of acolyte were James Haddad, Raffi Charkhutian, Raffi Borekjian, Mesrob Borekjian, and Haroutyoun Kaprielian. James Haddad and Raffi Charkhutian were also granted the right to wear the stole (ourar). After the Liturgy and ordination, the parish’s recently renovated kitchen was blessed by the Vicar, and a luncheon in honor of the newly ordained altar servers followed.
	PRELATE AT OPENING OF OLYMPICS Archbishop Oshagan delivered the opening prayer at the Track and Field Games of the 74th annual Olympics of the Armenian Youth Federation, on Sunday, September 3, at Overpeck County Park in New Jersey. Early that morning the Prelate presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel, the Olympics headquarters. The Liturgy was celebrated by the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan. Requiem service was offered for deceased members of the AYF. To read the Prelate’s message click here.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS A conference for Sunday school teachers will take place October 26-28 at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton, Massachusetts. The theme of the conference is “Prayer—Personal and Communal,” and will feature presentations by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Ph.D., Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. A modest fee of $60 covers all expenses including lodging for two nights, five meals and refreshments. For detailed information click here. NEW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY A new five-part series of Bible studies (“from Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s Supper”) will take place at the Prelacy beginning on October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) will conduct the Bible studies. For information and registration, send email to arec@armenianprelacy.org or telephone 212-689-7810. 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: “Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare [1856-1924] was best known to the world of letters as a master of the ancient Armenian language and literature. In the field of Armenian studies he easily occupies the foremost place past and present. He is unique among non-Armenian Armenologists in that he attracted the attention of contemporary Armenian scholars—N. Akinian, N. Marra, F. Macler, Barsegh Sargisian, F. Murad, Galust Ter-Mkrttchian, Karapet Ter-Mkrttchian, Garegin Hovsepeants, Hakob Manandian and Y. T’ashian—who found his research refreshing and inspiring, so much so that some of his reviews and articles appeared simultaneously in Armenian translation in the major journals Bazmavep (Venice), Handes Amsoreay (Vienna) and Ararat (Ejmiadsin). In the introduction to his Aristotle’s Categories he testifies that it was Professor D. S. Margoliouth who ‘first incited me to learn Armenian and pointed out to me some of the work which an Armenian student may help to accomplish,’ Being possessed of private means Conybeare resigned his college appointments in 1887 and devoted himself to research. He traveled to Madras, Ejmiadsin, Jerusalem, Paris and Venice to look at the rare manuscripts. He had mastered the Armenian language enough ‘to sustain a very simple conversation in their own language’ with the Armenian scholars in these great centres of Armenian studies.” The Armenian Church: Heritage and Identity by Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare From the introduction by The Rev. Nerses Vrej Nersessian DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, September 13, are: 2 Corinthians 9:10-10:6; Mark 9:13-36. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greater. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:13-37 For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click here.
	EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS This Sunday, September 16, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the five Tabernacle (Daghavar) Feasts commemorated by the Armenian Church. This holiday is a general celebration of the Cross and is commemorated by all of Christendom. Most churches celebrate it on September 14; the Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday closest to the 14th. The Cross, once a means of death for criminals, gradually became the dominant symbol of the Christian world and an object of reverence and
worship. There are four feasts of the Holy Cross in the Armenian liturgical calendar with the Exaltation being the most important. [The other three are Apparation of the Cross, Holy Cross of Varak, and Discovery of the Cross]. (The ceremony begins with the decoration of the Cross with sweet basil (rahan), symbolizing the “living cross.” After Bible readings, the officiating priest lifts the Cross and makes the sign of the cross with it, and blesses the four corners of the world (Andastan) and asks the Almighty to grant peace and prosperity to the people of the world. The Khachverats ceremony was first prepared by Catholicos Sahag Dzoraporetsi (677-703). He is also the composer of the hymn sung on this occasion. As with other Tabnernacle Feasts, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is preceded by a period of Fasting (Monday to Friday), and followed by a Memorial Day (Monday). There are many Armenian Churches named Holy Cross (Sourp Khatch). Perhaps the most famous is the Church of the Holy Cross on the Island of Akhtamar on Lake Van, built in the tenth century. We visited this church in 1998. Even in its centuries of neglect it was an inspiring and beautiful place. The impromptu service conducted by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of blessed memory, with the beautiful singing of Armenian hymns by our entourage, prompted many visitors to the island (the island is a major tourist attraction) to gather around us and inquire about the service, the music and language. Last year the Turkish government “renovated” the church and transformed it into a “museum.” We prefer to remember it in its neglected condition, waiting for her true posterity.
A MEDITATION ON THE CROSS We all have our Cross to bear in this life and although it seems that in many instances we may feel that we get more than our share, perhaps it is about time we thought about what Christ endured for us because of our sins. Perhaps it is time to search the depths of our souls to find the answer to the problems of this life which seem to plague us on a fairly constant basis. One of the realities that we have to face in life, whether we choose to or not, is that many of our crosses are of our own creation. You do not have to look very far to see this reality. Look at the world around you and the answer is quite clear. The calamity taking place in the world is caused by humanity itself. Nothing evil comes from God, only goodness. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote: “There is no one who is righteous, no one who is wise or who worships God. All have turned away from God, they have all done wrong, no one does what is right, not even one.” Yes, these words were written some 2000 years ago to the Church of Rome. Not much has changed, and it seems that humanity and especially western society has become even more secular and worldly. Look at Christ on the Cross and pause for a moment and ask yourself, Am I worth dying for? Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 15—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, “The Moon*The Stars*and All that Jazz.” An evening of music and mezze under the stars, presented by the Ladies Guild. For information 845-735-8713 or 201-445-6867. September 22-23—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, Choir Reunion. Rehearsal and dinner for all St. Stephen’s choir members past and present. September 23—50th Anniversary commemoration of St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and ordain acolytes. Commemorative program and reception will follow at the A.C.E.C. September 23—“Change Your Thoughts; Change Your Life!” presented by the Education Committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, at 1:15 p.m. following church services. Participating: Carlo Bayrakdarian, M.D., “Management of Sleep Disorders”; Edmond Gergerian, M.D., “Anxiety Disorders Management by Emotional Freedom Techniques”; Samvel Jershmaridian, Ph.D., “Psychology for Better Living”; Elize Kiregian, M.A., “Skills in Critical Thinking.” For information: 718-224-2275. 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. September 30—Sunday School Reunion. St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. Current and former teachers and students are invited to attend this reunion following the Divine Liturgy. Light lunch served. Reservations required. 617-924-7562. October 7—St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, 82nd Anniversary banquet, Marriott Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut. October 7—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, “Hello Ellis Island,” the latest production of The Way We Were Troupe, hosted by the Ladies Guild, 1 pm. Lunch served. For information 201-943-2950. October 14—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary commemorative lecture, 3 p.m. Guest lecturer Dr. Abraham Terian, Professor of Armenian Patristics at St. Nersess Seminary, New York. October 16 to December 18—“From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s Supper,” a five part Bible study at the Armenian Prelacy will begin on October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please send e-mail to arec@armenianprelacy.org or call 212-689-4481. October 18, 19, 20, 21—Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Food Festival and Bazaar. 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. October 26-28—National Conference for Christian Educators, a conference for Sunday School teachers at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center, in Charlton, Massachusetts. Theme: “Prayer—Personal and Communal.” Presentations by Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. November 2-3—Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. November 11—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 11—St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachussetts, 50th anniversary commemorative concert, 4 pm., church hall. 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. November 17—Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary Banquet. 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 dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562. December 23—St. Stephen’s Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts. The Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration of the church’s patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen. June 27 to July 6—St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For more information click here.
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